Democracy in Bangladesh: A Way Forward/ Venue: Hotel Lake Shore, Gulshan, Dhaka/16 April 2008

- Once again deep gratitude is owed to Ambassador Wali-ur Rahman and Bangladesh Heritage Foundation for enabling me to interact with such bright minds as gathered around this table on a subject of critical importance.

- It is the primary goal of the Caretaker Government, which is indeed the Constitutional obligation, to hold free, fair and credible elections. The Chief of Caretaker Government Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, putting at rest some speculation the contrary, has equivocally declared on that we would not remain in office a single day more than is absolutely necessary, and that "the election would be held before the end of December 2008". The response from all concerned political circles, have been positive.

- In order to organize such elections, a number of reform measures were undertaken. These can be categorized under four broad baskets: These are not ranked in a taxonomic pecking order, that is, one does not enjoy a higher priority over the other, and all are expected to be taking place at the same time.

- The first is electoral reforms. The government has created a strong institution, the Election Commission, which is shepherding the process. It is this Commission which has, through its Road Map, determined the milestones on the way to the holding of the actual elections. In the Road Map announced by the Commission, the electoral time frame coincides with the end-date announced by the Chief Advisor, or head of government, which is "no later than December 2008".

- The revamped and reconstituted Election Commission has undertaken a gigantic "Voters Registration project" with photo identification, finger prints and other essential information. We thank the European Union for supporting this project with financial assistance. Over 50 million voters' registration (50% of total voters) has been completed by March 01, 2008 and the 100% registration is scheduled to be completed within a couple of months. Through the framing of electoral rules, it is expected that the EC would be able to stimulate the reformist propensities in these political parties. The Government for its part has ensured the independence of not just the Commission, but also its Secretariat, by separating it from the Prime Minister's Office. The Commission has begun its formal consultations with the political parties.

- Local governments were neglected during the period of last three elected governments and as such there had been no properly functioning local government with local representations. The CTG and the Election Commission are considering holding local elections on schedule.

- Preliminary dialogue with political parties and other stakeholders with open minds and open agenda is already underway in an effort to create a congenial condition for the holding of a free, fair and credible elections and also establishing a sustainable and healthy democracy in the long run.

- The second category would be public service reforms. Time was when the subcontinent's bureaucracy was a source of pride to our nations. Over decades this apolitical arm of the government became organically linked to its political parts, for the rewards of acquiescence of wrongful compliance were often too great to ignore. The government, therefore, has revamped the Public Service Commission, set up strong body of determined persons, to lead it. They are working to restore the prestige of the service and improve the quality of its delivery. Promotions would no longer be fruits of abject service to the political master, but on the basis of a set of objective criteria.

- The third category is less of reform, and more of a drive. I am referring to the government's anti-corruption initiatives. These are being spearheaded by a powerful Anti-Corruption Commission the government has installed. Due to the broad systemic failure in governance, some saw corruption as a "failure" or "grease money", at times even arguing that it increased efficiency. They failed to perceive the negative externalities of corruption, its wider impact on people's motivation and productivity. They did not see how corruption took away opportunities from the more deserving. The drive has had to be a mix of police action combined with attempts to bring about a fundamental shift in mindset. Institutional adjustments in the political system might be required to eliminate or in any case reduce the need to be corrupt. Also, both temptations and opportunities. The cost of electoral defeat could be reduced by sharing parliamentary offices with the Opposition (Chairs of Committees may come from their ranks which will obverts the need to win elections by fair means or foul).

- Last but not least is the category related to good governance. Our governments must ensure that all their actions and those of their agents are in consonance with internationally acceptable norms and standards. Such behaviour should actually be in line with the quintessential Bangladesh values and to restore which, was to my mind, one of the principal objectives of 'one-eleven'. This is why we have decided to establish the national Human Rights Commission. This process, had also been stalled in the past, has been set in rapid motion. Before long we expect this Commission to be fully operational. This is in with philosophy that no agent of the government would be above the law, and there will be absolutely no impunity and "zero tolerance" for anyone breaching of the codes of acceptable conduct. To set such parameters we have looked to the United Nations, the Commonwealth and other norm-setting international bodies in this regard. Strengthening local government including devolution of power became concomitant goals. One major achievement has been the separation of judiciary from the Executive which has been given effect from 1st November this year. This has come about after years of assurance by various Governments in the past, and has been universally welcome within and outside the country.

- Basically then, what this government is seeking to do is to introduce institutional changes, or create new institutional structures to establish the positive values of our society. In each of the above category, a powerful institution will be the 'primum movens' or 'prime movers' of the process. It must be borne in mind that these institutions thus installed will be in place long after the present government is gone. Hopefully what will sustain them in place will be the force of public opinion for there is no substitute for eternal vigilance to keep democracy in place. The very elements in the nation that support the measures of this government - the civil society including the bureaucracy, the armed forces, the professionals, the intelligentsia, the fiercely free media, must always remain eternally vigilant that there is no descent to the situation of status quo ante.

- The beauty of the current development is that it is taking place within the parameters of the existing Constitution. Also, such globally recognized values as human rights and rules of law, imbibed by the civil society and the armed forces through years of close association with the UN, are being rigorously conformed to. We see UN standards as critical, and seek to resolutely observe them. This government in turn seeks to be the norm-setter for governments to follow in the future.

- Bangladesh today, thus, we are set for, what the Chinese would call 'interesting times', critical for my country. Through all this it is important to understand that Bangladesh functions as a remarkably positive and responsible international actor. It is also today an oasis of calm in an extraordinarily turbulent region. It is our hope that, through these institutional reforms, this will remain so. This is the kind of positive governance that we wish to leave behind for our future generations.