Intellectual bankruptcy?
This refers to the government's move of engaging experts from multilateral institutions in the consultative groups of government and NGO development efforts. It is unfortunate that even after 40 years of independence we look to foreigners for guidance. I echo the question, “Are we intellectually bankrupt?”
In perfecting the parliamentary system, an Indian statesperson, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar said: “A democratic executive must satisfy two conditions: (1) it must be a stable executive and (2) it must be a responsible executive. Unfortunately, it has not been possible so far to devise a system which can ensure both in equal degree. The American and the Swiss systems give more stability but less responsibility. But the British system on the other hand gives you more responsibility but less stability. In England, where the parliamentary system prevails, the assessment of responsibility of the executive is both daily and periodic. The daily assessment is done by members of parliament through questions, resolutions, no-confidence motions, adjournment motions, and debates on addresses. Periodic assessment is done by the electorate at the time of the election which may take place every five years or earlier.”
What we see in our motherland. The ruling government is not living up to its commitment of 'reforms with a human face with the slogan of Vision 2021 - Charter of Change.' It doesn't look like it will go the way of 'Bangladesh Shining.' It is gratifying to note that non-governmental organisations and civil societies, media and think tanks have raised their voice against the appointment of people from multilateral agencies on the development agencies' panels. But where was their faith in the Bangladeshi intellect when all these years some of them were flaunting the different world commission on human rights and overall development report a document produced by foreigners as the bible on development efforts management in Bangladesh?
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