Speaking at a seminar, he said there is no question about the need to increase accountability and transparency in public services, but the government will have to be careful about the flip sides of going all out against the corrupt elements.

Titled "To the MDGs [Millennium Development Goals] and Beyond: Accountability and Institutional Innovation in Bangladesh", the seminar was organised by the World Bank (WB) and East-West University (EWU) at the varsity auditorium in the city.

Azizul said the present government has been in a 'war against graft' and the dishonest public servants are not out of its reach. But one of the drawbacks is "this has created some kind of uncertainty and panic among the government officials". "I would welcome suggestions from any quarters on how to develop transparency and accountability in public expenditure while minimising adverse consequences," he added.

The adviser also said the government is considering building a partnership with the NGOs in delivery of public services to make the most of limited national resources.

"I've already approved three contracts for three municipalities to contract out medical services to NGOs and they were selected through transparent tender process," Azizul said.

Citing recent statistics, he said Bangladesh is keeping pace with India and Pakistan in pursuing the MDGs despite having lower per capita income than both the South Asian countries.

In some areas like water and sanitation services, the country has outdone the two countries.

He, however, noted that the government cannot afford to be complacent when some very difficult challenges lie ahead.

WB Country Director Xian Zhu said he is encouraged by the way the caretaker government is working to bring about an atmosphere conducive to attaining the MDGs and carrying out the poverty reduction programmes.

He said the policymakers and development practitioners should use this "unique and historic time" to debate policies to strengthen the development policies and their implementation.

Qaiser M Khan, lead human development specialist for South Asia Region, presented a study report at the seminar. Founder vice-chancellor of EWU Mohammad Farashuddin made the welcome remarks while acting vice-chancellor Mohammad Musa chaired the discussion. Manzur Ahmed, director of Institute of Education Development at Brac University, Prof Ahmed Neaz of American International University of Bangladesh (AIUB) and AK Enamul Haque of EWU were the other discussants.