Reforming civil bureaucracy

The formation of six reform commissions by the present interim government, including one for public administration, is a step in the right direction. In fact, it was long overdue. However, scepticism is there about the success of these efforts, given the bureaucracy's historical resistance to change. Bangladesh, which inherited its bureaucratic system from British colonial rule, has long struggled with a civil service that is often seen as an impediment to both development and democratic governance. The current political environment presents a rare opportunity to dismantle this archaic system and introduce a more accountable, modern bureaucracy.

Since gaining independence 53 years ago, Bangladesh has established at least 16 commissions and committees aimed at creating a merit-based and service-oriented civil administration. Despite these efforts, the majority of the recommendations have been ignored. This pattern of inaction underscores a deep-seated issue: the bureaucracy's reluctance to reform itself. Civil servants, especially those in higher positions, often perceive reforms as a threat to their status, privileges, and prospects for promotion. Consequently, these entrenched interests have successfully obstructed meaningful change. Furthermore, successive governments have shown little inclination towards building a strong and effective civil service, often preferring to maintain the status quo for their own political ends.

Political patronage has exacerbated the problem, leading to the promotion of favoured individuals over those with proven skills and merit. This practice has resulted in a civil service that is often staffed by individuals more loyal to political benefactors than to the principles of good governance. Such favouritism not only demoralizes competent officers but also stifles innovation and accountability within the bureaucracy. As a result, the civil service has become a barrier to development rather than an enabler of progress.

Amid this bleak landscape, the current political scenario offers a glimmer of hope. There is a growing consensus across the political spectrum that the current bureaucratic system is outdated and in dire need of reform. The emergence of a bipartisan political will to address these issues could pave the way for the establishment of a modern, transparent, and accountable bureaucracy. However, for reforms to succeed, they must go beyond superficial changes and address the fundamental flaws within the system.

Previous attempts at reform have had limited impact. While some measures, such as increasing salaries, enacting the Civil Service Act of 2018, and extending the retirement age from 57 to 59 years, have been implemented, they have done little to change the underlying culture of the civil service. These efforts have focused more on placating civil servants rather than transforming the system into one that prioritizes efficiency, merit, and public service.

First and foremost, a merit-based recruitment and promotion system must be established. This would ensure that positions within the civil service are filled by individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and dedication to public service. Such a system would also motivate civil servants to improve their performance, knowing that promotions and career advancements are based on merit rather than political connections.

Secondly, there must be a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption within the civil service. This requires not just strong anti-corruption laws but also the establishment of independent oversight bodies with the authority to investigate and act on allegations of misconduct. Without addressing the pervasive corruption within the bureaucracy, any reform efforts are likely to be undermined.

Additionally, there is a need for a cultural shift within the civil service. The focus must move from merely following procedures to achieving results. Civil servants should be trained and encouraged to adopt a service-oriented mindset, where the primary objective is to serve the public effectively and efficiently.

While the road to reforming Bangladesh's civil bureaucracy is fraught with challenges, it is not an impossible task. The current political climate, marked by a renewed interest in governance reforms, provides a window of opportunity to initiate change. However, this will require strong political will, a clear vision for a modern civil service, and the courage to confront entrenched interests.

In conclusion, the success of these reform commissions will depend on their ability to break free from the shackles of past failures and implement measures that address the core issues of merit, accountability, and corruption within the civil service. Only then can Bangladesh hope to have a bureaucracy that serves as a catalyst for development rather than an impediment.

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