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Civil
society positioning on PRSP process
We Demand Strong Political Will and Firm National
Commitment for Poverty Reduction
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Shushashoner Jonno Procharavizan (SUPRO- Campaign
for Good Governance) is a network of local NGOs
and CSOs working since 2001. Basically, the network
was established during that period to launch campaign
against confrontational politics and to demand
democratization in the political process of the
country. SUPRO promotes strategic activities for
democratic culture and facilitate to evolve real
democratic spirit of People’s Republic in
Bangladesh. It functions through 650 member organizations,
45 district committees, a national council and
a national executive committee. So far the network
has implemented campaigns on the following issues:
(i) democracy with autonomous local government
(February – March 2001), (ii) building critical
opinion and people’s participation in PRSP
(June – September 2002), (iii) demand for
autonomous local government and donor independent
public participatory election monitoring (September
– December 2002), (iv) taking position on
the eve of LDC Dhaka ministerial for preparation
of WTO Cancun meeting (May – June 2003),
(v) national round table on civil society positioning
on WTO (September 2003), (vi) position against
neo-liberal economic reforms to promote economic
justice (January 2004) and (vii) corruption free
Bangladesh by 2006 and demanding an independent
anti corruption commission (January 2004).
In the beginning of the millennium World Bank
and International Monetary Fund (IMF) realized
that in terms of poverty reduction, their Structural
Adjustment Programs have not been succeeded as
expected. Therefore, they have advised developing
countries to prepare a Poverty Reduction Strategy
Paper (PRSP), corresponding with the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs), which is supposed to
be owned by the respective country as a long term
planning. PRSP will be considered as a precondition
to their PRGF (Poverty Reduction and Growth Facilities)
loan, which is 0.5 % interest based repaid by
ten years and with the first five years as grace
period. There will be no more five-year planning
in the countries that will go for this PRSP and
this document will have to have the vision and
planning for 15 years. There will be three years
rolling plan and the budget has to be prepared
within the frame of PRSP. The document has to
be approved by WB and IMF and they will monitor
the implementation of the document. Almost all
of the official donors/development partners accepted
the process of PRSP and committed themselves to
provide development assistance within the framework.
SUPRO believes that this is an opportunity to
have lively policy debates on poverty
reduction especially emphasizing the grass root
level, and accordingly apart from the government
initiatives SUPRO has taken the following initiatives
to create alternative options and create public
awareness both on PRSP process and its content.
During the seminar on 4th May 2004, six papers
were presented and around 40 speakers spoke in
the daylong seminar. Around 260 participants including
representatives from 45 districts, prominent policy
analysts, political leaders and government minister
and officials attended the seminar. The seminar
has adopted a declaration; and 7specific demands
of the declaration are described below.
1. Continue debate and civil society initiatives
on PRSP
Vibrant civil society is one of the lifelines
of the democracy in Bangladesh. Since 2002 SUPRO
is trying to promote critical opinion on the PRSP
process and its content emphasizing the grass
roots, basically to develop public opinion in
favor of pro poor PRSP to put pressure on government,
to create a public awareness of policy discourse
and sensitization of the relevant actors especially
the local NGOs and CSOs. SUPRO believes that this
policy debate and discussion should continue and
be encouraged.
2. We urge for strong political commitment on
poverty reduction
We welcome government’s recent efforts on
conducting workshops at divisional level on PRSP
to ensure wider participation. But in most cases
the bureaucrats and NGO leaders dominated the
process. We urged government to take initiatives
to encourage participation of political leaders;
it should be discussed in the parliament and in
the cabinet, too. We also demand opinion on the
PRSP from the opposition parties. Government should
consider the document as a document of national
ownership not a mere document just to receive
IMF loans.
3. International Financial Institutions (WB, IMF
and ADB) should prefer national agenda rather
than setting conditionalities
We observed that the IFIs (International Finance
Institutions) often give conditions, which are
not within the frame of PRSP or of national interest,
but related to creating open and liberalized markets.
There should be studies on the impact of those
conditions, whether those are reproducing poverty.
We urged IFIs to be committed to local agenda,
national interest and to keep promises within
the frame of PRSP.
4. Democratization of political system and respect
to the people’s right on livelihood are
the basic premises for achieving good governance,
which is essential for poverty reduction and establishing
rule of law
Need for democratization of political system and
to eliminate criminalization of politics have
become fundamental issues in the participatory
consultation as mentioned in the I-PRSP. Confrontation
and criminalization of politics made weak
and non-effective state institutions. Political
parties deserve the right to protest but it does
not mean to disrupt the normal people’s
right of livelihood. On the other hand to protect
the people’s right we do not expect that
the government would violate basic human rights.
We demand a legal framework within which the political
party system of the country will act democratically,
remain above criminalization, and show respect
to people’s basic rights of movement and
security for livelihood. Criminalization in politics
and the criminals entering into politics both
have to be prevented.
5. Slow progress in institutional reforms
is considered to be a breach of commitment
Government should start working on an Independent
Anti Corruption commission by this month; delay
in implementation of the commission is not acceptable
in any way. It is frustrating to note that government
again took time to facilitate separation of judiciary.
Public Expenditure Review Commission has submitted
a report, but there has been no action on the
report to reduce the revenue expenditure. Regarding
local government, there is no specific commitment
for implementation in PRSP. It is a popular demand
which was also mentioned in the election manifesto
of the party in power, that the government should
introduce Upazila system including full a bench
of civil and criminal courts. To facilitate strong
autonomous local government, we demand a permanent
local government commission.
There are some sections (5.80, 5.81, 5.82) in
I-PRSP, which have envisaged a progressive transitional
role of NGOs from mere service provider, to create
demand driven right claiming mechanism i.e., institutions
of the poor. I-PRSP has committed to eliminate
legal and other institutional barriers in this
regard. This implies facilitation of NGOs and
CSOs to continue work on human rights and governance,
which apparently may seem political but not partisan.
In section 3.8 rural people claim a separate TV
channel. We demand specific policy implications
on those issues in PRSP.
6. We demand increased subsidies, integrated,
and long term plan in agriculture
Agriculture is the main lifeline of the economy
that has been neglected; in fact there are no
policy changes as proposed in this sector in I-PRSP.
We have four specific proposals in this regard:
i. Subsidies should be increased four fold from
existing level so that the price of agriculture
input should be the same as in other countries
of South Asia. Subsidies should be planned in
such a way that it should not endanger our land
fertility and bio-diversity.
ii. Government should disclose the preparation
of “Plant Variety and Farmer’s Rights
Act”. Different stakeholders including farmers
should participate in the process.
iii. To have optimization of our land resource
government should frame a policy on land utilization
and distribution. NGO participation in land distribution
to the landless should be given due importance.
iv. Fishery and livestock development should be
integrated in agriculture development.
7. We are against blanket privatization; especially
for the sake of equitable national growth. We
demand a stronger and dominant role of state in
respect of public services and natural resources
management
We are against blanket privatization while our
state has been created to ensure fundamental services
and rights so that each and every citizen can
enjoy easy access to equitable growth. We do not
accept that the state loses its character related
to facilitating social welfare. We demand strong
role of state in respect of education, health,
transport, electricity, water and telephone services,
because these sectors are fundamental for equity
based national growth. Recently, cabinet meeting
has discussed a long-term plan on water. As water
is our natural resource and is the lifeline of
our population and the poor, the plan should be
made open for the participation of people. A priority
plan is expected from government to revive the
derelict canals, rivers and other water bodies
by freeing those from illegal occupations.
Brief proceeding of the Seminar held on May 4th
at CIRDAP Auditorium
At the very outset of the seminar Abdul Awal,
Chairperson SUPRO National Council welcomes all
the participants and mentioned the objectives
and process of the seminar. The first session
titled ‘PRSP Process and Content: Question
of Exclusion and Integration’ moderated
by Prof. Dr. Mainul Islam, Dean Social Science
Faculty, University of Chittagong and former president
of Bangladesh Economic Association. Mirza Shafiqur
Rahman, Mr. Arifur Rahman of Unnayan Samonnay
and Md. Shahid Ullah of SUPRO presented three
papers in this session respectively. Major comments
of panel discussants are as follows. Sanjib Drong
of Adivashi Forum demanded separate identity of
the indigenous people to include in the PRSP.
If indigenous people’s rights on their own
land and natural resources are acknowledged then
it is the indigenous people who can reduce their
own poverty by themselves. Sabbir bin Shams of
ActionAid has urged that people should engage
in debate with WB and IMF on their imposed policy
of neo liberal economics, which is being considered
as a guiding frame of PRSP, and in fact which
is reproducing poverty. He also mentioned that
present I-PRSP covers little on institutional
reforms and human development indicators. Shaheen
Anam of Manosher Jonno mentioned that women’s
participation in PRSP process is very marginal;
analysis on the situation based on right-based
approach is also not adequate. Dr. Uttam Kumar
Dev of CPD emphasizes the civil society representation
in the monitoring and implementation of PRSP activities,
which demand a free flow of information. Abul
Momen a renowned journalist from Chittagong emphasized
consideration of social values and culture in
preparation of PRSP. He mentioned that our social
values do not expect a society, which is based
on inequality and confrontation. PRSP process
has not considered those aspects. Dr. Atiur Rahman
of Unnayan Sommunay demanded that the PRSP should
be discussed in our parliament as PRSP has discussed
in parliament in Vietnam. He urged for increased
subsidy while it is only 3 % now and according
to WTO provision we can go up to 10 %. Dr. Kazi
Mesbah Uddin Ahmed of planning commission denied
of any pressure from WB or IMF. He welcomes any
suggestions on the process, which will be considered
to be included in the PRSP. He also mentioned
that we should be aware of the fact that due to
macro political situation, there will be a limitation
of implementation. He acknowledges the fact that
the agriculture should receive importance. In
concluding remarks Dr. Muinul Islam urged to reduce
the non productive expenditure including defense
, which is around 63 %, and resources should be
diverted to development sectors, he also urged
to prepare policies, which will lead eliminate
discrimination of service recipients in respect
of health and education.
The Second session titled ‘PRSP: Good Governance
and Institutional Reforms’ was moderated
by. Dr. Ahmed Kamal, Prof. University of Dhaka.
Dr. Tofail Ahmed, Prof. University of Chittagong
presented the keynote paper. Comments of panel
discussants are as follows. Mozahidul Islam Selim,
of Communist Party mentioned that PRSP is nothing
but a business document in view of neo liberal
economics. Shafiqul Gani Swapan, ex-minister demanded
reform in the process of political party system,
he mentioned that criminilzation of politics is
the root cause of all problems related to good
governance. Nur e Alam Ziku of Jatiya Samajtantrik
Dal mentioned that state apparatus still seems
colonial and primitive and thus all the benefits
is going to bureaucrats and autocrats. He mentioned
that still; we have to fight for a democratic
government. Farzana Naim of Manosher Jonno mentioned
her experiences of a lot of micro level good cases
initiated by people and local leaders in respect
of good governance. Rokeya Kabir of BNPS mentioned
that there should be difference of doing politics
and inclined to party politics, she mentioned
that every human being has right to do politics
as she or he cast votes. Advocate Sultana Kamal
of Ain O Salish Kendra mentioned that we should
consider human right while we prepare PRSP, there
should be strategy of equal distribution of national
wealth. Fate of 90 % population cannot be dependent
on 10 % people. Dr. Badiul Alam Mazumdar of the
Hunger Project indicated that there are a lot
of talk about decentralization but there were
not a single specific recommendation in strengthening
local government, the government are not allocating
right full adequate resources to the local governments.
He mentioned that accountability and transparency
could only be ensured through strengthening local
government institutions. Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman
of PPRC urged not to expect too much from PRSP
process, this is the society where individual
people and informal sector are the important players
rather than the role of leadership and formal
sector .Dr. Zafarullah Chowdhury of Gonoshastya
Kendro identified the bureaucracy as the major
factor and politicians are responsible to make
them corrupted. He mentioned that, we have adequate
infrastructure especially in health, what we need
proper use of those infrastructure.
The third session of the seminar titled ‘PRSP
: Instruments and Public Services’ moderated
by Prof. Dr. Tofail Ahmed, Professor Public Administration
Department, University of Chittagong. Mahfuz Kabir
of Unnayan Somunnay and Zakir Hossain of the Innovators
have presented papers in this session. Comments
of panel discussants are as follows. ANS Habibur
Rahman of Proshika urged to withdraw the stipend
support from secondary schools. He mentioned that
cash support is needed for minority and aboriginal
population. Rashed Al MahmudTitumir, of the Innovators
criticized the approach of Breton Woods Institutions.
This institution preaching privatization even
for health and education sectors, which are considered
as our basic human rights. He mentioned that we
earned considerable GDP in our economy, mostly
from agriculture, RMG sector and Remittance. But
government hardly supportive to the above sectors.
Nasreen Parvin Haq of ActionAid mentioned that
PRSP should focus on the rights issues of the
common mass. It should analyze what is the root
cause that we are not getting quality services
from the sector like education. Dr. Manjur Ahmed
of BRAC demanded that the educational institutions
should be free from politicalization.
Mustafizur Rahman Khan of Swa Unnayan Rajshahi
mentioned that the agriculture in Bangladesh is
mostly depends on the irrigation, but the surface
water sources are illegally occupied. PRSP should
address the issues. Shawkat Ali of Sirangonj mentioned
that cost of purchasing seeds from market is very
high and more over there are problems of hybrids
in proper production, there should be seed policy.
Dr. Nafis Ahmed from National Disable Forum mentioned
that 10 % of populations are disable, but there
are hardly any disable friendly policies in PRSP.
Major General (Rtd.) Anwarul Kabir Talukdar, State
Minister to the Ministry of Finance and Planning
denied any pressure from any donors or even from
WB and IMF. He expressed full optimism on country’s
natural resources and hardworking workforce. He
mentioned that Globalization has both the opportunities/merits
and demerits. He mentioned that we should develop
the mechanism to face demerits and utilizing opportunities
of globalization. He reiterated the fact that
Farmers are the backbone of our economy so we
have to support them on priority basis. He assured
that in the coming budget there would be around
taka 600 crores of subsidy in this sector. He
confirmed that the government would consider civil
society recommendations in this PRSP process especially
how to utilize the subsidies.
Prior to the concluding remarks from the moderator
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Secretary, SUPRO National
Council, AHM Bazlur Rahamn, Assistant Secretary,
SUPRO National Council, and Aminur Rasul Babul,
Head, SUPRO Secretariat read out the 7-piont-demand
declaration as the outcome from this seminar.
The demands readout as declaration have mentioned
earlier. In concluding remarks Dr. Tofail Ahmed,
reiterated the popular demand of bringing political
party within a legal framework so that the process
will have participation, transparency and accountability.
He also demanded freeing natural water bodies
from illegal occupation as these are common public
properties and he also urged government to protest
against Indian water linking project on trans-boundary
Rivers. Lastly he demanded firm commitment from
government to give immediate effect to the Anti
Corruption Commission Act 2004 and establishment
of Upazila Parishad.
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SUPRO
( Campaign
for Good Governance )
House 13/3, Road 2, Shamoli, Dhaka-1207.
Phone (PABX): +880-2-812 5181, 815 4673, +880174 014
203
Fax: +880-2-912 9395, Email:
info@supro.org
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