JBS Vol 08. Num 1. 2006 - ON GOOD GOVERNANCE

Governance is now a central issue in the development dialogue. It is being increasingly recognized that good governance requires several core ingredients: the rule of law, strengthening of public sector management, transparency and accountability, and appropriate strategies to combat corruption. This paper begins by tracing, from a historical perspective, the events and circumstances leading to the current state of governance in Bangladesh. Next it addresses two major dimensions of governance—political and economic— highlighting the sources that contribute to the current and deteriorating state of governance in the country. Finally the paper delves into the possible remedies to alleviate the crisis-like conditions that have had deleterious effects on the lives of the citizenry. In formulating the remedies, the paper focuses on the devolution of state functions to the district level and restructuring the government and bureaucracy with a view to empowering the people. In particular, three issues are dealt with in great depth: suppressing terrorism and establishing the rule of law, making the parliament effective, and controlling corruption.