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EDITORIAL
Decntralisation and empowering
local governments
Public discourses as well as civil society symposia and dialogues have long been highlighting the importance of decentralisation of administration and empowerment of the local government. The rationale put forward is: this will largely unburden the Secretariat-based central government from some avoidable matters. It has been argued that except Defence, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Home, Establishment, Natural Resources, Cabinet, Establishment and such vital ministries, the other ones may be decentralised.
Besides, the issue of strengthening local governments such as all the six city corporations and the municipal committees at district headquarters and urban centres are also strongly felt.
Administrative decentralisation seeks to redistribute authority, responsibility and financial resources for providing public services at different levels of government. It is the transfer of responsibility for the planning, financing and management of certain public functions from the central government and its agencies to field units of government agencies, subordinate units or levels of government, semi-autonomous public authorities or corporations, or area-wide, regional or functional authorities. Civil service reform is carried out for general decentralisation in government operations or service delivery. Decentralisation of civil service is not an end in itself; it is done to ensure better services delivery and manage resources more efficiently.
A World Bank (WB) assessment says that decentralisation can be a way of improving access to services, tailoring government actions to private needs, and increasing the opportunities for state-society interactions. Sub-national governments, however, will only be effective when they have access to the necessary human and financial resources to undertake the services they have been conferred with.
Decentralisation positively affect the civil service. Civil services at all levels of government need a capable, motivated, and efficient staff in order to deliver quality services to its citizens.
The democratic local governance initiatives currently in progress in many countries, as a World Bank study says, hold much promise for developing effective systems of public accountability that will ensure that government servants are responsible to elected officials, and that the latter are in turn responsible to the public that elected them in the first place.
Upazila administration is a crucial level of local government; it is a constitutional obligation (Article 59) too. Prior to the polls the BNP pledged to revive the Upazila system but it was not implemented. When the BNP government came to power in 1991, it was expected that the upazila system would be maintained and fresh elections would be held to elect representatives of the people. Contrarily, it chose to totally abolish the upazila system, which was, to say the least, was a gross mistake. But, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Establishment in 2005 recommended to the Government to hold elections to upazila (sub-district) and zila (district) parishads (councils) to make the local government system effective as well as to free the local administration from corruption. That too was not heeded.
It is a fact that Bangladesh lives in villages and therefore rural development has to be on top of all development plans. As a matter of fact, the contribution of the agriculture sector to the national economy is still very substantial and will remain so in the foreseeable future. This is one good reason why village-level Union Parishads (UP) and Upazila-centred bodies should receive due attention.
True, corruption at UPs and other bodies have often been reported, but it is also true that local people understand their problems more closely than others. Therefore, the holes of corrupt practices must be plugged. What is needed is to ensure accountability and transparency and stringent monitoring for which a foolproof mechanism has to be devised and effectively implemented.
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Musharraf faces worst crisis
Can Benazir Bhutto save him?
AMM Shahabuddin
Can Ms. Benazir Bhutto save the troubled Pakistan President? It is a million dollar question, no doubt, in the midst of the growing fiery political turmoil throughout Pakistan. Perhaps this is for the first time that the people in general had awakened from their deep slumber. Nobody can dismiss it just as a temporary gusty wind. It is a 'whirlwind' about to engulf Gen Musharraf who had come to power through a so-called blood less coup in 1999, dismissing an elected govt, led by then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Since then Mushrraf, wearing two hats at a time, one of the army chief and the other of President of Pakistan, had shown the world and his people many 'gimmicks' and 'mimicries' to amuse and bemuse people of his country and others around the world. Now he received a big body-blow, particularly after the reinstatement of Chief Justice of Supreme Court Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Choudhury, who was removed from his honourable post, rather whimsically, for alleged "misconduct" and "misuse of authority" which was dismissed by the Supreme Court, showing its intrinsic strength perhaps for the first time in Pakistan's judicial history. Gen Musharraf has now become a dwarf before the world. And to add insult to injury, the insurgency has increased against Musharraf in the northern tribal areas, more critically in North Waziristan. Being pressed hard by the US with open threats of direct action by the US army in the Taliban dens in the tribal areas, with added pressure from Afghan President Karzai, poor Musharraf had jumped into fire of his own making since he had become a 'key ally' of Bush since 9/11 militant attacks on the United States. Now he wants to come out of the fire. But where is the 'fireman'? Who will ring the bell?
It is now an open secret that Gen Musharraf held an hour-long secret talk in Abu Dhabi with his former rival - and two times Prime Minister and Chairman of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Benazir Bhutto - to reach a compromise for possible power sharing. And surprisingly the meeting was held mid-way in Abu Dhabi, while on his way to officially announced visit to Saudi Arabia. The whole thing now appears to be well camouflaged, the main purpose being the secret meeting between the two. Since then neither party had officially confirmed or denied the 'hush-hush' talks. But body-language of the persons concerned shows more than what it can hide. As they say, "a drowning man tries even to catch a straw". So it wouldn't be wrong if Musharraf tries to catch a big floating 'log' to save himself from sinking. At least, this would help him to swim for sometime more. And perhaps his "friend, philosopher and guide," President Bush had also bestowed his blessings in this 'rescue operation'.
Axis with US blessings?
This third party involvement becomes clear from a recent statement by a former leader of Benazir's party and now a minister of Musharraf's cabinet, Sher Afghan Niazi. Niazi had hit the right chord at the right moment by saying: "An alliance between Benazir and Musharraf is a necessity in the prevailing situation. It is also the desire of the international community, particularly (emphasis is mine), the United State and Britain". So this brings the 'cat' out of the bag.
And most astonishingly Musharraf had received the necessary support from India in this hour of crisis. Indian media reported quoting India's National Security Adviser MK Narayan as saying: "the volatility and instability in Pakistan had neither dented Musharraf's influence and credibility, nor affected the peace-process between New Delhi and Islamabad." What more Musharraf could expect from his arch-rival India? Is India too pushing from behind the Musharraf-Benazir chariot?
However, the road ahead for Musharraf is not as smooth and easy as it appears. In fact, he is driving through a mine-infested land of his own making, although he had shown enough courage to dismiss the proposal of declaring emergency in the country to face the current instability in the country. He has openly declared to hold a fair and free election. And this is what Benazir wants. Perhaps to satisfy his ego, Musharraf would go for election for his third term in his army uniform, by the out-going old assemblies. Later he might come out of the army uniform to rule as a President in civil dress. And that would undoubtedly be appreciated by Benazir in holding elections for a new National Assembly (Parliament) and provincial legislative assemblies.
But before reaching that phase Musharraf would have to undo many of his own doings to ensure his position. First of all he would have to ensure free access for Benazir to her country which she had vowed to do by December next. The allegation of corruption and possible arrest and trial is hanging on Benazir's head like a sword. Unless that sword is removed it won't be possible for Benazir to follow the rest of the 'road-map' which is supposed to have been agreed upon by them. Second, Musharraf would have to take off his army uniform before he begins his day as a President for the third term. Benazir had already indicated that she won't strike any deal with Musharraf as long as he remains army chief.
Third, Musharraf would have to amend the constitutional amendment passed to debar Benazir to become Prime Minister for the third term, as she had already served twice as Prime Minister. And the last, but not the least, Musharraf would have to give up his emergency and special power to dissolve the parliament. Thus Musharraf would have to mend his ways that he had followed for last seven years as Army Chief-cum-President of Pakistan. The 'bone' stuck in his throat can only be removed by Benazir.
Lesson from history
General Musharraf should take lesson from Pakistan's history half of which was dominated by the army, making the people hostage in their hands. These are glaring examples of the end of army rule led by General Ayub Khan, General Yahya Khan and General Ziaul Huq. The people of East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, had the bitterest taste of their ugliest and most deadly massacre and destruction of their country in 1971. As they say, a tiger becomes a man-eater, after it tastes human blood!
It would be a hard task, no doubt, for Benazir Bhutto to carry this odd political burden, after tying - still unconfirmed - the 'political knot' with an Army dictator who had ruled the roost for last seven years and against whom there had already been country-wide violent demonstrations, particularly, because of his 'close-ties' with President Bush in his 'war on terror'. So she would also have to move very cautiously.
At the end, I would like to conclude quoting from Shakespeare: that "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy". I don't like to elaborate the 'philosophy' as 'a word to the wise is enough', as the saying goes. Benazir would have to careful enough 'not to throw the baby (democracy) out with the bathwater.'
The writer is a retired UN official.
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VIEW POINT
Why India demands corridor, not transit
Muhammad Afsar Ali Farajee
For a long time a debate is going on over the question of allowing transit or corridor to India through the territory of Bangladesh for connecting seven provinces in the north-east (known as seven sisters) with the rest of India.
We must not confuse the words transit or corridor. These two words carry different meaning or concept.
'Transit' and 'corridor'
'Transit' and 'corridor' are not the same. For example, our international trade with Bhutan and Nepal is carried on using the territory of India. This is an example of transit both for Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. But this is not a corridor facility.
But, for connecting Angarpota and Dahagram enclaves with the main land of Bangladesh - Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat district - through Tin-Bigha territory of India is nothing but corridor. In case of corridor the route must be with another part of the same state and territory of another state is to be used. What India demanding is corridor, not transit.
Seven eastern provinces of India, which are known as seven sisters namely, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, Monipur and Arunachal, are rich in forest, mineral and even agricultural resources. Besides, there is a great potential of hydro-electricity. There is huge reserve of valuable mineral resources. It is learnt that they have huge uranium deposit too. The Government of India is always concerned for both economic and defence reasons.
Shiliguri corridor is the only connecting route by road and railway for these seven provinces with the rest of India. In 1962 during China-India war, position of India became very critical as Chinese army captured vast territory of India. Indian Prime Minister Neheru had to say "Goodbye Assam". China has never recognised McMohon Line. China also claims a part of Arunachal as part of Chinese territory.
Moreover, there are many insurgent groups in these areas like ULFA and they are fighting for autonomy or independence. It is also alleged that Indian army and paramilitary forces are engaged in a constant war against these insurgent groups without any visible success.
"Kolkata" port is the nearest sea port for these seven sister provinces and the carrying cost is very high as they depend on railway or road through Shiligury corridor. But the distance of Chittagong port is very short one. Hence, India is willing to use Chittagang port for both national and international trade.
Consequently, it becomes very clear for us that India is seeking corridor not transit through Bangladesh by rail and road for her defence and economic strategy/needs. For the same reasons India wants to use Chittagong port.
India is already using our internal river routes for her internal trade. Indian cargo vessels are regularly plying between Kolkata and Dibrugarh (of Assam) through Bangladesh Rivers carrying all kinds of cargo from one end to the other.
Though India is a secular country as per her Constitution, but in practice it is 100 percent disputes. India is practically a Hindu state. We have observed the Indian version/style of secularism in the uncivilised demolition of "Babri Masjid" and in anti-Muslim riots of 2002 in Gujarat province. Though the state religion of Bangladesh is Islam but all other religions are being practised freely in peace and harmony. India, therefore, has no right to dictate Dhaka to become a secular state.
At present we have no elected Govt.; but I do believe that important national issues like granting corridor and the permission to use Chittagong port to India and also Tata investment issue should be discussed and should be decided by our Jatiyo Sangsad. Moreover, we should also consider the question of economic gain or loss and also the vital question of national sovereignty. Bangladesh should carefully consider her national interests.
The writer is an advocate in Kaunia, Rangpur
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LETTERS
VAT on EMSI a burden on parents
Dear Editor:
Education is the basic right of all citizens of any country. The Government is responsible for providing this basic right for all the people of the country. But if there is limitation on the part of the Government then the private sector comes forward. This is also true in case of good education facilities in Bangladesh.
There are a very limited number of seats for all the students in Government-run educational institutions, not only in Dhaka city but also all over the country. So, the parents / guardians have no choice but to avail the expensive facilities of private educational institutions for good education of their children. The expense of education is not an easy matter but a burden on the guardians and they have no choice since the Government cannot help in this regard. But the helpless guardians are to accept the reality and arrange the expenses for education of their children with hardship.
Unfortunately, recently (2007-08) inclusion of English Medium Schools and Institutions (EMSI) under the umbrella of VAT (value added tax) is a serious burden on guardians who are already stressed to arrange the expenses of education since the Government has limited facilities. One cannot expect this from the NBR at a time when the Government is taking many wise steps.
Therefore, we the helpless guardians request the Chief Adviser, Honorable Education Adviser, Education secretary and the Chairman of NBR to seriously reconsider the matter and exempt the EMSI from paying VAT and help the overburdened parents.
Dr M Salimuzzman,
178, R-2, New DOHS,
Mohakahali,
Dhaka.
Bangladesh-India relations
Dear Editor:
We wonder and ponder if Bangladesh-India friendship is one-sided and based on loss of a particular country or it is consistent with the bilateral interest and benefit of both the countries.
After our independence India has deprived us of our rightful share of the Ganges water and the sufferings of our people knew no bounds.
She took over possession of our territory Berubari and in exchange refused to handover to us Tin Bigha corridor.
India occupied by force our coastal area Talpatty, promised a just solution after survey works, but she did not.
India exports billions of dollars of her commodities to Bangladesh but denies Bangladesh exports to India. We suffer from a colossal amount of loss in trade imbalance.
India has cherished her desire to start Kolkata-Dhaka bus and train services. Now she is insisting for transit and Chittagong sea port facilities from Bangladesh.
What about us? Why is our Ministry of Foreign Affairs sitting idle all the times?
Bangladesh and India should move forward, place all the bilateral issues. India must extend all cooperation to Bangladesh to remove complaints, apprehensions and suspicion of the people of Bangladesh in Bangladesh-India relations.
O.H. Kabir,
Dhaka.
What ACC chief should do
Dear Editor:
It was highly praiseworthy when the ACC Chief, General Chowdhury voluntarily declared his personal assets while taking over the responsibility of the most important position. Everyone expected that the advisers of the CG, who are heading the present Government, would also come forward in declaring their own wealth statements and assets and also of the members of their family as are being demanded by the ACC from the political leaders and members of the business community. This would, of course, bring credibility to the actions taken by the present Government in their anti-corruption drive.
It is known to all and sundry in the society that some advisers specially the Law Adviser and the Energy Adviser, who are also business magnates, are believed to posses unlimited wealth which do not commensurate with their known source of legally tax paid income. Some of them are also known to have wealth and properties abroad.
These questions would not have arisen at all had the tenure of the present Caretaker Government (CG) would not exceed the short mandated limit as prescribed by the law makers which were followed at earlier times and since the present Government is questioning and scrutinising the wealth and assets of those who held power during the earlier governments; and some of whom have already been convicted by special tribunals and some ones' trial are going on now in the usual manner which may also lead to their summary conviction. These are losing the credibility of the special courts which are handling these cases as if they are following the dictates of someone above in the hierarchy. This is, no doubt, most damaging for upholding the rule of law in the country.
The ACC chief is a strong military man who is known to have the courage and conviction in discharging his duties impartially in his domain. So he should in no way feel shy or hesitant to enquire into the wealth and tax payment records of all in the administration including the CG Advisers and neo-reformists and this, of course, will enhance the prestige and trust of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and its head.
We the law abiding and patriotic citizens of the country have reposed high hopes and confidence on the present independent ACC and its actions to eradicate all sorts of corruption from our beloved motherland which achieved its independence through unparalleled sacrifice of millions of lives.
An editorial in your esteemed weekly highlighting the above observations will be highly appreciated as the media is believed to be enjoining the avowed independence at present.
Prof. Nighat Sultana,
Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka.
A query to NBR Chairman
Dear Editor:
I understand that under the Bangladesh tax regulation no income tax is levied on any amount of remittances sent to Bangladesh from overseas. Please let us know whether this is correct.
I regret to note that the website of the NBR http://www.nbr-bd.org is never updated regularly and that the email addresses of the Chairman and other senior officials provided there are all incorrect.
I tried to email a message to the Chairman chairman@nbr-bd.org but it bounced back instantly saying that this is an incorrect address.
I also could not find a single word on the current NBR drive on undisclosed income which I think warrants detailed clarification on the NBR website.
My request to NBR Chairman: Please update your website and provide your correct email addresses so that people can make queries.
Dr Choudhury Mahmud Murshed,
A university teacher in Melbourne,
Australia.
Corrupt CBA leaders: T&T, Customs, Adamjee
Dear Editor:
A tribunal convicted one Feroz Meah, a CBA leader of T&T, and awarded him 13 years imprisonment recently for dodging accumulation of illegal wealth worth Taka one crore and thirty-five lakh only and concealment of facts in his income. The court also fined the convict Tk. 10 lakh, in default, to suffer one year more R.I. and ordered for confiscation of his wealth.
A few days ago I read in a vernacular daily that former CBA leaders of Adamjee Jute Mills Ltd. earned illegal wealth worth crores of Takas during their incumbency and now leading a luxurious life at their home districts.
Similarly some leaders of Bangladesh Customs and Excise Executive Officers Association and Dhaka Customs and Excise Executive Officers Association have made their fortune. As leaders of the Association they are now the owners of wealth of crores of takas. Some of them have already retired from service.
In fact the CBA trade union leaders and association leaders of any organisation are the most fortunate persons who can earn crores of takas easily in the name of welfare of the employees. These leaders do not have to attend office. If they attend office they do not perform official functions though they enjoy wages, overtime, promotions, transfers and other facilities. They remain busy in the office gossiping. They interfere in the activities of administration for their evil interest.
So, it is our suggestion that the government should enquire into assets of the leaders of the Associations and Unions of all the government, semi-government organisations and mills and factories. If they give false statements in wealth and conceal the income they should be severely dealt with in the interest of the nation.
A.M.K. Chowdhury,
West Masdhair
Narayanganj.
Syndicates and black money
Dear Editor:
Powerful black money syndicates are still controlling the kitchen markets - just to take revenge. The term for changing the evil foundation is too short. It is difficult to govern transparently in a have-not society.
We will pass the tests because ancient Bengal has a rich cultural history (we even exported it). The motto is simple: money cannot buy anything and everything.
The nation suffered under the successive regimes. The young generation has to learn the bitter lessons; and apply it in public interest.
A Mahasen,
Dhaka.
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