One year of AL-led government
One year's performance is not enough to evaluate the achievement of a regime that is to continue for 5 years. Furthermore, the present elected government assumed power from a government without accountability. It appears to be proper to consider the following points before analysing the present activities in the light of its election commitments.
The points are:
* Shocks received by the AL activists during the so-called interim govt. (2007-08),
* Global economic meltdown,
* Highly politicised bureaucracy, and
* Failure to determine the right size of administration by the past government (1991-2006).
The AL-led government started its work with highly ambitious programs, but without a vision no nation can achieve prosperity. Even though Bangladesh is a resource-poor country, we can still attain our objective with sincere, honest and dedicated leadership.
The present government started with a cabinet composed mainly of rather new and inexperienced members. Such a situation resulted in creation of too much pressure on the prime minister. Needless to say, apart from being the chief of the party she is also shouldering the heavy responsibility of running the administration. We may say that she has performed rather well in the one year that she has been in power. This goes to her credit.
Additionally, we need to mention the remarkable successes of some ministries. Among them are the ministries of finance, agriculture and education. As for the ministry of finance, a special mention may be made about the successful presentation of a quality budget, encouraging revenue collection (more than 14% increase), reducing the amount of government borrowing and higher repayment of the borrowed amount, effective subsidies for food production and major export commodities.
Regarding the ministry of agriculture, extreme efficiency in solving the various problems of the farmers and crop sharers deserve high commendation. Issuance of farmer identity cards will be another good step. For the first time in the history of Bangladesh, the ministry of education has been able to earn a good name due to the courage shown in implementing the recommendations of the Kabir Chowdhury Commission.
The introduction of board examinations for primary students is certainly a revolutionary step taken by the government. The way the examination was handled, and the results announced, was outstanding.
The performance of the ministries of commerce, food, foreign affairs, roads and highways, industry is not so satisfactory, because they are either too slow or lack proper coordination. Some analysts suggest review of some projects that are being implemented too slowly.
Even if some ministries cannot show enough competence, we should try to appreciate them if they are making sincere efforts. It would be necessary to restart the projects unfinished during AL's previous regime (1996-2001), and discontinued by the 4-party regime (2001-06), in the interest of better utilisation of public money. After all, our priority is sound execution of good quality projects.
The overall achievement of the first year of the regime may be considered as satisfactory. It is true that the present government is striving hard to tackle the problems, and is on the right track. It is encouraging to see the positive response of our multilateral donors and friendly countries and the signs of recovery from the current global economic crisis. Although we may not see much new investment, with the improvement of our infra-structural facilities this will improve soon.
This is the beginning and not the end of this regime. It has been able to overcome the initial problems and hurdles. It is on the right track. It will certainly gain momentum within a short time, because it is trying sincerely to fulfill its election commitments. With the passage of time the new and inexperienced ministers will do well because they are committed. We hope to see successful completion of the commitments of the government by the end of the regime.
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