The Role of Bureaucrats in Developing Countries like Bangladesh
Abstract
In the modern state bureaucrats are playing
a significant role with the expansion of the government’s duty and
responsibility. The duties of bureaucrats are increasing during day to day life
in developing countries like Bangladesh.
As modern states are welfare states, so they are to complete a great number of
works. And for this to depends upon the bureaucrats. Both in developed and
developing country bureaucrats play a very important role.
Introduction
Regarding this professor Finer says,
“the function of the bureaucrats is not merely an improvement of the government
indeed without it government itself could be impossible. Efficiency and the
anonymity are the two main charestaristics of civil service. But among the
bureaucrats of many countries these qualities are not seen. The bureaucrats are
the high officials who are engaged in different sectors, departments or
divisions according to their merits, skills and performance. In a democratic
country after five years election held. So the government change but the
bureaucrats are not changed. Here I will discuss about the role of bureaucrats
in developing countries like Bangladesh.
Before this we have to know about the system of bureaucracy.
Definition of Democracy
Literally bureaucracy means desk
government. But its practical definition is so broad. According to Professor
Finer, The civil is a professional body of officials, permanent, paid and
skilled. Its numbers are measures of the activities of the state and an
indication of its nature.
According to Professor Ogg, The body
of civil servants is an expert, professional, non-political permanent and
subordinate staff.
Professor Laski has given a fine and
lucid definition of bureaucracy- ‘Bureaucracy is term usually applied to a
system of government the control of which is so completely in the hands of
officials that their power jeopardizes the liberty of ordinary citizens’. The
father of bureaucracy Max Weber pointed out- ‘Bureaucracy is the clear cut
divisions of individuals activities with regarded as duties inherent in the
office’. He added that, the bureaucracy is the system of administration
characterized by expertness, impartiality and the absence of humanity.
Characteristics of Bureaucracy
v Bureaucrats are bound to abide by the
command from the top level.
v They are governing a principle of
hierarchy.
v All servants are appointed according
to their qualifications in terms examinations and viva-voce.
v They take the job profession.
v The duties of government servants are
essentially easy and routined.
v Their promotion depends on merit and
seniority.
v They are capable of attaining the
highest degree of efficiency.
v They emphasized on red tape, some absorbed
laws and their tread of work.
The Role of Bureaucrats Determining Policy
In our country, other country also,
bureaucrats particularize the policy of government minister only sign.
Government policies are complex. So for this work artistic skilled is must,
bureaucrats are those who have those skills.
Framing Legislature
In Bangladesh enact any law;
bureaucrats play a very important role. Important bills are presented in the
parliament are prepared by bureaucrats. They justify ins and outs of the bill
and then it’s presented in the parliament.
Impact on the Legislature
They supply necessary information
regarding different governments departments and organizations. Sometimes they influence
conference committee according their own interest.
Advisors of Political Rulers
The political leaders are elected by
the people. They do not have vast knowledge about the complex affairs of the
state. But it is a matter of sorrow that the duties for policy making are
vested upon them. Hence the bureaucrats give necessary advice. Professor Finer
point out, in the modern state, the higher rank of executive….advice the policy
makers.
Mediation among Different Groups
Bureaucrats are many and multifaceted
groups in a country. They try to get there out most privilege and interest
making pressure on government. In this situation, the bureaucrats work as a
mediator and solve the problem through proper negotiations and help to maintain
sustainable situation in the state.
Implementing Legislations and Policies
Bureaucrats are not only draw up laws
and principles but also sustainable them. Indeed the bureaucracy is more
influential in this regard. They can repel and enact any law according to their
necessary.
Keeping contract between the Public and Government
In Bangladesh, bureaucrats play the
role of liaison between the government and the public. They inform the people
about the government activities and people inform them about their problems and
want solutions. Bureaucrats surely play a vital role in information
communication. They send information from one department to another to sustain a
close relationship. The government directly depends on them for information and
hence on the basis of the information, the government takes decision. As a
result, the government does not face any problem to decide anything within the
state.
In terms of the Betterments of the State and the Administration
The excellence of the administration
of any county depends on bureaucracy. In this affairs the US philosopher
Jhon Dewey said- A final important function of bureaucrats is that of their own
internal management.
Implementation of Social Change
Bureaucrats play role in social
change. They help the government to understand the changing social demands and
find out the way to fulfill them.
Non-political Role
Bureaucrats play non-political role
in their service life. But it is a matter of regret that bureaucrats in Bangladesh, to
a large extend are derailed, very often they are found in liaison with ruling
political party. Sometimes ruling political party oppresses the bureaucrats who
do not submit themselves to the whom of the ministers on leaders. We have
witnessed such quarrel between ministers and bureaucrats.
The Role and Functions of Bureaucrats in Developing Countries
In globalization age, the role and
functions of bureaucrats is so much important in developing countries. In modern
liberal democratic system bureaucracy is an inseparable part of the government.
In the welfare state, the government always tries to fulfill the various
demands of people. The increasing of governmental role and function increase
the responsibility and liability of a bureaucrat. So, in developing county the
role and functions of government highly depends on bureaucrat. According to
prof. Finer- The functions of the civil servant in the modern state is not
merely on improvement of government; without it indeed government itself would
be impossible. The bureaucrat performs in favorers of the state ins and outs of
important task.
Conclusion
In fine we can say that the role of
bureaucrats can not be ignored in Bangladesh, a developing county.
They play very significant role in our social, political and economic change.
Bureaucrats are the life blood of any democratic country who can reform the
society by their skilled hands. So, if they can avoid corruption, nepotism, and
impartial political attitude, Bangladesh
with improve faster.
The Role of Bureaucrats in Developing Countries like Bangladesh
-- Md. Helal Uddin
