Bureaucracy in Bangladesh

Bureaucracy falters without clear direction

While expectations were high for dynamic governance under this government, the bureaucracy is badly in need of vital changes that remain stalled.

Whom do the bureaucrats serve?

The existing bureaucratic culture in Bangladesh is holding the government back.

Civil service unrest over reform proposals is unacceptable

Disgruntled officers must help in the administrative reform process

End the culture of supernumerary promotions in civil admin

Public administration must not repeat past mistakes

Can we exorcise Sisyphus from our political culture?

Bangladesh's political culture is riddled with unscrupulous blame games.

A monument to systemic negligence

Chattogram testing lab remains inoperative even after nine years

Zero tolerance, but plenty of clearance?

The corrupt should have no place in public service

Don’t reward corrupt, negligent public servants

Bangladesh needs an accountable, service-oriented administrative system

Civil service needs a major overhaul

Bureaucrats’ resistance, political inertia key barriers to reforms

December 16, 2023
December 16, 2023

The unfinished struggle for a democratic, egalitarian state

We don’t worry about freeing everyone anymore; we only think of ourselves.

November 2, 2023
November 2, 2023

Can bureaucrats be neutral in a win-or-lose-all battle?

Let me put it another way: is a fair election possible even if Awami League “allows” it?

March 18, 2023
March 18, 2023

Why delay probing money launderers?

Investigators sitting on information about Dubai real estate purchase despite HC order

March 11, 2023
March 11, 2023

Behind the pre-eminence of bureaucrats

The question is one of making the bureaucracy more responsible and responsive.

January 27, 2023
January 27, 2023

Column by Mahfuz Anam: Who runs the country?

There is no question as to who runs the country. It is Sheikh Hasina, our prime minister. But who does she run it through?

January 23, 2023
January 23, 2023

Can a bureaucrat-reliant ACC really be independent?

The recent decision to empower the secretary does not bode well for the Anti-Corruption Commission

January 23, 2023
January 23, 2023

What’s the point of a ceremonial ACC?

Red tape, non-cooperation remain major hurdles for its function

September 11, 2022
September 11, 2022

Akbar Ali Khan: A versatile scholar bureaucrat

Akbar Ali Khan is no more. His passing leaves a deep chasm in the intellectual firmament of Bangladesh.

August 28, 2022
August 28, 2022

Ministers are the boss, bureaucrats real boss

Who is calling all the shots in government affairs at the moment, the ministers or the bureaucrats? The answer is pretty obvious.

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