Asian Center for Democratic Governance >> Strengthening Democratic Governance

A Report by the Asian Center for Democratic Governance
17 - 18 March 2002
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Program:

  • About this Report
  • Agenda
  • Welcoming Remarks
  • Message from NED
  • Inaugural Address
  • Session 1:
    An Overview of the Functioning of Democracy in the Region
  • Session 2:
    Conflict Management through Democratic Institutions
  • Session 3:
    Fighting Corruption through Greater Transparency
  • Session 4:
    Elevating the Role of Women in Public Life
  • Concluding Session
  • Conference Presenters
  • View Entire Report in PDF

    • Inaugural Address

    M. MORSHED KHAN

    The practice of democracy is indispensable for establishing broad-based growth, maintenance of social stability, and conflict resolution. Primarily, good governance must ensure accountability, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of the people, and accommodate divergent views for the greater public interest.

    Impartial electoral processes must ensure that people are free to vote without fear and with predictable frequency. South Asia shares some formidable problems in this area, such as a large population base, management of large constituencies, campaign financing, and ensuring violence free voting. How people from all segments of our society can have a say in governance, especially disadvantaged groups, merits serious consideration.

    No effort should be spared to create effective connections between people and the government. This calls for a more active role for citizens, not merely as voters, but also as beneficiaries and empowered partners in social, economic, and political development.

    The three important subjects before us-conflict resolution, fighting corruption, and the role of women in public life-are all complex issues of great relevance for South Asia. Though we may not achieve uniform responses given the diversities in our societies, we may at least hope to understand more fully the challenges that lie ahead.
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