The symbolism of a new government, its expectations and scrutiny are usually marked by the first months of the new government equally. To Prime Minister Tarique Rahman the announcement of a 180-day priority agenda has taken a very ambitious note, one that is both urgent and reformist in nature. However, there is a balanced evaluation of the situation as Bangladesh continues to wade further into this first stage, to suggest that it is a story in progression than a story already determined.
Not many observers can fail to accept the fact that the administration initiated with a definite effort to carry out momentum. The initial emphasis of government on inflation management, stabilisation of law and order and administrative discipline is indicative of the fact that the people were irritated with the prices soaring, lack of governance, and uncertainty in the economy. Having a time frame of six months has indicated seriousness and provided ministries with a real time frame to act. The image of leadership eager to show action as opposed to passivity has further been strengthened by announcements of development plans, the planning of infrastructure, and monitoring of markets. There have also been symbolic gestures to reassure both the domestic and foreign crowds that policy priorities are still stability and inclusiveness through promises to uphold the minorities and attempts to keep the regions involved. These steps matter. Early indicators can also help to build confidence in transitional political situations, often before structural change starts to show itself.
Concurrently, there have been concerns with implementation capacity that have been raised by critics at an early stage. The history of governance in Bangladesh reveals that the grand schemes are usually met with stalemated bureaucratic inertia, political patronisation, and frailty of the institutions. It is much easier to announce reforms than to enforce them. The civil society organisations, such as Transparency International Bangladesh, have already compelled the government to maintain discipline among the government itself after the ugly remarks of the political leaders that cast doubt on the adherence to the anti-corruption value. These warnings cannot be overlooked as simple criticism. Instead, they are a warning of an early death of reform efforts except dealt with decisively. This is particularly sensitive to the way the government is perceived to be in its initial stages. Even minor slip-ups may have disproportionate symbolic significance especially when the bar has been raised.
Opportunity and risk can be explained by large-scale development promises, be they market regulation, infrastructure, or even facilities, like Mongla Port. When properly and openly implemented, they catalyse employment, trade and investor confidence. When they are delayed or politicised, they might just further the suspicion of whether systemic change is indeed taking place. The government is thus confronted with a classical governing dilemma which is speed versus institutional integrity. Quick outcomes may increase the confidence of people, and quick implementation may undermine checks and balances. There must be momentum and methods in the sustainable reform.
The first 180 days cannot be described as a success, it would be premature, neither can they be discussed as failure. It is not the governments that can change national conditions in a few months, and structural issues that cannot be addressed in short periods of time. What is more important is trajectory: are policies going in a smooth direction between announcement and execution. Positively, the administration has defined specific priorities. Alarmingly, it has not shown fully the enforcement ability so as to actualise them. The issue that is always left unanswered is the difference between the intention and the result.
This 180-day initiative is not as important in terms of calendar but in terms of credibility. The people in Bangladesh are not demanding perfection, but they are seeking evidence, evidence that promises are not empty words, but are being enforced, that action is extended not only to foes, but also to friends, and that the ideology of reform is being met by institutional reality. In case the government would be able to show measurable improvement without losing transparency and discipline, the initiative could form a basis of long-term trust. Otherwise, it can be easily forgotten as a bold start which promised much but could not deliver. Until further notice, the sentence is not yet delivered- and the time is running.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author
The writer is the Protection Specialist and CEO at Favor Consultancy. E-mail: [email protected]
