Leadership and good governance: Bangladesh context

The concept of leadership and governance encompasses strategic direction, plans and politics, effective oversight, regulation, motivation and partnerships that integrate all health systems building blocks to achieve results. Without effective leadership and good governance at all levels in private, public and civil organisations, it is arguably virtually impossible to achieve and to sustain effective administration, to achieve goals, to sustain quality and deliver first-rate services. The increasing complexities and requirements arising from the constant change in society, coupled with the constant push for higher levels of productivity, require effective and ethical leadership. Good governance and effective-ethical leadership are the essential requirements for an organisation to be considered successful in the eyes of all stakeholders in the 21st century. Although the concept of leadership is as old as human history, interest in leadership increased during the early part of the twentieth century. Various theories of leadership have emerged and contributed much of the development of leadership concept.

After a long struggle, Bangladesh came into being. Behind its birth, there lies on immense leadership quality of the father of the nation. The harbinger of nationalistic movement is none but Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. AS a blind love, all the Bangalees took part in liberation war and by sacrificing their lives they liberated Bangladesh. After independence, Sheikh Mujib and his party Awami League got the peoples mandate in election and formed the government. His govt. exercises power for three and half years before the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman through a military coup. After the death of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Awami League had not been in power for long 21 years. From this, we can understand the importance of leader and leadership in politics. In India also the fall of congress and the power formation like BJP has become possible only because of the absence of leader like JowhorlalNeheru. Many developing countries suffer for crisis of good leadership.

The concept of good governance is commonly used in the late nineties of the last century and especially by the world Bank and UNDP. Various UN committees have also recognized the importance of good governance in their work. Various literatures reveal that a team is recognized by the leadership qualities and skills that are associated with its leader. Hence, it can be considered that if a leader is not performing up to the required standard, the team will obviously not give out their best as well. The main aspects that leaders should consider are the leadership qualities and skills. In order for a process to successful, it is very important that it is given under charge to an effective leader who has all the leadership qualities and skills.

According to UNDP and World Bank, Good Governance has eight principles/characteristics. These are: - Participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, consensus oriented, equity and inclusiveness, effectiveness and efficiency, accountability. The current situation shows that without effective leadership and good governance at all levels in private, public and civil organizations, it is arguably virtually impossible to achieve and to sustain effective administration, to achieve goals, to sustain quality and deliver first-rate services.

There is a direct link between good governance, effective leadership, time management and economic prosperity. Managing changes in times must be emphasized and prioritized.

Effective leadership and good governance are two sides of the same coin. The two have many elements in common. Without an effective leadership we may not envisage good governance in its totality, in fact good governance may not be achieved in its totality because of cultural, psychological, social and sociological impacts and differences Its implementation and perception also varies in line with the level of development and demands of the society. Due to this, the practice shows that very few countries and societies have come close to achieving good governance in its totality. As the leadership is the leadership of influencing people to strive willingly for mutual objective and leadership refers to the quality of the behavior of individuals whereby they guide people of their activities in organized effort, so without good leadership governance and good governance is absurd and impossible.

Banglabandhu Sheikh Mojibur Rahman, the father of the nation upholds that courage. As a Banglaee born great human being, he tried his best for the renaissance an to foster the mind of the Banglaees. He moved to and fro of the then East Pakistan as flying bird for Bangalees’ emancipation. As a result, Sheikh Mojib turned to a enemy of ruling class. But this could not press him and put him to a halt. Rather, he moved to find ways and means for their social and national identity. He took up the challenge of protest along with the mass people. Under the leadership of Awami League he inspires the whole Banglaee nation. He declared the manifesto for the exploited Banglaees with love and feelings. He was by heart a Banglaee and the Banglaees were in close relationship with the father of the nation.

Bangladesh’s success & recognition as a developing country is not an Aladin’s lamp. It cannot be attained by magic or could be achieved over a day. It’s a continuous process. Requires long cherished desire, struggle, hard work, endeavour, patience, commitment and sincere efforts of all people. One cannot reach his or her destination in a shortcut way. Its requires sacrifice, sincere efforts and political commitment. The way Bangladesh is advancing and achieved the honor and recognition by UN undoubtedly reminds unparallel leadership of Banglabandhu and her eligible daughter Sheikh Hasina’s farsightedness. If we look to the far and wide of the society and states, we see some outstanding lights who can alleviate people’s suffering and remove the frustration, troubles of down trodden and fallen people.

It will take more time to establish the identity of the developed country or the implementation   We can see this recognition as a challenge. Now the government has to play a greater role in improving economic development. By reducing corruption, the goal should be to equalize per capital income among all people. Political stability has to be ensured. New branches of investment need to be explored. To increase the export sector, agricultural products should be made worthy of marketing and free from pesticide. The possibility of shrimp should be used. We believe that, sustainable industrial development & export of agricultural products can give us much advancement. The news of Bangladesh’s journey into the group of developing countries is a very good news. Again, it is also a big challenge. To maintain this development, there is a need to take role carefully. So, we should look at the political stability that prevails and the continuation must be maintained.

It is a pity that instead of giving vigorous initiative and leadership the leaders of our country are indulging in corruption and malpractices are thus retarding the proper economic growth of the country in all spheres of life. The existence of local development authority in the villages is highly beneficial to the all-round awakening of the villagers and to nation building activities in all spheres-political, social, economic. It provides a great motivation to all villagers who can exercise an acute sense of responsibility even when not sufficiently educated in urban standards. However, the villagers are actuated with new zeal for social development. It is necessary to provide adequate funds so that infrastructures of development are built up. The government has to induce an element of more purposeful planning for the expansion of infrastructure in different spheres of social development so that the march to social progress in the countryside is accelerated. The inequality between the elite classes and the poorer sections has to be reduced by removing the regional imbalances in respect of economic conditions and educational opportunities. The economic and cultural disparities are the causes of unrest and violence in different areas and account for the growth of divisive forces that stand in the way of uniform and consistent social changes and development.

From this analysis we come to the conclusion that a country develops by its leaders. Where there is correct leadership development will be ensured. Though Bangladesh time and again faced strong difficulties in development only due to the crisis of leadership. Today, the people of Bangladesh are suffering from dedicated and sacrificing leadership. True and real leaders like Bangabandu, A K Fazlul, Hossin Shohid Sarwardhi and Mawlana Bhashani are rare in our society. Politics of intolerance and greed of power are prevailing among the so-called leaders. People’s aspiration is at stake now. What may come next, is unpredictable. However, for nation’s interest, selfless leadership and good governance should be above controversy. People want change. They in no way expect any violence or bad scenario.

The writer, a former Deputy Director General of Bangladesh Ansar & VDP, is columnist and researcher.