Prem Week Conference 2002 June 25, 2002 Washington, DC Governance and Corruption Manzoor Hasan Transparency International Bangladesh Prem Week Conference 2002 June 25, 2002 Washington, DC

Bangladesh scenario The Context (1996) Endemic nature of corruption – but mainly hearsay evidence Powerful individuals involved Failure of traditional watchdog institutions Acute public cynicism

Pre-conditions Individuals with high level of credibility/standing An indigenous agenda Involved stakeholders in the process Team effort Vibrant printed press Active NGO sector

Initial Phase Networked with print media Developed a support base within civil society Identified ‘champions’ – politics, admin., public Bold statements on evidence Sharp reaction/support from crucial sources (President, Press & Public)

Expansion -I ‘Report cards’ as advocacy tools Involved citizens in monitoring service delivery – not corruption Initially targeted non- controversial sectors for intervention (health & education) Continuous dialogue & monitoring process

Expansion - II Undertook institutional analysis (Bureau of Anti- Corruption) Involved ‘insiders’ Exploited opportunities-2001 elections-pledge to set-up IACC Released report with recommendations Draft bill – to be presented to PM

Future Expansion - III Undertaking other institutional analysis - PAC & C&AG Parliament & Court Watch Reports Advice & Information Centres Citizens’ Committees - advocacy

Shortcomings Corruption on political agenda – but still not a concerted effort Splintered civil society NGOs – partisan perception Governance agenda – lack of focus/capacity – too theoretical

Shortcomings Weak milestones – not being able to close the ‘exit’ routes Donors not singing from the same hymn sheet Mistakes can be expensive Inability to read the writings on the wall Too few ‘champions’ & coalitions Throwing money to find solutions

Keys to Success Citizens’ participation Flexibility built into anti- corruption programmes – no straitjacket solutions Ready for ‘windows of opportunity’ – politically savvy Stress ‘implementation’ Incentive/reward for systemic change - bureaucracy

Warnings No ‘short-cuts’ Not a 5-year project No technical solution Lack of broad coalitions Trigger-off major reforms Need for sustained pressure Underestimating mis-governance

Advice Look at the big picture- analytical/institutional studies Focus on small areas – comparative advantage

Advice Reality check (local input) - inception Greater introspection (involve outsiders) - continuously

Advice Better coordination & facilitation (open doors) Highlight global issues – private sector donation

Thank You Website: http://www.ti-bangladesh.org/ Email Address: Info@ti-bangladesh.org