Mixed report card

The report released this week by Brac University's Institute of Governance Studies was as nuanced and equivocal as befits these paradoxical times, and we urge the government of the day to regard it as a feedback meriting close attention.
There has been a tendency among governments to take cognisance of good news only and to ignore or to dismiss negative critiques. We would like to see the current government which is nonpolitical to mark a departure from this practice and note where it has done well and where it needs to do better.
There is enough positive in the report that the government should feel that the report is sufficiently fair and even-handed to merit strong consideration of the criticism otherwise contained in it.
The government can feel encouraged from the report's observation that the institutional reforms it has undertaken are expected to bring "massive improvement" to the governance of the country, though it leaves room for improvement in terms of accountability.
In addition, the improved service delivery in the sectors of education, law and order, and the judiciary that were reported will both give the government a sense of achievement as well as an idea of what measures it is taking that are working and what areas need more work.
The fact that accountability has dropped and that there is a reported decline in living standard is cause for concern. In addition, the uncertain business environment is another area where there is much room for improvement.
The government is into its last six months, and the focus is on elections. However, the report points to areas both in which it has enjoyed success and in which it could pick up its performance. The government should take this report for what it is -- impartial feedback on what it is doing right and what it is doing wrong -- and act accordingly.