STAFF CORRESPONDENT

The government’s first 100 days have failed to demonstrate a clear break from past political practices, with partisan appointments, executive-heavy laws and weak institutions continuing to raise questions about its commitment to good governance and accountability, Transparency International Bangladesh said in a report released yesterday.

While acknowledging some positive steps, the report said many government actions ran counter to its pledges on the rule of law, anti-corruption measures and accountable governance.

Titled “Monitoring the Implementation of Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Commitments in the First 100 Days of the Government Formed after the 13th National Parliamentary Election”, the report was presented at a press conference at TIB’s office in Dhanmondi.

The report was presented by TIB Senior Research Fellow Md Zulkarnain and Research Fellow Razia Sultana.

Speaking at the event, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said, “We are seeing signs of an exceptional or new style of leadership in some cases. But whether that means a new political culture is emerging is still not clear. In many cases, we are seeing the continuation of old practices.”

He, however, added that 100 days was not enough to assess a government, particularly one that inherited a “political and authoritarian mess”.

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