Presently, the Security Council is composed of 15 members, including five permanent members---victors of World War II. The panel proposes to have 24 members in the Council, which includes six permanent members from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

These are: Japan and India in Asia, Egypt and either South Africa or Nigeria in Africa, Germany in Europe and Brazil in Latin America. According to panel's suggestion, new six permanent members would not enjoy veto power.

In a cursory glance at the proposal there appear to have flaws. It recognises nuclear power and non-democratic country as permanent members, which violates the principle of the world body. India has joined the nuclear club in 1988, but it remains outside the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Similarly, Egypt is a dictatorial state. There has been no democracy in Egypt whose leader has apparently been grooming his son to take over the leadership (power).

India has been experiencing democratic polity since inception. With largest democracy coupled with growing economy and huge population, India, of course, deserves place in the world body in spite of objection from China and Pakistan. The United States has also reservation about India to become permanent member in the Security Council. Recently Germany, Japan and India have talked to and agreed upon to support each other's candidature. Germany has received positive response from China about its membership in the Security Council, but America did not show any interest as yet.

America is reticent to Berlin's bid to have a permanent seat because of Germany's strong opposition to invasion of Iraq by America in 2003.Recent discussion with leaders of the congressional task force on the United Nations reveals that the United States does not think there is reason for giving seat to another member of the European Union. However, most European countries have endorsed Germany's candidature except Italy, which is opposed to Germany's bid, but is in favour of rotating membership among European countries.

If Egypt is considered from Muslim population point of view, I am afraid that would not be justified at all. There are at least three large Muslim countries. These are Indonesia, Bangladesh and Pakistan although none belongs to Africa. But the selection of Egypt does not speak of reality. Apart from reforming the Security Council, there is a need to revamp the General Assembly and financial aspect of the world body as well.

In spite of the solemn pledges made by the founding fathers of the world body on 26th June 1945, we see today bloodshed continues unabated in Africa and Middle East. Chechens are suppressed by brute military forces of Russia. Iraq is the glaring example of the failure of the world body to prevent unauthorised illegal war. Kashmir remains unresolved in spite of its resolutions to resolve the thorny issue. In spite of 60 resolutions Israel did not vacate occupied Arab lands. Since 1964 the UN has been experiencing series of setbacks, which have considerably reduced its effectiveness.

Democracy and respect for human rights should be the criteria to become a permanent member of the Security Council. This message would not, however, be welcomed in Moscow and Beijing, both permanent members with veto power. As a matter of fact, veto power is tantamount to an undemocratic exercise. In view of the misuse of veto power by big powers, particularly by America in the recent past, abolition of veto power needs to be considered. This has become all the more imperative as the five permanent members are reluctant to extend veto power to the proposed new members. Consensus of the members in the Security Council on any conflict or security problem should be guiding factor in taking decision.

To make Security Council an effective organ of the world body the working methods should be more transparent and more democratic. If necessary, the charter may be amended.

General Assembly should be treated as the Parliament of the world body: 191 member states of the world meet in the General Assembly every year. Any resolution on world events passed by two-thirds majority of the General Assembly should be binding on the member state or states to implement instead of referring to the Security Council. According to article 11 of the charter, any such question on which action is necessary shall be referred to the Security Council by the General Assembly either before or after discussion. Article 12 is also relevant, which gives the impression that General Assembly is ineffective and subservient to the Security Council. Therefore, charter needs to be amended to make the General Assembly more effective.

The world body has been experiencing financial crisis, which often compels it to limit or even terminate its functions. Therefore, the need for reform here should be looked into. Many developing countries have laid emphasis on eliminating outdated or duplicative agencies and programmes. Many countries, including America, sometimes become defaulter. US House of Representatives has passed a bill on June 17, 2005 to withhold half of its dues unless the UN brought about changes in its bureaucracy, peacekeeping missions and the rules for its human rights organisations. This decision of US congress signals bad precedent linking contribution to UN with that of reforms of the world body. A reform in the world body is the collective responsibility of 191 members.

The United Nations employs more than 50,000 people at the New York headquarters. There are a total of 18,000 employed in its various agencies. There are roughly 2,200 high ranking officials at the United Nations Secretariat. In view of the constraint of fund there is a need to reduce the number of personnel at the UN secretariat to begin with. A mechanism would be introduced to prevent misuse of the financial contributions in, say, obtaining privilege and special status.

The United Nations must keep itself fit to meet any demand any time any where and should not under any circumstances surrender its sovereignty to any power. All member states should pay their dues regularly and play their due part for the sake of making it more democratic, effective and efficient on the basis of the principles enshrined in the charter.

Mohammad Amjad Hossain, a former Bangladesh diplomat, now resides in Virginia.