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07-091
Aug. 21, 2007
Bangladesh Outreach focuses
governance and security reforms
 "Democratic
Transition, Responsible Governance and Security Sector Reform" was
the focus of five-day workshop recently held in Bangladesh.
According to
APCSS professor Dr. Rouben Azizian, “the workshop, which was
conducted in a very sensitive period of Bangladeshi political life
following the introduction on January 11, 2007 of an emergency rule,
offered a unique opportunity for the current and emerging leaders of
the Bangladeshi society, representing the government, security
forces and civil society, to exchange ideas on immediate and
long-term needs of the country in terms of reinvigorating the
democratic governance and advancing the security sector reform.”
Held August
12-16 in Dhaka, the workshop was attended by more than 200 academic,
political, civilian, and military leaders from Bangladesh. It was
co-sponsored by the
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS),
the
Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS) and
U.S. Pacific Command.
The opening
ceremony included a speech by Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed.
According to The Daily Star newspaper, Inajuddin “called for a
capable, honest and accountable administration and patriotic and
responsible leaders, otherwise risk facing a dysfunctional and
immature democracy.”
U.S. Charge d’Affairs Geeta Pasi also addressed the audience
calling the session a timely opportunity to reflect upon the
evolution of Bangladesh’s political and security environment.
“Bangladesh
has entered an unprecedented period of reform since January 11,”
said Pasi. “As Bangladeshis seek to determine a path for this
country that is free of corruption, violence, and political feuding,
the foundation you lay during this interim period is crucial. The
foundation must support the finished structure—if it is built with
democratic principles and respect for human rights at its core, then
freedom, productivity and stability can flourish. But…if the
foundation is laid with elements that are themselves undemocratic,
the future of the democratic system itself will be jeopardized.”
The workshop
included presentations and discussion about government and security
sector reforms. Participants contributed to a framework for
recommended future improvements.
APCSS director
retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ed Smith, stated that there are three
main considerations for effective reform: to have popular
recognition that change is needed, a well-planned roadmap, and
continuing the initiative to ensure that the reforms do not lag.
Recommendations identified include:
§
effective
parliament
§
political
party reform
§
combating
corruption
§
enhancing the
National Security Council
§
appointment
of a full-time defence minister
§
enhance the
professionalism of the security forces
§
enact
appropriate legislation for public order
“There was a
general acknowledgement by the participants that despite different
political perspectives or competing security priorities, leading at
times to heated debates, the workshop ended with an impressive list
of recommendations which reflect a strong consensus in the
Bangladeshi society regarding the main direction of political and
security reforms,” said Azizian. “The APCSS team was there to assist
the Bangladeshi participants in identifying their commonalities and
sidelining the differences. Working the concrete issues related to
practical implementation of the recommendations is a task the
relevant Bangladeshi agencies will have to pursue.”
-end-
Click here to
read remarks made by :
U.S. Charge d’Affairs Geeta Pasi
Links to articles
about the Bangladesh Outreach Event
Rule of law vital for ending political divides
The Daily
Star, Bangladesh - Aug 12, 2007
The workshop was jointly organised
by Bangladesh Institute of International and
Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the Asia-Pacific
Centre for Security Studies ...
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The
APCSS addresses regional and global security issues, inviting military and
civilian representatives of the United States and 45 Asia-Pacific nations to
its comprehensive program of courses and conferences, both in Hawaii and
throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The Center supports the U.S. Pacific
Command’s objective of developing professional and personal ties among
national security establishments throughout the region. APCSS focuses on
a multilateral and multi-dimensional approach to defining and addressing
regional security issues and concerns. The most beneficial result is
building relationships of trust and confidence among future leaders and
decision-makers within the region.
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