Ministers in self-critical mode

SELF-CRITICISM and introspection, especially in politics, generally go a long way towards not only promoting the cause of democracy but also that of good governance. Regrettably, it is a very rare phenomenon in Bangladeshi politics. From that perspective, one cannot but appreciate the sentiments expressed the other day by two ministers about the performance of the year-old Awami League-led government in certain areas of governance. Both Motia Chowdhury, the agriculture minister, and Abdul Latif Siddiqui, the jute and textiles minister, are senior figures in the government and, therefore, what they say on the issues is naturally taken seriously. In the present instance, they have not hesitated to be critical of the activities of their party men over the past year and at the same time have been courageous enough to acknowledge the drawbacks their government has suffered from.
The agriculture minister has come down hard on those party activists whose behaviour has not only been a cause of worry for the nation but also deeply embarrassing for the government. She has also taken note of the scandal involved in tender manipulation by ruling party cadres together with the inability of the government to check the rise in prices of daily essentials. That the minister is worried about the unemployment issue is a sign of the government being seized of the matter. In similar manner, the jute minister's emphasis on internal stability in the ruling party and the need for a change in mindsets is encouraging and ought to set the tone for a new democratic sense of awareness to emerge.
Obviously, such ministerial pronouncements make much sense. And with the government about to complete a year in office, it is the public expectation that all the holes the two ministers have been speaking about (something people across the spectrum have been reflecting on) will be plugged as it goes into its second year. Nothing can be more disappointing and dispiriting for a government than to be unable to handle its unruly party activists. It is firmness that is called for because of the simple reason that government is meant to be an exercise aimed at ensuring the welfare of all. Minister Motia Chowdhury has pointed to the achievements of the government, especially in such areas as VGF, Food for Work and Test Relief. If a focused approach could be applied in these areas, surely similar focus can be brought into other areas. In the matter of law and order, ensuring market discipline, guaranteeing interference-free submission of tenders, generating employment, et cetera, the government needs to be purposeful and tough as it goes about its business. Moreover, with such issues as climate change and bilateral matters with neighbours assuming critical shape, it is of absolute importance that the government shape its priorities and then act on them.
Self-criticism in government is surely a sign of transparency, a turning away from the tendency toward denial. This should lead to wider, more detailed and in-depth evaluation and analysis of the AL government's performance so far, including an examination of its method of work so as to arrive at a concrete plan of action to deliver on its promised agenda for change.