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Transparency in governance

29 May 2004, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By Md Abad, Dhaka
29 May 2004, 18:00 PM
Judging by the critical analyses and editorials in the press, millions of newspapers readers feel insecure at the apparent non-transparency in governance. The senior editors must be allowed some benefit of the doubt for alleged exposures and critical comments in public interest. The government goes gaga over press affairs, but ignores the feedback! To be insensitive on sensitive issues is a sort of hypocrisy (in any society).

It is not enough to deny and keep quiet, and pass on the buck to others.

Good intentions have to converted into practical actions and policies which could be seen and practised. Rhetoric is not good governance. Today insecurity and lawlessness have reached unimaginable proportion in Bangladesh. When the usefulness of a political party becomes questionable, then it is doomed, through public verdict (note what happened in India in the general elections).

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The photo of the dead body of an alleged lynched activist hanging from a tree (DS May 21) was shocking, when I realised it happened in our dear Sonar Bangla! The informal private cadre doing the job of policing the society has to be disbanded, regardless of its intentions. Why the official policy is not announced firmly? Be tough when needed, but not through the lower field cadres. It is so easy to misuse power and influence.

This is a coalition government, hence each party in power has some agenda, regardless of the fact whether a part of if could be launched at some time or the other. It is not a 100 percent BNP show. Hence the political policies and guidelines have to be explained clearly to the public from time to time, to avoid misunderstanding and propaganda by the opponents. Vague generalities won't do.

The ministers are diverting from the hot topics of the day to inane development projects and concepts. The turgidity of the home ministry is disgusting. The politicians in power believe that the main objective is to criticise the opponents all the time, and then get busy in private occupations. The information content of public speeches is very low, leaving out the usual sermons and jargons. The BTV has nothing important to report, and fills the time slots with foreign clips and garbage speeches. I have been watching the similar video clips from Palestine for several generations. Some royalty is offered to relay Western propaganda?

Talk about the activities through the back doors, and unofficial contacts and contracts which are not talked about. Why the topic of godfathers is avoided? Tell us the inside story with some examples of disciplinary action taken internally within the party. House cleaning is not publicised! First wazoo, then namaz!