TIB hails National Defence Policy

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today hailed the draft of the National Defence Policy-2018, terming it as a landmark decision of the government in establishing good governance in the country.

"It is a landmark decision of the government and consistent with its policy in establishing good governance," TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman came up with the remark in a press statement.

The cabinet yesterday approved the draft based on the current defence policy formulated by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1974.

All paramilitary and auxiliary forces will come under the operational command of armed forces in times of war or crisis under the guideline of the National Defence Policy-2018.

In the statement, Iftekharuzzaman also urged the government to create an opportunity for people as stakeholder so that they can put forward their opinion before giving final nod to the policy.    

"It is very imperative for the national defence and security. TIB expects that a scope to formulate the policy in a participatory manner will be created if people are allowed to put forward their opinion in this regard," the statement said.

The people have rights to know the pros and cons of the defence policy, Iftekharuzzaman said adding that the people's engagement in formulating the policy is an integral part of democratic practice.

The national defence policy will be more people friendly if they are given the scope to place their opinion, he said.