Systemic barriers to corruption
Sunday, 16 September 2007
Mahmudul Hasan
BANGLADESH can expect to improve its position in the world's corruption rating index and the people of the country and its economy will also likely benefit tangibly from the anti-corruption drive. But questions are also asked whether the struggle against corruption should mainly involve going after individuals or whether a better and longer term sustainable cure lies in creating systems that would automatically discourage corruption.
What different participants said and expert advisers remarked in seminars and discussion meetings on the point, the same would of the greatest value to build systemic barriers to corruption. They think that this would be a very sensible approach to fighting corruption successfully in the longer run. The drive at the level of individuals cannot be a long term solution to fighting the scourge of corruption. The motivation to corruption, the very working of institutions that create the scope for engaging in corrupt activities, these will have to be practically treated at the source for corrupt instincts of individuals to be automatically frustrated and tamed.
Besides, simplification of bureaucratic procedures themselves will lead to less corruption. For example, the present procedure of taking permission from too many desks gives rise to red tapism, delays and paying of bribes to push the files. Shortening bureaucracy in these matters can lead to curbs on corruption. Lack of computerisation in land offices and others also create great opportunities for corruption. Therefore, computerisation and other reforms in the government offices, will similarly add to the capacities of government-run bodies to operate with much less corruption.
The country's political parties in recent times have been responsible for the most corruption. The political parties are at the top for breeding institutional corruption. Therefore, the cure may come from deep cleansing the political parties to emerge as well-reformed institutions for discharging their due role in the politics and administration on going to power. But the problem is that corruption is contagious. Once it creeps in, it spreads clandestinely like subterranean waters. Improving the mind-set may be a reliable solution.
The present government is expected to thoroughly preside over the reformation procedures of the political parties in areas by defining ways of taking donations, nomination of candidates, culture of democratic environment within the parties that would restrain inefficient and morally depraved ones from rising through the party hierarchies.
The judiciary is another very vital institution of the state that must be absolutely prevented from getting weakened by corruption. Allegations have been made against the judiciary recently, both against the lower and higher judiciary, and these cases should be well investigated and acted upon quickly.
Supremely, it must be realised that corruption is essentially the product of ossified, inefficient and degenerate systems. The best antidote for corruption, therefore, can be no other than a wholesome approach of reforming and revamping the systems to become healthier.
BANGLADESH can expect to improve its position in the world's corruption rating index and the people of the country and its economy will also likely benefit tangibly from the anti-corruption drive. But questions are also asked whether the struggle against corruption should mainly involve going after individuals or whether a better and longer term sustainable cure lies in creating systems that would automatically discourage corruption.
What different participants said and expert advisers remarked in seminars and discussion meetings on the point, the same would of the greatest value to build systemic barriers to corruption. They think that this would be a very sensible approach to fighting corruption successfully in the longer run. The drive at the level of individuals cannot be a long term solution to fighting the scourge of corruption. The motivation to corruption, the very working of institutions that create the scope for engaging in corrupt activities, these will have to be practically treated at the source for corrupt instincts of individuals to be automatically frustrated and tamed.
Besides, simplification of bureaucratic procedures themselves will lead to less corruption. For example, the present procedure of taking permission from too many desks gives rise to red tapism, delays and paying of bribes to push the files. Shortening bureaucracy in these matters can lead to curbs on corruption. Lack of computerisation in land offices and others also create great opportunities for corruption. Therefore, computerisation and other reforms in the government offices, will similarly add to the capacities of government-run bodies to operate with much less corruption.
The country's political parties in recent times have been responsible for the most corruption. The political parties are at the top for breeding institutional corruption. Therefore, the cure may come from deep cleansing the political parties to emerge as well-reformed institutions for discharging their due role in the politics and administration on going to power. But the problem is that corruption is contagious. Once it creeps in, it spreads clandestinely like subterranean waters. Improving the mind-set may be a reliable solution.
The present government is expected to thoroughly preside over the reformation procedures of the political parties in areas by defining ways of taking donations, nomination of candidates, culture of democratic environment within the parties that would restrain inefficient and morally depraved ones from rising through the party hierarchies.
The judiciary is another very vital institution of the state that must be absolutely prevented from getting weakened by corruption. Allegations have been made against the judiciary recently, both against the lower and higher judiciary, and these cases should be well investigated and acted upon quickly.
Supremely, it must be realised that corruption is essentially the product of ossified, inefficient and degenerate systems. The best antidote for corruption, therefore, can be no other than a wholesome approach of reforming and revamping the systems to become healthier.