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Govt''s biggest problem is inexperience

Bangladesh Government's Greatest Challenge: The Perils of Inexperience

In the ever-evolving landscape of Bangladeshi politics, where transitions of power often bring both hope and hurdles, the current administration finds itself grappling with a fundamental issue that overshadows many of its other challenges: inexperience. As highlighted in a recent analysis by The Daily Star, this lack of seasoned governance expertise is not just a minor setback but the government's most significant problem, manifesting in policy missteps, administrative blunders, and a general struggle to navigate the complexities of running a nation as dynamic and populous as Bangladesh. This inexperience, stemming from a cadre of leaders who, while well-intentioned and often drawn from civil society, academia, or activist backgrounds, lack the institutional knowledge and practical know-how accumulated through years of public service, has led to a series of decisions that have raised eyebrows and sparked debates across the country.

At the heart of this issue is the interim government's composition, which emerged in the wake of the dramatic political upheaval that ousted the long-standing Awami League regime. Led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, this administration was formed with the promise of reform, transparency, and a break from the authoritarian tendencies of the past. However, the enthusiasm for change has been tempered by the reality that many key figures in this government are novices in the art of statecraft. Unlike previous administrations, where ministers and advisors often had decades of experience in bureaucracy, politics, or diplomacy, the current lineup includes individuals whose expertise lies in fields like economics, human rights, or environmental activism. While these backgrounds bring fresh perspectives, they do not always equip leaders with the tools needed to handle the day-to-day intricacies of governance, such as managing inter-ministerial coordination, negotiating with international partners, or responding swiftly to domestic crises.

One glaring example of this inexperience is evident in the handling of recent natural disasters, particularly the devastating floods that have plagued parts of the country. Bangladesh, no stranger to monsoon-related calamities, has historically relied on a well-oiled machinery of disaster response involving the military, local administrations, and international aid agencies. However, under the current government, there have been noticeable delays in mobilizing resources, coordinating relief efforts, and communicating effectively with affected populations. Reports indicate that aid distribution was hampered by bureaucratic red tape, with some areas receiving supplies days after the initial flooding, leading to unnecessary suffering. Critics argue that this stems from a lack of familiarity with established protocols—protocols that seasoned administrators would navigate instinctively. Instead, the government has had to learn on the job, often at the expense of efficiency and public trust.

Economic policy provides another arena where inexperience has reared its head. Bangladesh's economy, once hailed as a South Asian success story with robust growth in garments, remittances, and agriculture, is now facing headwinds from global inflation, supply chain disruptions, and domestic instability. The government's attempts to stabilize the economy through measures like subsidy reforms and foreign investment drives have been met with mixed results. For instance, recent adjustments to fuel prices and import tariffs were implemented without adequate stakeholder consultations, resulting in public backlash and market volatility. Economists point out that these policies, while theoretically sound, were rolled out without the nuanced understanding of how they interplay with local realities, such as the informal sector's dominance or the vulnerabilities of small-scale farmers. A more experienced administration might have anticipated these ripple effects and built in safeguards, but the current team's learning curve has led to reactive rather than proactive governance.

Law and order, a perennial concern in Bangladesh, has also suffered due to this inexperience. The post-upheaval period has seen a surge in communal tensions, student unrest, and sporadic violence, partly fueled by the power vacuum left by the previous regime's fall. The government's response has been inconsistent, oscillating between heavy-handed crackdowns and lenient oversights. In one notable incident, protests over educational reforms escalated into clashes because security forces were not adequately briefed on de-escalation tactics, leading to accusations of excessive force. This reflects a broader unfamiliarity with the delicate balance required in maintaining public order in a democracy—balancing civil liberties with security needs. Veteran observers note that previous governments, for all their flaws, had honed strategies through trial and error over years, allowing for more calibrated responses. The current administration, however, is still building these capabilities, often relying on ad-hoc committees and external advisors, which can slow down decision-making processes.

Moreover, foreign relations have not been immune to the pitfalls of inexperience. Bangladesh's geopolitical position, sandwiched between India and Myanmar, demands astute diplomacy to manage borders, trade, and refugee issues. The interim government's engagements with international bodies like the United Nations and bilateral partners have shown promise in areas like human rights advocacy, but there have been missteps in protocol and negotiation. For example, recent talks on Rohingya repatriation were criticized for lacking the depth of preparation that comes with diplomatic experience, potentially straining relations with key allies. Inexperience here risks isolating Bangladesh at a time when global support is crucial for economic recovery and political stability.

This is not to say that the government is devoid of merits. Dr. Yunus and his team have brought a refreshing emphasis on inclusivity, anti-corruption measures, and youth empowerment, which resonate with the aspirations of the masses who propelled the change. Initiatives like the establishment of reform commissions for sectors such as education and judiciary signal a commitment to long-term transformation. However, the inexperience factor undermines these efforts by creating implementation gaps. Public administration experts suggest that bridging this divide requires deliberate capacity-building—perhaps through mentorship programs pairing new leaders with retired bureaucrats, or accelerated training in governance best practices. Without such interventions, the government risks alienating its base and prolonging the transition period, which could invite instability.

The media and civil society have played a pivotal role in highlighting these issues, fostering a discourse that holds the government accountable while offering constructive criticism. Op-eds and analyses, including those from The Daily Star, underscore that inexperience is not an insurmountable barrier but one that demands humility and a willingness to learn. Comparisons to other nations that have undergone similar transitions, such as post-apartheid South Africa or post-revolution Tunisia, reveal that successful governments often succeed by blending fresh ideas with institutional wisdom.

In conclusion, while the Bangladeshi government's inexperience is its biggest problem, it also presents an opportunity for genuine renewal. By acknowledging this weakness and actively addressing it through structured learning and inclusive decision-making, the administration can transform potential pitfalls into stepping stones for a more resilient democracy. The people of Bangladesh, having endured years of political turbulence, deserve a government that not only dreams big but executes effectively. As the nation watches closely, the coming months will test whether this interim setup can overcome its novice status and deliver on the promise of a brighter future. The stakes are high, and the path forward requires not just vision, but the hard-earned expertise to make it a reality.

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Read the Full The Daily Star Article at:
[ https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/govts-biggest-problem-inexperience-3946086 ]