They attributed corruption as one of the stigmas attached to good governance issues, and demanded its complete elimination.

The five-day regional workshop has begun in the city to prepare guidelines for good governance in 14 member countries of the CIRDAP including Bangladesh.

The Commonwealth Secretariat, in association with the CIRDAP, has organised the workshop.

Speaking as chief guest, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan said good governance needs changes in attitudes and practices of the people from all walks of life including members of the government, opposition, civil society, NGOs and donors.

"This is a tough and gradual process even in the best circumstances.

In the short and medium terms, there will be both winners and losers. But in the long term, there will be only winners," he added.

The LGRD minister said the government is actively working on the separation of the judiciary from the executive to build up a system of accountability in the country.

He stressed the need for expanding basic education and strengthening local government institutions including an active role of the NGOs, civil society groups and the press to ensure good governance.

Dr Kamal Uddin Siddiqui, principal secretary to the prime minister, said both short and long term guidelines should be formulated to ensure good governance. Guidelines lying in the shelves and gathering dust are useless, he added.

Dr Siddiqui said the guidelines should be formulated not only for central government but also for local government bodies, NGOs, political parties and trade unions.

"There are plenty of examples to show that many civil society organisations, which are pointing fingers at the government on governance issues, are themselves lacking in accountability, financial integrity and transparency," he added.

CIRDAP Director General Dr Mya Maung said good governance is considered to help reduce poverty, provide access to quality services and achieve reasonably high standard of life.

Dr B Sudhakar Rao, a senior CIRDAP official, and the secretary to the rural development and co-operatives division also spoke at the inaugural session.