UNDERPERFORMANCE of governance is evident in many areas of our national life. Without improving key governance dimensions like rule of law, corruption, regulatory regime, voice and democratic accountability it is not possible to increase rapidly our per capita income and improve other social indicators. it is unfortunate that Bangladesh's improvements in the governance realm are not keeping pace with the progress achieved in some areas of economic and social policies. Such gap in governance efforts implies that management of political regime has become a central constraint to further economic growth, consolidation of democracy, and attainment of social peace in society.

A modest growth in income cannot guarantee better rule of law or improved voice and accountability. Misgovernance has serious implications such as unattainability of growth path, suffering of pro-poor strategies, lack of foreign investment, setback to democratisation, inability of the political regime to effectively meet the challenge of governance resulting in security lapses and threats from internal and external forces and suffering of country's image.

The concept of governance has changed a lot from the days of Plato and Aristotle when it meant the task of running of government. Since 1980s governance is seen mainly as an institutional capacity building initiative. The UNDP uses the concept more in terms of human rights based conceptualisation of development. UN approach to development places governance at the centre of attention, because rights mean involvement in the political process of deciding things. How this process is structured will affect the degree of realisation of rights.

The concept of government is more 'performance oriented.' it examines the capability of polity to mobilise and manage its social capital to strengthen 'public realm.' it implies more as a 'regime management' that emphasises the notion of legitimate authority and control. The routines, practices and language through which political domination is legitimised and technology of power is created, often provide a key to understanding state of governance in society.

Governance in a 'new democracy' like Bangladesh is a complex and challenging task. The analysts differ in their views about various determinants of governance crisis. Some lay emphasis on mismanaged public sector, corruption and

political patronage. Some others attribute it to distracted politicians more concerned with 'polls and popularity' rather than critical needs of the society. Some give more importance to the need for 'business friendly regime' and some stress the need for an independent judiciary. Whatever may be the difference of opinion about determinants of governance, the analysts agree that there is serious governance deficit in Bangladesh and its progress, particularly in controlling corruption or in terms of institutional quality (particularly at the political and administrative levels) is highly disappointing. Critical issues indic- ative of the deficit in governance in Bangladesh are as follows:

Law and legal institutions: The legal system in Bangladesh continues to be complex; reforms so far have been scanty; weaknesses in the country's legal system are affecting maintenance of public order and undermining the confidence of the people and the foreign investors in our political leadership and bureaucracy.

Rights of citizens: Police administration has been accused of corruption, misuse of power, violation of human rights and other abuses. it has lost its credibility and general acceptance as a protector of security and rights, reforms in the police administration are long overdue. There is an urgent need to raise the police force as a nonpolitical, efficient and peoplefriendly state apparatus.

Law and order: A high power monitoring committee composed of cabinet ministers and senior officials has been set up to monitor law and order situation. Disruption crimes (speedy trial) act 2002 has been introduced for speedy trials on certain offences. However, dominating public perception remains that police and criminal justice system are inefficient, complex and highly corrupt. The main task ahead of us is to ensure the implementation of existing laws. We urge the political leaders to take a hard look at the implementation issues. in fact, the main burden for providing and maintaining human security for all citizens falls on the political sector.

Control of corruption: The term 'corruption' is commonly defined as the abuse of public office for private gains. The data provided in the World Bank, TiB and other surveys show that the extent of corruption in customs and income taxes, police and lower judiciary, transport and city governance is. Corruption in the public banks, insurance and regulatory bodies is glaring; political corruption in obtaining nominations, bribing party leaders and

segments of people in the electoral arena are also common. in fact, corruption is stifling democratisa-tion and destroying the trust between the leaders and the people. As social and political environment in Bangladesh is often highly influenced by the vested interests of the powerful few, the focus of efforts to curb corruption and improve governance needs to shift from a narrow emphasis on passing laws and rules and procedures within public administration to a much broader agenda of greater political accountability, transparency, and prevention of the malaise within institutions.

Bold action needed

Collective action needs to be initiated and taken through a systematic, participatory and consensus building approach involving key stakeholders in society (the media, non-profit, voluntary and professional organisations representing civil society). The international donor community's support to national efforts for improved governance may be very useful.

The present government cannot avoid taking bold action to improve governance substantially. it must stop wavering in fulfilling its commitment to improving governance through ensuring effective public order and combating corruption. We are fully aware that powerful vested interests and political cronies are trying hard to frustrate some concrete progress achieved so far. Without a much bolder approach and concrete action the government will fail to forge ahead. it may be stated that the cost of inaction would be substantial.

Political leadership

People have questions about political leaders motivations and moral integrity. Politics is under the control of morally questionable people, further degrading political participation. Party politics is gradually becoming highly armed, factious rather than deliberative democracy. Though political violence has not risen to the level of civil war frequent politically motivated killings continue.

Political reforms

For good governance reform of political parties has become essential. Without strong, accountable and effective political parties and institutions democratic governance cannot be achieved. The leaders of major political parties must refrain from promoting divisions in society at large. if they are not careful at this stage political parties will degenerate into personalistic hereditary self-serving political entities incapable of satisfying the expectation of the people.

Good governance may be extremely complex. if democracy functions properly people need not take their grievances to the streets because elections, lobbying, and normal legislative processes allow airing of all points of view. The highest ethical requirement of political leaders is their contribution to creating and maintaining justice in their society. Without justice there is no moral, and subsequently political legitimacy. As indicated earlier the international community should support our national efforts for improved governance and 'governance for development' includes eradication of abuse of power, politicisation of the administration and law enforcement. Thus it would not be correct to interpret any unsavoury comments of the donor community as interference in internal affairs. Let us not be upset by these remarks or observations. Already the government has wasted a long time dilly dallying on the pressing agenda.

Misgovernance will destroy all the good efforts of the government. The government must try harder to save the country from falling into abysmal confusion.

The author is a retired joint secretary