Efficacy of Rules of Business, 1996 of Bangladesh: Challenges and Prospectus of Application for Public Policy

Abstract

Rules of Business (ROB) bear significance of day to day activities of the government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh and also demarcate of policy process, policy actions, activities and functions of different government institutions, divisions, department and agencies. Policy process has become a crux issue for development initiatives and governance process over last few decades having huge population burden in Bangladesh. Bangladesh emerged as an independent country since 16^th December, 1971. Prime Minister was the head of the government since independence of Bangladesh from 16^th December, 1971 to 25^th January, 1975. By the fourth amendment of the constitution of People’s Republic of Bangladesh passing on 25 January, 1975, Presidential form of government was introduced in the place of parliamentary form of government; one party system was familiarized in lieu of multi-party system. In addition to, the power of the Jatiya Sangsad were curtailed. By the amendment, President was the head of both the government and the state in the place of Prime Minister was the head of government. In addition to, the Twelfth amendment of the constitution was passed in the parliament on 6^th August, 1991 and restored parliamentary form of government and it is what the parliament it was before 25^th January, 1975. Prime Minister is the head of the executive, presided over the cabinet (highest apex body of policy decisions), have power to abolish or construct a new ministry or division without consultation of other designated authority or parliament and head of the party. Furthermore, he has strong influence to formulate any public policy. Generally, The Prime Minister of Bangladesh possesses more than 10 ministries and divisions and may interfere with prescribed necessary advice imposed decisions on ministries and divisions.

Keywords: Rules of Business, Public Policy, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Cabinet, Allocation of Business, Ministry of Public Administration, President.