LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Good governance and its application
Saturday, 6 September 2025
Good governance is the transparent and effective management of public affairs and resources for the benefit of society. It operates under existing regulations, where laws are enforced impartially and human rights are upheld. It is a public sector management system that ensures resources are used optimally, processes meet societal needs efficiently and services are delivered effectively.
Good governance is a precondition for sustainable development, social security and maintaining law and order in a congenial atmosphere. The country is now at a crucial moment of transformation, especially moving towards a true democratic structure, where good governance is urgently needed. Regardless of the form of governance-interim, caretaker, or democratic-the administration must follow sound and strict principles and no one should be considered above existing laws and regulations.
Society, in turn, should also honour and obey rules, guidelines, and protocols voluntarily. While we have many people-friendly laws, they are often poorly implemented. Although there are numerous law enforcers to guide citizens, many fail to follow instructions properly. In government offices, banks, businesses, educational institutions, metro rail systems, highways, and parking areas, there is an intrinsic tendency to bypass formal procedures, largely due to poor management.
The administrationhas fostered a culture of impunity, unethical and illegal practices, which the public often emulates. For example, the recent withdrawal of the Deputy Commissioners of Shariatpur and Sylhet was a routine administrative move to maintain stability, yet no further action was taken. This raises the question: how can public servants and ordinary citizens be restrained from engaging in unfair practices?
The solution lies in implementing good governance first within the government machinery and then across the country as a whole.
Md. Refatul Hossain
Additional Director (retd.)
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE)
Faridpur Region.