The University of Sheffield
Department of Politics

PhD Student: M Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury

Mukhlesur ChowdhuryDetails

Email: mukhles.chowdhury@sheffield.ac.uk

Working Thesis Title: Political impasses and the development of policy towards solving the problem of Bangladeshi governance.

Start Year: 2011

Supervisors

Katharine Adeney and Ian Bache

Research Topic Summary

The interest is to complete a piece of research in order to add as far as possible to a system of good practice for governments following years of military intervention, with a focus on Bangladesh. I plan to draw on my own experiences as well as established literature. Aim of this study is, particularly, to identify ways of remedying bottle necks in the current system and ways in which government institutions can operate to the full of their potential. Through analysis of the information gathered I hope to make recommendations that will aid in the country’s progress.

Research Objectives

  1. To investigate the current Bangladeshi government, and the political systems which invited the interruption by military forces of the statecraft of Bangladesh, and how to address the problem?
  2. To achieve the above broad objective, the study will pursue other more specific objectives, those being:

Reasoning for pursuing this research

With 160 million people, Bangladesh ranks among the dozen poorest countries in the world with a per capita income of less than $520 a year (World Bank: 2008), has the highest density of population in the world (948/sq.km.). Although poverty declined during the last decade by one per cent per year (59 % in 1999 to 49% in 2001 (HIES: 2001), more than 63 million people still continue to live below the poverty line. The political turmoil has its roots in the compromises sometimes required in Asia's more fragile democracies. As a relatively young country the reestablishment of parliamentary democracy in 1991 following years of military dictatorship was an important achievement.

In spite of two general elections in 1996 and 2001 under caretaker governments the political situation in Bangladesh in recent years has raised doubts about the future course of democracy in the country. Bangladesh has witnessed nationwide strikes and parliamentary boycotts by the opposition party of the day, a spate of political violence and terrorism. On 11 January 2007 Bangladesh’s military installed a caretaker government (CTG), and declared a state of emergency. In the aftermath of the democratic transition, the political parties face the ongoing challenge of making parliament work. As someone who has been personally affected by the situation, and still having a great affection for the country, I see it as essential that a model for good governance is available to enable the country to progress. I would hope that my research could contribute to this. I will also bring the advantage of close ties with the Bangladeshi community, meaning a network of contacts for primary research can be built easily. Finally I will bring unique first-hand information due to my former position in the Bangladeshi government.

Research interests

Consolidation of Democracy and good Governance in Bangladesh following the British legacy, Pakistani legacy and the legacy of the War of Secession in line with Historical Institutionalism.

Publications

Contemporary Journalism, Bindings in Protocol and published two Governmental historical books on Hundred Years of 'Bangabhaban', while had been in the Government.

Articles

Published many articles in journals and books and also was interviewed by both print and electronic media frequently. Observed national and international politics very closely and was attached with world dignitaries for long time.

Education

Awards

Professional Activities

Had been a career journalist since 80's. Worked as Diplomatic, Political as well as Parliamentary Special Correspondent and Editor of number of newspapers. Was elected President of Overseas Correspondents Association Bangladesh - OCAB and first Joint Secretary General of Commonwealth Journalists Association, Bangladesh.

Attended UN General Assemblies, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings-CHoGM, SAARC, OIC and NAM Summits and many conferences worldwide and participated number of trainings. Besides, delivered lectures in trainings for journalists and government officials in home and abroad as a Resource Person.

Professional Affiliations

Experience in Governance and Politics

Played very important role in 2006-07 as the Adviser to the President and Minister of State during volatile situation of Bangladesh. Before joining as the Adviser and Minister had served as the Press Secretary and Spokesman of the President and Chief Adviser.

Teaching

Part-Time Teacher in Press Institute of Bangladesh 1991-1996.

TV Programme

Conducted Live TV Programme in BTV, ATN etc.

http://mukhlesurrahmanchowdhury.webs.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mukhlesur_Rahman_Chowdhury