Asif Nazrul
Bangladesh must break free from ‘lobbying trade’
It has long been said that nothing gets done in Bangladesh without lobbying. From getting a job to hospital admission, school enrolment, transfer, promotion, tenders, business registration—everything in this country requires lobbying. Be it a government or non-government institution. It is heard that even a peon’s job today is not obtainable without lobbying. The higher the position, the bigger the task, the higher-ranking the official one must approach. As a result, maintaining good relations with MPs, ministers, and senior government officials to secure lobbying has become a long-standing trade for a certain class of people in this country.
Focusing on qualifications and integrity in judiciary
Over the past 15 years, the judiciary in Bangladesh has been severely politicized. We have already taken some initiatives to improve the environment of the judicial (lower) courts. The past 15 years of the Awami League government have established a legacy of misrule in the judiciary. As the advisor in charge of the Ministry of Law, I will do my utmost to implement legal reforms and appoint the right people to the right positions within the jurisdiction of my ministry.