Keeping bureaucracy under political control

Abstract

This article examines the complex nature of bureaucracy, describing it as a necessary but often "annoying" system due to red-tapism and rigid rules. Rahman argues that in a democratic society, bureaucrats are agents hired to implement the policy plans and actions of elected public representatives. He warns against "hostile takeovers" of bureaucracy in countries with weak laws, where bureaucratic power might overshadow democratic control. The author highlights that democratic governments are obliged to make their policy planning transparent to the public, unlike non-democratic regimes where bureaucracy may ignore the needs of general people.