State and Governance

The book depicts an analytical picture of the socio-economic transformation of the economy of Bangladesh, particularly of the agriculture and rural sector. Transformation is explained as improved conditions of life and living, through expanded access to income, health, education, energy, transportation services and protection against vulnerability. Public expenditure and policies to support development of infrastructure, technology, institutions, private initiatives of collective organizations, including NGO’s, and numerous individual ventures contributed to the transformation.

Reforming political and governance institutions is not a common issue during election time. The last time this issue dominated an election campaign in a first world country was in the early eighties with Margaret Thatcher in Great Britain and Ronald Reagan in the United States. Thirty-six years after its birth, a Bangladesh caretaker government is facing the same issue. They are addressing it directly by instituting some useful reforms.

Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) are an integral aspect of society in Bangladesh. They provide a variety of services to people, generate employment, mobilize public opinion, and influence governmental policy. They remain as an important liaison with the donor community and are a substantial cultural, political and economic presence in the country. NGOs are involved in many important sectors of the economy such as education, health, and finance.

The problems of governance have occupied the centre stage of national debate in Bangladesh since independence. But at this particular point in time, their appropriate resolution has assumed unprecedented importance and urgency in our national life. With only five years to go before we enter the 21st century, our nation has reached a stage from where we may either move forward to a bright future or relapse into darkness. It is in this context that governance issues in Bangladesh have to be analysed for finding adequate solutions and means of implementation.