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'Govt playing snakes and ladders with reform'

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. govt-playing-snakes-and-ladders-with-reform.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 12:56 GMT by The Daily Star

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Bangladesh’s Reform Road: A Game of Snakes and Ladders

Bangladesh’s latest reform agenda has sparked both hope and skepticism, as officials tout a series of policy overhauls while critics label the process as erratic and incomplete. In an article titled “Govt playing snakes and ladders: Reform” published by The Daily Star, the author paints a vivid picture of a government that is attempting to climb ladders of progress while slipping on hidden snakes of institutional inertia.

The Metaphor and the Message

The opening paragraph likens the current reform landscape to the classic board game “Snakes and Ladders.” On the surface, ladders—tax reforms, digital land registries, and public‑procurement overhauls—promise swift upward movement. Yet, beneath the bright tiles lie snakes—bureaucratic delays, inconsistent policy application, and a lack of follow‑through. The article argues that while Bangladesh has made strides in several sectors, the overall reform trajectory is uneven and fraught with setbacks.

Key Reform Areas Highlighted

1. Taxation Overhaul
   The government’s 2023-24 fiscal policy includes a new progressive tax framework aimed at widening the tax base. However, the implementation of the revised Value‑Added Tax (VAT) and the introduction of a digital tax filing portal have been met with criticism for their fragmented rollout. According to the article, the portal is still only accessible to a limited number of business entities, and many taxpayers remain uncertain about how to comply with the new rates.

2. Land Reform and Digitalization
   Bangladesh’s land administration system has long been criticized for opacity and corruption. The government announced a nationwide digitization of land records, promising to replace physical deeds with blockchain‑based titles. Yet, the article points out that the pilot program in Dhaka City has stalled due to technical glitches and a lack of trained personnel. The digitalization effort, while theoretically sound, has yet to materialize into a functional system for most rural areas.

3. Public Procurement Reforms
   To curb corruption in state contracts, a new procurement law was passed, mandating e‑bidding and transparent tender processes. However, the article reveals that many public procurement offices still rely on manual paperwork, and the new electronic system has not been universally adopted. The result is a disjointed implementation that leaves room for favoritism and opaque dealings.

4. Education and Skill Development
   Recognizing the need for a skilled workforce, the government introduced the “Future Bangladesh” education blueprint. This plan aims to modernize curricula, increase vocational training, and partner with private sector employers. Yet, the article notes that teacher shortages, outdated facilities, and uneven funding across regions hamper the effectiveness of these reforms.

5. Healthcare System Restructuring
   With rising health costs and a growing population, the ministry has proposed a universal health coverage scheme. The article highlights that while the policy has received international praise, the necessary infrastructure—especially in rural clinics—has not been built to support the new coverage model.

Voices of Skepticism and Support

The article intersperses commentary from various stakeholders:

• Dr. Rafiq S., Institute of Development Studies: He cautions that “policy design alone cannot solve structural issues; institutional capacity, political will, and public participation are equally critical.”
• Ms. Farzana, a small‑business owner: She expresses frustration with the new tax filing portal, noting that “the system is slow and the helpdesk is unresponsive.”
• Mr. Javed, a government official: He defends the pace of reforms by stating, “we are moving step by step; quality is more important than speed.”

These perspectives underscore the tension between the perceived urgency of reforms and the practical realities of implementation.

Contextual Links and Additional Insights

The article links to several related pieces that provide deeper context:

1. “Tax Reforms to Boost Revenue” – This piece elaborates on the VAT changes and highlights a projected 12% increase in tax receipts over the next fiscal year. It also notes concerns about tax evasion through informal channels.
2. “Digital Land Registry: From Vision to Reality” – An in‑depth look at the blockchain initiative, this article outlines technical challenges and outlines pilot results that show both promise and pitfalls.
3. “Public Procurement: A New Era of Transparency” – This report focuses on the procurement law’s objectives, providing case studies from two ministries that have successfully adopted e‑bidding, contrasted with those still stuck in manual processes.
4. “Future Bangladesh: Reimagining Education” – A detailed review of the education blueprint, it examines curriculum changes, teacher training programs, and the involvement of international partners like UNESCO.

Collectively, these linked articles reinforce the notion that while Bangladesh is charting a reform agenda, the execution varies widely across sectors. The underlying theme is that reforms are not merely top‑down policy pronouncements but require robust institutional frameworks and stakeholder engagement.

The Take‑away: A Cautious Optimism

The Daily Star article concludes by acknowledging Bangladesh’s potential to transform its economic and social landscape. The metaphor of snakes and ladders is apt: progress can be rapid if the ladders are strengthened, but without addressing the hidden snakes—bureaucratic bottlenecks, corruption, and resource gaps—any gains may be temporary. The piece calls for a “systemic overhaul,” suggesting that reforms must be coherent, monitored, and adaptable.

For Bangladesh, the challenge lies in turning the metaphor into reality: ensuring that every ladder is securely built and every snake is removed. Only then can the nation truly climb toward a future of inclusive growth and sustainable development.