THE selection of advisers for Bangladesh鈥檚 interim government has raised concerns. Appointing controversial figures to these influential roles, which impact national policymaking at a crucial time, undermines the democratic principles that the nation has long fought to establish. This raises critical questions: Why are these individuals being chosen? Who is responsible for these selections? And what qualifications justify their appointments? The positions demand individuals with impeccable credentials, proven expertise, and a deep understanding of Bangladesh鈥檚 challenges. The selection process should be transparent and merit-based, reflecting the spirit of the July uprising and adhering to international standards. A rigorous, open selection process is essential to ensure that the most qualified individuals fill these roles. This not only strengthens the interim government鈥檚 credibility but also upholds the democratic ideals that the citizens of Bangladesh have struggled to achieve. To achieve this, a comprehensive, multi-step approach is necessary, drawing on international best practices for transparent governance.
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Open call for applications
TO ENSURE a diverse and highly qualified pool of candidates, the selection process for interim government advisers should begin with a global call for applications. This means actively seeking out Bangladeshi nationals with relevant expertise, regardless of their current location. By casting a wide net, the government can attract individuals with valuable experience in governance, policy, and social development from around the world. This inclusive approach not only increases the likelihood of finding the best possible candidates but also demonstrates a commitment to transparency and meritocracy. Furthermore, it creates an opportunity to identify individuals with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas who can bring new insights to the challenges facing Bangladesh.
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Clear criteria and qualifications
TRANSPARENCY requires that all criteria for these adviser roles be clear, specific, and publicly available. The government should establish objective standards emphasising relevant expertise in areas such as policy development, governance, and conflict resolution. Ideal candidates should hold advanced degrees, a record of relevant work experience, and demonstrate strong leadership skills and a commitment to ethical governance. Additionally, candidates should disclose any prior affiliations that could pose a conflict of interest, ensuring the selection of advisers with high integrity and impartiality. Setting these standards enables the selection committee to evaluate applicants consistently and fairly, creating a level playing field and reinforcing public trust. This approach ensures that candidates meet a baseline standard and that only those with proven expertise advance in the process.
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Initial screening and shortlisting
ONCE applications are received, an independent committee of experts should conduct an initial screening to evaluate each candidate鈥檚 qualifications and experiences. This committee should ideally consist of professionals with no direct political affiliations to avoid bias. During this stage, candidates would be reviewed based on their adherence to the published criteria and narrowed down to a manageable shortlist of those most qualified. Shortlisted candidates should be publicly announced, and summaries of their qualifications and backgrounds should be made available. This transparency enables citizens to learn about the potential advisers before they advance to the interview stage, fostering public trust in the selection process.
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Public and televised interview process
A CRUCIAL part of the selection process would be the interview stage, which should be conducted in a public and televised format. Holding these interviews live on television or through a publicly accessible online platform provides full transparency and allows citizens to evaluate the candidates themselves. During the interviews, candidates should address questions on policy, governance, and their vision for the country鈥檚 future. They should also clarify their understanding of the role of an adviser in an interim government and how they intend to remain impartial.
This approach to live interviews reflects international standards seen in countries with highly transparent governance processes. Broadcasting the interviews enables citizens to witness the candidates鈥� responses, gain insight into their values and motivations, and assess their potential for impartiality and effective leadership.
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Background checks and public scrutiny
FOLLOWING the interviews, the shortlisted candidates should undergo thorough background checks and a period of public scrutiny. Background checks verify educational and professional histories, while public input provides additional oversight. Citizens should be encouraged to share any relevant information about the candidates, especially concerning past affiliations or ethical concerns. This stage empowers citizens to participate in the vetting process and aligns with the best practice of allowing civil society involvement in selecting public officials.
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Final selection based on consensus
THE final selection should be based on a broad consensus involving multiple stakeholders, including representatives from political parties, students, civil society, the judiciary, and independent experts. This consensus-based approach would reduce the likelihood of politically motivated selections and ensure that the advisers chosen are truly the most qualified and suitable for their roles. Involving multiple perspectives in the final decision helps safeguard against bias and reinforces the transparency of the selection process.
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Public announcement and regular oversight
ONCE advisers are selected, a public announcement should clearly explain the reasoning behind each choice. This announcement should include brief biographies of the chosen advisers, outlining how they meet the established criteria and why they were selected over other candidates. To maintain transparency, the government should provide regular public updates on the advisers鈥� work and their contributions to policy development. An independent oversight body should also be appointed to monitor the advisers鈥� performance, ensuring they adhere to ethical standards and the interim government鈥檚 objectives. This body should publish regular reports on the advisers鈥� work to keep the public informed and ensure accountability.
While this process requires time and coordination, it guarantees that only the most qualified individuals are appointed. It demonstrates respect for Bangladesh鈥檚 citizens, aligning with democratic ideals and international standards for transparent governance. Such a process affirms that the government is a shared responsibility, not a privilege reserved for a select few with connections or alliances. By ensuring an open, merit-based selection, Bangladesh honours the legacy of its struggle for independence and self-determination.
Bangladesh is not a family-run business; it belongs to its citizens. Every decision made by the interim government should reflect this fundamental principle. Allowing citizens a role in the selection of advisers through a transparent and participatory process is vital for upholding the democratic values that the nation has long championed. By establishing a rigorous, merit-based selection process, Bangladesh can ensure that its interim government advisers truly serve the people, maintaining the integrity of its democratic institutions and setting a standard of transparency for the future.
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Shahin Hossain is a research fellow at the University of Maryland, USA.
