To Whom It May Concern,
In March 2022, an application for the approval of Dhaka Opinion Magazine, an online magazine that publishes articles, commentaries, editorial views, and letters, was submitted. It has already turned out to be around four months. But there is no progress regarding the approval of the online magazine. I do not know whether the documents are under police verification or not. Of course, this is not the only example of a delay in the activities of the government departments. Indeed, many apply to different government departments for a wide variety of purposes. Consequently, many do not get the service in a timely manner and are denied their economic freedom.
Of course, the delay in government activities or services may be because of a lack of resources including human resources, an inadequately developed system and the overburden of applications. But there are some other reasons including nepotism and corruption. Indeed, many newspapers and other sources indicate that there are corrupt practices in different government departments. Thus, it is not surprising to say that corruption helps some applications/initiatives to be quickly considered and permitted and other initiatives to be delayed. Moreover, there are political considerations. Because of political lobbying, some get government services including the approval from the concerned departments for newspapers, television channels and magazines earlier, some get in delay, or some may not get approval at all.
I do not know which factor is behind the delay in providing the approval for Dhaka Opinion Magazine, a global magazine that publishes with an aim to help to develop economic, social, political and other conditions across countries around the world. Of course, reasons are not unknown to the concerned authorities regarding the delay in the approval of this and other initiatives. But the delay in providing government approval especially for economic initiatives is unacceptable altogether because of significant economic and other harm. Thus, it is desired that measures are taken to make sure that the concerned authorities provide the approval of the stated magazine and other economic initiatives in Bangladesh in the quickest possible time.
Of course, efficiency needs to be improved in different government departments. Given that there are pending works, the process should be made easier so that those who apply for different purposes are not deprived. Moreover, if there is any negligence in the consideration of the applications of the magazine and other economic purposes, it is desired that those who are responsible are brought to justice so that government organizations turn to be more service friendly.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
