In pluralistic societies, all over the world bureaucracy plays a predominant role for bringing social
change, transformation, modernization and development. But in Bangladesh bureaucracy represents a
dismal picture and suffers from various ills. Standing on the threshold of the 21st century when the
whole world is experiencing cataclysmic change in the sphere of political transformation, economic
globalization, technological innovation, media revolution and rapid growth of the nation states- it is
now quite exigent to rearrange or reorganize the state machinery for coexisting with the changed
world order. In consonance with the changes- the role, function and responsibility of bureaucracy
should be devised in a way that it can ensure its productivity and efficiency by creating an enabling
condition for development. Absence of efficiency, transparency, accountability, representational
political culture, institutional weakness of political, social and economical apparatus and malfunction
among those systems has made the bureaucratic system in Bangladesh despicable and disdainful. The
paper, ipso facto, aims at unravelling the issues related with the concept of bureaucracy, the role of
bureaucracy in the third world with special emphasis on Bangladesh, depicting a brief sketch about
the traditional and development bureaucracy in Bangladesh. Lastly, but not the least, some
suggestions to make the bureaucracy accountable, efficient and responsive to the people's demands
and aspirations have been given.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Bureaucracy: The Conceptual Framework
3. A Peep into Bangladesh Bureaucracy: The Legacy of the Past, Struggling with Present Challenges
4. New Challenges to Bureaucracy: From Traditional Administration to Development Management
5. Finding Solutions to Keep Bureaucracy on Track: Some Measures of Accountability and Efficiency
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the state of the bureaucratic system in Bangladesh, analyzing its historical roots, its current structural malfunctions, and the persistent lack of accountability and efficiency that hampers national development. It explores theoretical frameworks of bureaucracy to propose strategies for reform, aiming to identify how to create a more responsive, transparent, and effective administrative structure that serves the needs of the common people.
- Theoretical foundations of the Weberian bureaucratic model.
- Historical legacy of the colonial administrative system in Bangladesh.
- Challenges of transitioning from traditional regulatory administration to development-oriented management.
- Mechanisms for administrative accountability and performance appraisal.
- The role of civil society and participatory management in promoting good governance.
Excerpt from the Book
A Peep into Bangladesh Bureaucracy: The Legacy of the Past, Struggling with Present Challenges
Human institutions everywhere have their roots deep in the past. Bangladesh inherits its administrative system from Pakistan through British rule. The British colonial rulers founded the cornerstone of today's administrative system in a manner that it could facilitate their very purpose of surplus extraction from this self-sufficient repository of enormous resources (Alavi, 1973). During internal colonialism of Pakistan - which was still very much in the British style - the Pakistan bureaucrats performed in the same manner of what the Britishers did. In the wake of a nine months bloody, armed struggle, Bangladesh achieved its desired independence. Following the independence, with its revolutionary zeal and enthusiasm, Bangladesh government embarked on a multi-functional campaign to refurbish sectors of society i.e. its economy and administration. But because of the very real institutional strength of that anti-participatory, centralized British-founded bureaucracy, no reform measures gained momentum. Despite the establishment and attempts of the innumerable committees and commissions to reform civil service - the strategic system of an administrative system - the institutional and structural continuity is going on without having any substantial change till this day (Rahman, 1987). In every society public bureaucracy plays a sine-qua-non role in the entire developmental process of the society through a structured social, political, economic and institutional set-up. Bangladesh is no exception to this phenomenon.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides an overview of the administrative system in Bangladesh, identifying its inherent malfunctions and the critical need for increased efficiency and accountability.
Bureaucracy: The Conceptual Framework: Explores the Weberian model of bureaucracy, its six defining principles, and its role as a rational organization for modern governance.
A Peep into Bangladesh Bureaucracy: The Legacy of the Past, Struggling with Present Challenges: Analyzes the historical colonial roots of the current administrative system and the ongoing struggles with factionalism, lack of meritocracy, and poor performance.
New Challenges to Bureaucracy: From Traditional Administration to Development Management: Discusses the necessary shift from a regulatory, law-and-order focus to a development-oriented administration capable of fostering social change.
Finding Solutions to Keep Bureaucracy on Track: Some Measures of Accountability and Efficiency: Proposes structural reforms, including merit-based recruitment, modernized performance appraisal, and the strengthening of public service commissions to curb corruption.
Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity of democratic sustenance, qualitative political intervention, and structural reorientation to achieve a transparent and effective bureaucracy in Bangladesh.
Keywords
Bureaucracy, Accountability, Efficiency, Bangladesh, Development Administration, Public Policy, Good Governance, Civil Service Reform, Weberian Model, Meritocracy, Corruption, Transparency, Participatory Management, Civil Society, Public Administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the systemic inefficiencies, lack of accountability, and corruption within the bureaucratic structure of Bangladesh and suggests pathways for reform.
What are the central themes discussed in the text?
The main themes include the historical colonial legacy, the transition from traditional to developmental administration, the necessity of merit-based systems, and the role of democratic institutions in ensuring accountability.
What is the ultimate goal of the research?
The goal is to provide evidence-based suggestions to transform the current administrative system into one that is more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the aspirations of the citizens.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The author primarily utilizes the content analysis method, incorporating data and recommendations from various public administration reform commissions and legal documents.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The body covers the conceptual Weberian framework, the historical inheritance of the civil service, the challenges of development management, and specific mechanisms for ensuring administrative accountability.
What are the key terms defining this work?
The work is defined by terms such as bureaucratic accountability, development administration, good governance, administrative reform, and the merit principle.
How does the legacy of the past affect current administration in Bangladesh?
The current system is seen as a continuation of colonial structures designed for surplus extraction, which lack participatory features and hinder democratic development.
What role does the Anti-Corruption Commission play according to the author?
The author argues that while the Commission has a formidable role, its effectiveness is hindered by procedural delays and lack of independence from political pressure, requiring stronger legal and logistical support.
Why is the "Annual Confidential Report" (ACR) criticized in the paper?
The ACR system is criticized for being prone to manipulation and excessive control, which discourages innovation and creates a timid workforce rather than promoting merit-based performance.
How does the author view the role of civil society?
The author considers civil society as a vital watchdog that helps contain government abuses and exerts pressure for better administrative performance and democratic accountability.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Md. Mizanur Rahman (Autor:in), 2013, An Overview of Bureaucratic Accountability and Efficiency in Bangladesh, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/209733
