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2007 Assessment

Bangladesh: Integrity Indicators Scorecard

Bangladesh: Integrity Scorecard Report > Sub-Category: Executive Accountability
Indicators   Score
23 In law, can citizens sue the government for infringement of their civil rights? 100
24 Can the chief executive be held accountable for his/her actions? 63
25 Is the executive leadership subject to criminal proceedings? 0
26 Are there regulations governing conflicts of interest by the executive branch? 31
27 Can citizens access the asset disclosure records of the heads of state and government? 0
28 In practice, official government functions are kept separate and distinct from the functions of the ruling political party. 50

Indicator and sub-Indicator Details

23 In law, can citizens sue the government for infringement of their civil rights?
 
  23: In law, can citizens sue the government for infringement of their civil rights?
 
Score: YES  NO score
  Comments: Article 26(1) provides that all existing laws inconsistent with the provisions of Part III shall, to the extent of such inconsistency, become void on the commencement of the Constitution. Article 26(2) provides that the State shall not make any law which would be inconsistent with any provisions of Part III of the Constitution, and any law so made shall, to the extent of such inconsistency, be void. Under Article 102 of the Constitution, a writ petition can be filed by an aggrieved person against any person or authority. Again, the Order XXVI (1) of Part IV The Supreme Court of Bangladesh (Appellate Division) Rules, 1988 states that  Subject to the law and the practice of the Court, the Court may, either of its own motion or on the application of a party to a proceeding, review its own judgment or order in a civil proceeding on grounds similar to those mentioned in order XLVII, rule 1 of the Code of Civil Procedure and a criminal proceeding on the ground of an error apparent on the face of the record. Acrticle 107(1) of the Constitution of Bangladesh states that Subject to any law made by Parliament the Supreme Court may, with the approval of the president, make rules for regulating the practice and procedure of each division of the Supreme Court and of any court subordinate to it. It is vested with the plenary legislative power of the Republic, subject only to the limitations set by the Constitution."

References: Arts. 26 & 102 of the Constitution

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh (Appellate Division) Rules, 1988

Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003.

24 Can the chief executive be held accountable for his/her actions?
 
  24a: In practice, the chief executive gives reasons for his/her policy decisions.
 
Score: 100  75  50  25  0  score
  Comments:

References: Interview with G M Kader, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept.6., 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Interview with Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Farouque Khan, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6., 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

BRAC University, Center for Governance Studies The State of Governance in Bangladesh 2006 Dhaka, December 2006, www.cgs-bu.com

Power and Participation Research Center (PPRC), Dhaka, 2007, Bangladesh Governance Report 2007

SHUJAN-Shushashoner Jannoy Nagorik [ LINK ]

Transparency International Bangladesh, Parliament Watch 2001-2006 Feb. 12, 2007, www.ti-bangladesh.org

Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003.

Peer Review Comments: In fact, the power is concentrated in the chief executive of the state. Usually, the chief executive answers questions in Parliament, but he/she could not be removed because the constitutional provision suggests that one lose parliamentary membership if they cast their vote against the party decision. The head of the government hardly bothers to give reasons for his/her policy decision.

  24b: In law, the judiciary can review the actions of the executive.
 
Score: YES  NO score
  Comments: Under Article 102 of the Constitution, the High Court issues directions or orders to any person or authority for infringement of any of the fundamental rights as embodied in Part III of the Constitution. Under Article 102 of the Constitution, a writ petition can be filed by an aggrieved person against any person performing the functions in connection with the affairs of the Republic or of a local authority. The person must be a public functionary including all statutory authorities as defined in Article 152 of the Constitution. Individuals can bring legal actions against any law or action which is violative of any fundamental right under Part III of the Constitution of Bangladesh. Article 26(1) provides that all existing laws inconsistent with the provisions of Part III shall, to the extent of inconsistency, become void on the commencement of the Constitution. Article 26(2) provides that the State shall not make any law which would be inconsistent with any provisions of Part III, and any law so made shall, to the extent of inconsistency, be void.

References: The Constitution of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, [ LINK ]

  24c: In practice, when necessary, the judiciary reviews the actions of the executive.
 
Score: 100  75  50  25  0  score
  Comments:

References: Bangladesh Court Slams Police, April 1999, [ LINK ]

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh (Appellate Division) Rules, 1988

Interview with G M Kader, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6., 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Interview with Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Farouque Khan, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

SHUJAN-Shushashoner Jannoy Nagorik [ LINK ]

Interview with advocate Manzil Murshid, advocate of Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Aug.17, 2007, at 8.00 p.m.

Rules of Procedure of Parliament of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, [ LINK ]

Transparency International Bangladesh, Working Paper on Bangladesh Election Commission Nov. 6, 2006, W, w www.ti-bangladesh.org

Transparency International Bangladesh, Parliament Watch 2001-2006, Feb. 12, 2007, www.ti-bangladesh.org

Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003

BRAC University, Center for Governance Studies, The State of Governance in Bangladesh 2006, p-53-60, Dhaka, December 2006, www.cgs-bu.com

  24d: In practice, the chief executive limits the use of executive orders for establishing new regulations, policies, or government practices.
 
Score: 100  75  50  25  0  score
  Comments:

References: Interview with G M Kader, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6., 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Interview with Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Farouque Khan, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Interview with advocate Manzil Murshid, advocate of Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Aug.17, 2007, at 8.00 p.m.

Rules of Procedure of Parliament of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, [ LINK ]

Transparency International Bangladesh, Working Paper on Bangladesh Election Commission Nov. 6, 2006, W, w www.ti-bangladesh.org

Transparency International Bangladesh, Parliament Watch 2001-2006, Feb. 12, 2007, www.ti-bangladesh.org

Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003

BRAC University, Center for Governance Studies, The State of Governance in Bangladesh 2006, p-53-60, Dhaka, December 2006,

Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC), Dhaka, 2007, Bangladesh Governance Report 2007, p-84-85

Interview with Mr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, staff reporter, The Daily Shamokal, Bangladesh, Aug. 12, 2007

Rounaq Jahan, senior research scholar, Columbia University, New York, Countries at the Crossroads 2006, Country Report  Bangladesh,

25 Is the executive leadership subject to criminal proceedings?
 
  25a: In law, the heads of state and government can be prosecuted for crimes they commit.
 
Score: YES  NO score
  Comments: Presidents Impunity: Article 51 (1& 2) of the Constitution of Bangladesh states that (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of article 52, the President shall not be answerable in any court for anything done or omitted by him in the exercise or purported exercise of the functions of this office, but this clause shall not prejudice the right of any person to take proceedings against the Government; (2) During his term of office no criminal proceedings whatsoever shall be instituted or continued against the President in, and no process for his arrest or imprisonment shall issue from, any court.

Article 52 (1-5) of the Constitution of Bangladesh states that (1) The President may be impeached on a charge of violating this Constitution or of grave misconduct, preferred by a notice of motion signed by a majority of the total number of members of the Parliament and delivered to the speaker, setting out the particulars of the charges, and the motion shall not be debated earlier than fourteen nor later than thirty days after the notice is so delivered; and the Speaker shall forthwith summon Parliament if it is not in session; (2) The Conduct of the President may be referred by Parliament to any court, tribunal or body appointed or designated by Parliament for the investigation of a charge under this article; (3) The President shall have the right to appear and to be represented during the consideration of the charge; (4) If after the consideration of the charge a resolution is passed by Parliament by votes of not less than two-thirds of the total number of members declaring that the charge has been substantiated, the President shall vacate his office on the date on which the resolution is passed; (5) Where the Speaker is exercising the functions of the President under article 54 the provisions of this article shall apply subject to the modifications that the reference to the Speaker in clause (1) shall be construed as a deference to the Deputy Speaker, and that the reference in clause (4) to the vacation by the President of his office shall be construed as a reference to the vacation by the Speaker of his office as Speaker; and on the passing of a resolution such as is referred to in clause (4) the Speaker shall cease to exercise the functions of President.

Rule 172 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh states that ( Intimation to Speaker by Magistrate, of arrest, detention etc., of a member) When a member is arrested on criminal charge or for a criminal offence or is sentenced to imprisonment by a court, or is detained under an executive order, the committing judge, magistrate, or executive authority, as the case may be, shall immediately intimate such fact to the Speaker indicating the reasons for the arrest, detention or imprisonment of the member in the appropriate form set out in Schedule III.

Rule 173 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh (Intimation to Speaker on release of a member) states that When a member is arrested and after conviction released on bail pending an appeal, or otherwise released, such fact shall also be intimated to the Speaker by the authority concerned in the appropriate form set out in Schedule III.

Rule 174 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh states that No arrest shall be made within the precincts of the House without obtaining the permission of the Speaker.

Rule 175 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh No legal process, civil or criminal, shall be served within the precincts of the House without obtaining the permission of the Speaker.

References: Arts. 51, 52 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, [ LINK ]

Peer Review Comments: The Constitution doesn't provide any immunity to the head of the government. The rules referred to here only cover the compound of the Parliament. Arrests on criminal charges can be made with the permission of the speaker of the House.

  25b: In law, ministerial-level officials can be prosecuted for crimes they commit.
 
Score: YES  NO score
  Comments: During their tenure, the ministers enjoy immunity from prosecution with respects to acts committed.

References: Rules of Procedure of Parliament of People's Republic of Bangladesh, [ LINK ]

The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, [ LINK ]

Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003.

Peer Review Comments: Artcile 51 of the constitution provides immunity to the president. Article 78 preserves the privileges and immunities of Parliament members. But an MP can be arrested on criminal charges with the permission of the Speaker of the House. In October 2002, MP Hemayetullah Aurango was arrested by the army-led joint forces for keeping unlicensed firearms.

26 Are there regulations governing conflicts of interest by the executive branch?
 
  26a: In law, the heads of state and government are required to file a regular asset disclosure form.
 
Score: YES  NO score
  Comments: In Bangladesh, the president and the prime minister are the Head of State and  Head of Government, respectively. The member (s) of Parliament is elected by the people of Bangladesh. The members of Parliament (MP) elect the president, and the president appoints the prime minister (leader of the House) from the members of Parliament. Article 27A (2) of "The Conduct of Election Rules, 1972" states that  A contesting candidate shall, within seven days next following the withdrawal day, submit the statement of his assets and liabilities and his annual income and expenditure required under article 44AA (2) in Form XVIIB. The election commission can investigate matters relating to election of the candidates. But there is no provision for the independent auditing of the asset disclosure forms of members of the national legislature and for monitoring of assets and liabilities of ministers. The prime minister may approve an enquiry against any minister regarding any irregularities if committed. There is no provision of asset disclosure for Head of State (President). "

References: Interview with G M Kader, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Interview with Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Farouque Khan, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003.

The Conduct of Election Rules, 1972, Dhaka, GOB

  26b: In law, ministerial-level officials are required to file a regular asset disclosure form.
 
Score: YES  NO score
  Comments: There is no provision for monitoring of assets or submission of wealth statements of ministers. Article 27A (2) of "The Conduct of Election Rules, 1972" states that  A contesting candidate shall, within seven days next following the withdrawal day, submit the statement of his assets and liabilities and his annual income and expenditure required under article 44AA (2) in Form XVIIB. The election commission can investigate matters relating to election of the candidates. But there is no provision for the independent auditing of the asset disclosure forms of members of the national legislature and for monitoring of assets and liabilities of ministers. The prime minister may approve an enquiry against any minister regarding any irregularities if committed. There is no provision of asset disclosure for head of state (president)."

References: Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003.

The Conduct of Election Rules, 1972, Dhaka, GOB.

Rules of Procedure of Parliament of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, [ LINK ]

  26c: In law, there are regulations governing gifts and hospitality offered to members of the executive branch.
 
Score: YES  NO score
  Comments: The government service rules provide for registration of gifts in an official manner (Rules 5-7 of The Government Servant (Conduct) Rules, 1979).

There are no rules limiting the acceptance of hospitality. Rule 5 of The Government Servant (Conduct) Rules, 1979 states that- ( ") Save as otherwise provided in this rule, no servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the government, accept, or permit any member of his family to accept, from any person any gift the receipt of which will place him under any form of official obligation to the donor. If the offer of a gift cannot be refused without giving undue offence, it may be accepted and delivered to the Government for decision as to its disposal.

(ii) If any question arises whether receipt of a gift places a government servant under any form of official obligation to the donor, the decision of the government thereon shall be final.

(iii) If any gift is offered by the head or representative of a foreign state, the government servant concerned should attempt to avoid acceptance of such a gift, if he can do so without giving offence. If, however, he cannot do so, he shall accept the gift and shall report its receipt to the Establishment Division for orders as to its disposal.

(iv) Secretaries to the government, or officers of equivalent status may accept gifts, offered abroad or within Bangladesh by institutions or officials dignitaries of foreign governments of comparable or higher level provided that the value of the gift in each case does not exceed 500 taka (US$7.27). If the gift is capable of being used in a government office or department or at official residence, it should be used, accordingly. If the gift cannot be so used, the government servant may retain it for his own use.

Rules 6 of The Government Servant ( Conduct) Rules, 1979 states that - No Government servant shall, except with the approval of the president accept a foreign award, title or decoration. Explanation.-For the purposes of this rule, the expression "approval of President" means prior approval in ordinary cases and ex post facto approval in special cases where sufficient time is not available for obtaining prior approval. Rules 7 of  The Government Servant ( Conduct) Rules, 1979 states that - (i) No Government servant shall encourage meetings to be held in his honour or presentation of addresses of which the main purpose is to praise him or any entertainment to be held in his honor. (ii) Subject to the provisions of any general or special order of the government, a government servant may attend a fare-well entertainment of a substantially private and informal character held as a mark of regard to himself or to some other government servant, or to a person who has recently quitted the service of government, on the occasion of retirement from service or departure from a district or station of himself or such other government servant or person.

References: The Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1979, Government of Bangladesh. The Government Servants Discipline and Appeal Rules, 1985, Government of Bangladesh.

Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003

  26d: In law, there are requirements for the independent auditing of the executive branch asset disclosure forms (defined here as ministers and heads of state and government).
 
Score: YES  NO score
  Comments: Article 27A (2) of "The Conduct of Election Rules, 1972" states that " A contesting candidate shall, within seven days next following the withdrawal day, submit the statement of his assets and liabilities and his annual income and expenditure required under article 44AA (2) in Form XVIIB". The Election Commission can investigate matters relating to the election of the candidates. But there is no provision for the independent auditing of the asset disclosure forms of members of the national legislature and for monitoring of assets and liabilities of ministers/head of state/government.

References: Rules of Procedure of Parliament of People's Republic of Bangladesh, [ LINK ]

Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003.

The Conduct of Election Rules, 1972, Dhaka, GOB.

The Constitution of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, [ LINK ]

  26e: In law, there are restrictions on heads of state and government and ministers entering the private sector after leaving the government.
 
Score: YES  NO score
  Comments:

References: Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003.

Rules of Procedure of Parliament of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, [ LINK ]

Interview with G M Kader, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Interview with Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Farouque Khan, former Member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Peer Review Comments: Many officials join private companies after leaving office. In a way, they influence the government decisions in favor of a certain company using their names. This practice encourages the companies and the officials to indulge in corrupt practices.

  26f: In practice, the regulations restricting post-government private sector employment for heads of state and government and ministers are effective.
 
Score: 100  75  50  25  0  score
  Comments:

References: Interview with G M Kader, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Interview with Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Farouque Khan, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Rules of Procedure of Parliament of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, [ LINK ]

Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003.

  26g: In practice, the regulations governing gifts and hospitality offered to members of the executive branch are effective.
 
Score: 100  75  50  25  0  score
  Comments:

References: Interview with G M Kader, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Interview with Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Farouque Khan, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003.

Peer Review Comments: No official has basically been questioned about taking gifts. There has been a bad culture of bribing in almost all public offices, and the regulation governing gifts and hospitality is not very important to them.

  26h: In practice, executive branch asset disclosures (defined here as ministers and above) are audited.
 
Score: 100  75  50  25  0  score
  Comments:

References: Interview with G M Kader, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Interview with Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Farouque Khan, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003.

SHUJAN-Shushashoner Jannoy Nagorik, [ LINK ]

27 Can citizens access the asset disclosure records of the heads of state and government?
 
  27a: In law, citizens can access the asset disclosure records of the heads of state and government.
 
Score: YES  NO score
  Comments: During election period according to article 24A (2) & article 27 (1) of the "Conduct of Election Rules 1972" , the contesting candidate (who may be selected by the parliament as a head of the government if he/she being electeced in the election) submit asset record and it is open for people but during non election period, more specifically, during Caretaker Govt, the head of Govt. is not supposed to disclose his/her asset record. There is no provision for Head of State to disclose his/her asset record for the people.

Article 27A (2) of "The Conduct of Election Rules, 1972" states that " A contesting candidate shall, within seven days next following the withdrawal day, submit the statement of his assets and liabilities and his annual income and expenditure required under article 44AA (2) in Form XVIIB".

The election commission can investigate matters relating to election of the candidates. But there is no provision for the independent auditing of the asset disclosure forms of members of the national legislature and for monitoring of assets and liabilities of ministers. The prime minister may approve an enquiry against any minister regarding any irregularities if committed. This is open for citizens. Article 27 (1) of "The Conduct of Election Rules, 1972" states that " The document retained by the Commission (Commission means Election Commission) under article 42 except the ballot papers, shall be open to public inspection during office hours on payment of a fee at the rate of five take (US$0.07) for each document". In practice, it is very restricted for the peopl.

References: Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003.

The Conduct of Election Rules, 1972, Dhaka, GOB.

The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

Peer Review Comments: Citizens' access to asset disclosure records is limited. The contestants in parliamentary elections submit their wealth statements and sources of funding to the Election Commission, but the records are very often found to not represent the reality. Moreover, the Election Commission keeps the records for only one year, thus limiting citizens' access.

  27b: In practice, citizens can access the asset disclosure records of the heads of state and government within a reasonable time period.
 
Score: 100  75  50  25  0  score
  Comments:

References: Interview with G M Kader, former ember of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Interview with Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Farouque Khan, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

SHUJAN-Shushashoner Jannoy Nagorik, [ LINK ]

Transparency International Bangladesh, Working Paper on Bangladesh Election Commission, www.ti-bangladesh.org Nov. 6, 2006,

Transparency International Bangladesh, Parliament Watch 2001-2006, ww Feb. 12, 2007, www.ti-bangladesh.org

Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003.

  27c: In practice, citizens can access the asset disclosure records of the heads of state and government at a reasonable cost.
 
Score: 100  75  50  25  0  score
  Comments:

References: Interview with G M Kader, former ember of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

Interview with Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Farouque Khan, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. over phone.

SHUJAN-Shushashoner Jannoy Nagorik, [ LINK ]

Transparency International Bangladesh, Parliament Watch 2001-2006, ww Feb. 12, 2007, www.ti-bangladesh.org

Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003.

Interview with Md. Motiur Rahman, Joint commissioner (Customs), Chittagong Customs House, Bangladesh, Aug. 18, 2007

Interview with A K Azad Khan, deputy director, Local & Revenue Audit Directorate, Audit Complex, Segunbagicha, Dhaka, Sept. 1, 2007, at 11.00 a.m.

Interview with Mr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, staff reporter, The Daily Shamokal, Bangladesh, Aug. 12, 2007

28 In practice, official government functions are kept separate and distinct from the functions of the ruling political party.
 
  28: In practice, official government functions are kept separate and distinct from the functions of the ruling political party.
 
Score: 100  75  50  25  0  score
  Comments: Politicization has taken a heavy toll of our bureaucracy. Ministers try to influence the public officials to take administrative decisions in their favorr. Even the ministers or MPs threat the officials with awful consequence if their demands are not met. Due to successive politicization process in public administration, the incompetent people have been placed in different key points in our administration. The Bangladesh Governance Report 2007 conducted by PPRC states that various group of officers were recruited into the civil service without having met the criteria for entering the service (page-84).

With reference to the Bangladesh Observer published on July 22, 2006, the State of Governance in Bangladesh 2006 report described the politicization scenario in recruitment and promotion in civil administration. The report (p-55) mentioned that on July 13, 2006, the government promoted 153 deputy secretaries to the post of joint secretary, depriving around 100 eligible officers along with five additional secretaries promoted to the post of secretary.

The recruitment rules for the Bangladesh Civil Service are not entirely based on merit. 45 percent of first and second class posts are recruited on merit, and other 55 percent are recruited in accordance with a quota system, There were a few modifications or amendments in the recruitment policy in 1997 and 2004. In 2004 (PSC 2004: 13-14) an amendment was made that if suitable candidates are not found to fill the 30 percent for freedom fighters or son of freedom fighters, the posts will be filled through merit-based recruitment. For third and fourth classes, there is no provision on merit based recruitment.

References: Interview with Mr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, staff reporter, The Daily Shamokal, Bangladesh, Aug. 12, 2007.

The World Bank Group, GPSR net, online content on Administrative & Civil Service Reform, Asset Disclosure by Public Officials: Bangladesh, [ LINK ]

BRAC University, Center for Governance Studies, The State of Governance in Bangladesh 2006, p-53-60, Dhaka, December 2006 www.cgs-bu.com

Transparency International Bangladesh, March 2007,  Bangladesh Public Service Commission: A Diagnostic Study, w ww.ti-bangladesh.org

Transparency International, Berlin, 2004, National Integrity Systems Country Study Report: Bangladesh 2003.

Interview with Md. Motiur Rahman, Joint commissioner (Customs), Chittagong Customs House, Bangladesh, Aug. 18, 2007

Interview with A K Azad Khan, deputy director, Local & Revenue Audit Directorate, Audit Complex, Segunbagicha, Dhaka, Sept. 1, 2007, at 11.00 a.m.

Interview with G M Kader, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. (over phone).

Interview with Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Farouque Khan, former member of Parliament (MP), Dhaka, Sept. 6, 2007, at 10.30 a.m. (over phone).

Transparency International Bangladesh, Working Paper on Bangladesh Election Commission, Nov. 6, 2006,  www.ti-bangladesh.org

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