Issues in implementation of public policies: The involvement of the army in the law and order sector in Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh had been passing through a crisis, acute and unprecedented, for a considerable time. Lawlessness, misadministration, corruption at every level and smuggling had brought the country to the brink of the abyss. It was not possible for the police to restore law and order in the country for a number of reasons, one among which was that a section of them are extremely corrupt and reportedly connive in giving shelter to violent terrorists, drug traders and smugglers. Finding no other alternative, the Government of Bangladesh deployed the army on 17th October, 2002, in a campaign against crime. The operation was given the nomenclature Operation Clean Heart’. Operation Clean Heart’ sent fear into the hearts of those who ruled our lives by fear and held us captive in their reign of terror. It also brought us a sense of relief that is comparable to that of the people when liberating forces enter occupied territories. All said and done, the army campaign has loosened the noose of crime around our necks, however short-lived it may be. This goes counter to the view that programmes which require major organisational changes will be difficult to carry out and are unlikely to be successfully implemented.