[🇧🇩] Everything about the interim government and its actions

[Saif]

Govt forms 4 more commissions

The government has announced the formation of four new commissions to carry out reforms in the areas of mass media, health, labour rights, and women affairs.

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Govt forms 4 more commissions
They will work on reforms to mass media, health, labour rights and women affairs

The government has announced the formation of four new commissions to carry out reforms in the areas of mass media, health, labour rights, and women affairs.

Journalist and columnist Kamal Ahmed will head the commission on mass media while National Professor Dr AK Azad Khan will lead the commission on health affairs.

Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, executive director of Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies, will oversee the commission on labour rights, and Shireen Parveen Haque, executive council member of Nari Paksha, will head the commission on women affairs.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan shared the decision of the advisory council at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy yesterday.

"We hope we will be able to inform you [journalists] about all the members of the four commissions within the next seven to 10 days," she said.

The commission chiefs have been tasked with preparing the lists of the members, the adviser added.

With these four new commissions, the interim government has so far formed 10 to carry out reforms to different sectors.

Talking about the issues discussed in yesterday's advisory council meeting, Rizwana said the list of martyrs of the July-August uprising came up for discussion.

"A verified list of the martyrs has already been prepared. We are facing difficulties in preparing the lists of the martyrs and the injured as instructions were given to remove documents [of the dead and injured] from hospitals. Despite having information [about the dead and the injured] from many places, we cannot cross-check those with the information at hospitals."

Apart from the verified list, the government has another list and the names included in it are currently being scrutinised, the adviser said.

Investigations into removal of documents from hospitals are underway, Rizwana said, adding that those responsible for removing documents will be brought to book.

Speaking at the briefing, Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Mahfuj Alam said the advisory council has decided to provide Tk 30 lakh to each of the families of those martyred in the uprising.

"In the first phase, the government will provide Tk 30 lakh to the families of the martyred. Similar arrangements will be made for those who will be added to the list [of martyrs] after scrutiny."

The list of martyrs is being verified by the July Memorial Foundation, Mahfuj said.

He said the government will take initiatives next week to rehabilitate the injured.

Talking about media freedom, Rizwana said the government believes in freedom of the media. She, however, said the media should avoid spreading fake news or disinformation.

"We are not interfering in the freedom of speech in any way. This is our principle. You [journalists] are saying and writing whatever you want to say or write. However, some information is being distorted on social media with the aim to spread propaganda. Some false information is also being presented and boosted."

Asked whether a commission on reforms to education will be formed, the environment adviser said discussions on education reforms are going on to make the education system modern, effective, and time-befitting.

"Once a decision is reached, we will make an announcement," she said.

About the government's response to demonstrations by teachers to press home various demands, Rizwana said, "Those who are protesting have spokespersons. The government never closed its doors. The doors are open for those who are protesting."​

 

[Saif]

Asif Nazrul seeks apology for price hike of essentials

Apologising to the people for the price hike of essential commodities, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has said the government is working hard and making joint efforts to improve the situation

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Asif Nazrul seeks apology for price hike of essentials

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul. Star file photo.

Apologising to the people for the price hike of essential commodities, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has said the government is working hard and making joint efforts to improve the situation.

"We are working very hard [to resolve the issue]. We are working together," he said.

The law adviser made the remarks when Daily Manabzamin Chief Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury wanted to know about the issue during a programme titled "Ajker Songbadpotro" hosted by Channel I late last night.

Asif Nazrul said the impact of the floods is reducing and the winter is approaching. "We expect the situation will improve to a great extent. In some areas, the situation has already started improving," he added.

The law adviser said it was a syndicate involved in importing commodities during the previous government.

He acknowledged that the syndicate is very powerful, noting that it is not that much easy.

The government is trying its best to deal with the issues of essential commodities, he said.

He also highlighted the steps taken so far to cool down the market, Asif said.​

 

[Saif]

Yunus to hold talks with more political parties today

The Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, as part of the ongoing talks with stakeholders including political parties, will hold talks with another group of...

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Yunus to hold talks with more political parties today
Staff Correspondent 18 October, 2024, 19:16

Professor Muhammad Yunus | AFP file photo

The Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, as part of the ongoing talks with stakeholders including political parties, will hold talks with another group of political parties today.

Fifteen political parties and alliances, including Gono Forum, Liberal Democratic Party and Andaleeve Rahman-led Bangladesh Jatiya Party, Jatiyatabadi Samamana Jote, 12 Party Alliance, Jatiya Mukti Council, and Labour Party, are scheduled to join today’s dialogue.

‘The chief adviser will meet leaders of several political parties on Saturday as part of the ongoing dialogue with them,’ the Chief Adviser’s Office said in a statement on Friday.

The chief adviser’s deputy press secretary, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, on Tuesday shared the schedule, saying that the dialogue was an ongoing process and any further decision would be communicated accordingly in this regard.

Today’s dialogue will be the second such dialogue in the second spell of talks that began on October 6 with the participation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, the Jamaat-e-Islami, the Communist Party of Bangladesh, and some other political parties.

The key purpose of the dialogue is to inform the political parties about the progress of the reforms initiated by the interim government and seek their suggestions.

Formed after the August 5 fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime amid a student-led mass uprising, the Yunus-led interim government has taken the reform initiatives.

On September 12, the government formed six commissions to reform the electoral system, police, judiciary, public administration, constitution, and anti-corruption, and the commissions have already started their activities.

Four more reform commissions were formed on Thursday, aiming at reforms in the sectors involving health, mass media, workers’ rights, and women’s affairs.​

 

[Saif]

Next election in Bangladesh realistically possible by 2025: Asif Nazrul

Adviser for law, justice and parliamentary affairs Asif Nazrul said that the next national elections could be arranged by the next year after completing the pre-election preparations, including...

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Next election in Bangladesh realistically possible by 2025: Asif Nazrul
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 18 October, 2024, 10:34

Asif Nazrul | Collected photo

Adviser for law, justice and parliamentary affairs Asif Nazrul said that the next national elections could be arranged by the next year after completing the pre-election preparations, including formation of a new election commission through a search committee.

‘I think realistically, holding the election can be possible by the next year. There are many factors. This is a preliminary assumption to me,’ he said.

The adviser made the remarks when Daily Manabzamin editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury wanted to know about the election timing during a TV programme late Thursday night.

Asif said that a search committee would be formed soon to help form the new election commission. The new EC would then prepare a flawless voters’ list and then election would be held.

Responding to a question on ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, the adviser said that there was an extradition treaty with India and Hasina should be returned to Bangladesh if India obeyed by the treaty.

He said that it would be protested strongly from the Bangladesh side if India tried to talk about a provision that it was not done in ‘good faith’. ‘India is certainly bound to return Hasina if India honestly interprets this.’

Asif mentioned that he had never said that any journalist would be tried in the International Crimes Tribunal. It was a big misinterpretation of what he actually said in overall context.

He said that chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus held the most of the consultations with the student leaders and it was logically done.

The adviser acknowledged tremendous work pressure on him and he had enjoyed much freedom in the past compared to the current position.

Seeking apology to the people, who are suffering due to the price hike of essential commodities, the adviser said that the government was working hard and taking joint efforts to improve the situation.

‘I am seeking apology to you. I feel so bad. This is intolerable to us. We are working very hard.

We are working together,’ he said.

Asif said that the impact of the floods was reducing and the winter was approaching. ‘We expect the situation will improve to a great extent. In some areas, the situation has already started improving.

The adviser said that it was a syndicate, involved in importing commodities during the previous government. The syndicate was very powerful and not that much easy.

‘The government is doing in every possible way to deal with the issues of essential commodities and highlighted the steps taken so far in cooling down the market,’ Asif said.

The adviser acknowledged that the issue gave mental pains to all of them in the government.​

 

[Saif]

Action against those who file 'harassment' cases: home adviser

The adviser said instructions have also been given by the ministry in this regard

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Action against those who file 'harassment' cases: home adviser

Photo: Collected

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today warned that action will be taken against those who file harassment cases.

"Appropriate action will be taken against those, who are filing cases against innocent people, threatening to sue them to extort money," the adviser said while addressing reporters during a visit at the Border Guard Bangladesh Rajshahi Sector Headquarters.

The adviser said instructions have also been given by the ministry in this regard.

Responding to a query that police have yet to start policing on field in full swing, the adviser said the situation of the police has improved a lot compared to the situation after August 5.

He said, "There was trauma among police. I cannot fix anything right away. But slowly the situation is improving. We have to give it a bit more time."

Responding to another query, He said there has been huge corruption not only in agricultural mechanisation but also in the field of fertilisers.

"We are investigating in this regard. Action will be taken against those who are guilty. Two people have already been taken into custody," said Jahangir, also the adviser to the agriculture ministry.

Asked whether the government has any information about Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and former foreign minister Hasan Mahmud, the home adviser said, "We do not have any specific information about them."

"However, if you have such information, you can help us with the information, in which case you will be rewarded," the adviser said addressing journalists.

He urged journalists to find out more information through investigative journalism.

The adviser said there was no government from August 5 to 7. At that time, most of the criminals fled the country, he claimed.

Replying to a query about the government's move to bring back Sheikh Hasina and Quader following the issuance of arrest warrants against them by the International Crimes Tribunal, Jahangir said the foreign adviser briefed the media in this regard.

"We have an agreement with India in this regard. We will definitely follow this agreement," he said.

BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddique, Rangpur Region Commander Brigadier General SM Zahidur Rahman, and Rajshahi Sector Commander Colonel Md Imran Ibne A Rouf were present on the occasion.

Earlier, the adviser addressed a darbar for the officers working in BGB Rajshahi Sector Headquarters and Rajshahi Battalion (BGB-1).​

 

[Saif]

Only CA can announce polls timing

Two days after commenting on the possibility of the next election being held in 2025, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul yesterday clarified that only the chief adviser of the interim government has the authority to make such an announcement.

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Only CA can announce polls timing
Says law adviser

Two days after commenting on the possibility of the next election being held in 2025, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul yesterday clarified that only the chief adviser of the interim government has the authority to make such an announcement.

"An election is a highly important policy decision and its timing will be determined under the leadership of the chief adviser. Only he has the authority to make such an announcement," Nazrul wrote on his verified Facebook page.

Nazrul's comment came a day after his colleague and Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain said no such issue was discussed at the meeting of the advisory council on Thursday.

"Election will be held when the government will say so," Khalid said at a views exchange meeting with journalists at the conference room of Cox's Bazar Circuit House.

At a Channel I programme titled "Ajker Patrika" on Thursday, Nazrul said the next national election could be arranged by 2025 after completing the pre-election preparations, including the formation of a new Election Commission through a search committee.

"I think realistically, holding the election can be possible by next year," he said.

A search committee will be formed soon to help constitute the new Election Commission, which will then create an accurate voters' list, paving the way for the election.

Nazrul's comments came at a time when several political parties including BNP are seeking a clear-cut timeframe for the 13th general elections.

When a journalist sought his comment over Nazrul's comment, Khalid said: "I joined the cabinet (advisory council) meeting yesterday [Thursday] and no such [polls timeline] discussion was held at the meeting."

Nazrul then gave a clarification of his comment on his verified Facebook page yesterday.

There is a possibility that the next election may be held in 2025 but there are certain factors.

"I didn't have the opportunity to fully explain these factors during the programme. However, from the government's stance, it is clear that reforms and political consensus are being discussed as prerequisites for the election. These are the factors I was referring to."

Nazrul said that he also mentioned the need for reforms during the programme.

Additionally, he elaborated on other key factors, such as the formation of the search committee and the Election Commission, as well as the preparation of the voter list. If these aspects are properly addressed, an election may indeed take place next year.

"However, I emphasised that this is only my initial assessment. Unfortunately, some media outlets have presented this conditional speculation as an official election announcement. With all due respect, this is not accurate," he wrote.​

 

[Saif]

Balancing diplomacy, reform and competitiveness

The core competitiveness of Bangladesh is tied to our culture.

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Balancing diplomacy, reform and competitiveness

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus meets with the UNDP delegation to discuss comprehensive institutional reforms in Bangladesh. The meeting took place at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. PHOTO:UNDP

Bangladesh is one of the youngest nations on the planet. The recent political changes in the country have offered us an opportunity to rethink, revisit, reevaluate, and rebrand the competitiveness of Bangladesh. This is highlighted by the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's visit to the Summit of the Future 2024 in New York. The support of the world leaders to an 84-year-old statesman who needed no introduction at the UN was overwhelming. His speeches, handshakes, hugs, presentations, meetings, receptions, and photo sessions were good public relations for a two-month-old government. Perhaps, we are entering a new era of diplomacy.

As we bring stability, restructure governance, and work towards an impartial election, let us add another task to the list—enhancing Bangladesh's global competitiveness. It is a long-term venture guided by clear goals, pragmatic policies, persistent efforts, and patriotic leadership. The contemporary competitiveness of China is an outcome of the policies laid by Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai 75 years ago. Lee Kuan Yew's Singapore and Mahathir Muhammad's Malaysia took 30 years to get to where they are now. Even Nelson Mandela did not live to see the outcomes of his policies in South Africa.

The ultimate goal of national competitiveness is the wellbeing (both material and spiritual) of its citizens achieved through a dynamic process of wealth creation and distribution that delivers reasonable income/prosperity to its people. This can be attained by addressing the following factors: (i) understanding the core competitiveness of a nation; (ii) evaluating its geopolitical positioning; (iii) building appropriate institutions; (iv) attaining resource synergy; and (v) providing dynamic leadership. A model competitive country does not have to be rich or powerful—fulfilling the basic needs of the people should be a reasonable goal for success.

The core competitiveness of Bangladesh is tied to our culture. It is the unique story of organic growth grounded on the survival spirit of the people. Apparently chaotic, it is actually a harmonious evolution. Time and again, through unity and cooperation, the people of Bangladesh have been able to rise above all odds, be it during cyclones/floods or against tyrants who have tried to subdue our aspirations. A desperately optimistic and patriotic survival spirit is our innate core. This makes us a very blessed nation.

I am convinced that tyranny in any form is not sustainable in Bangladesh. Every time we have despaired about a tyranny, a resilient survival spirit for freedom has resurfaced, a united natural leadership crystallised from the street, and a divine intervention has occurred. Our youth have spearheaded these movements in 1952, 1969, 1971, and many a times during the post-liberation period, including 2024.

The absolute power grabbing attempts and divisive politics have hurt us but could not destroy our spirit. The fall of Awami League, BNP, and Ershad regimes should be good learning for our ambitious political and military leaders. The spirit of the nation should be allowed to blossom through a democratic process; that should be the moral imperative of this government.

Bangladesh's geopolitical situation is complex. The country, home to 170 million people, is situated in the low-lying Ganges delta, which presents significant geographical challenges. Moreover, India controls most of the rivers flowing south into Bangladesh, and our short border with Myanmar, has led to a significant Rohingya refugee crisis. These challenges have forced us to become pragmatic, resilient, and creative.

Evaluating the geopolitical position of Bangladesh begins with our neighbours. So far, we have maintained a good relationship with SAARC members and should continue to do so. The Modi government's support to dictatorial regimes like Hasina goes against the Gandhi/Nehru doctrines. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi's maiden speech in the parliament indicates that his policies are failing. There were demonstrations in support of our 2024 student-led movement in India.

Bangladesh is perceived as a young, friendly, and peace-loving nation. It is observable in the UN peace missions, international trade/investment engagements, and NGO participations. We should continue to maintain this positive image, ensuring that foreigners feel safe here for both trade and travel.

On the diplomatic front, we should maintain good relationships with our Asian neighbours including China, Korea, and ASEAN countries. The good PR of the Yunus government has enhanced our image in the West/European Union. We should continue to promote good business relationships with them. We should continue to maintain a good relationship with Russia—a country that has built our only nuclear power plant and filled our military hardware—and other countries of the world. Bangladesh can augment its peace-loving image/position by proactively engaging in Global South diplomacy via SAARC and other platforms. Yunus and future leaders can join the non-aligned movements following the footsteps of Maulana Bhashani.

Building appropriate institutions

Building institutions for competitiveness is a cultural phenomenon. It evolves over time through an educative process that offers market efficiency, human freedom, and good governance. It facilitates the process of wealth creation and wealth distribution. The current reform and restructuring efforts of the government are positive endeavours in institution building.

In assessing the institutional efficacy for national competitiveness, one can consider the six elements of the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) of the World Bank as follows: voice and accountability; political stability and absence of violence; government effectiveness; regulatory quality; rule of law; and control of corruption. A country that scores well in these indicators is perceived to be better grounded for international trade, investment, and competitiveness. Most developing countries in the world seriously lag behind in these indicators. Bangladesh is no exception.

To score better on WGI, our first step would be to make electoral democracy work. We almost succeeded in establishing our style of democracy through a caretaker system until Hasina abandoned it. Dynasty politics, like many developing countries, is an institutionalised phenomenon. It is a reality in Bangladesh. A recent poll after the 2024 uprising indicates that common people would welcome a new party. In India, a new Aam Aadmi Party, an anti-corruption force, was able to gain a good foothold because of the integrity of India's electoral process. We are yet to develop such a system/culture. This is where we need reform.

Attaining resource synergy

Resources are finite and tied to the geography of a nation. Resources are given, and they can also be created. In a globalised world, a country's resources are tied to an international value chain defined by a broader core-periphery economic relationship. Developed countries benefit most from this network because of their colonial past, currency, political arrangement (UN, WTO, IMF, WB, etc.), and military power. Developing countries do not have much choice under the current system.

Attaining resource synergy is a long-term proposition. It is a work-in-progress. Bangladesh shall have to curve a niche to compete in a globally interdependent economic system. Specifically, synergy should be attained by implementing the following policies that: (i) favour value-added industries and investments; (ii) benefit international reserve; (iii) enhance appropriate technology; (iv) develop skills and educate people; and (vi) build institutions and infrastructure enhancing competitiveness. Additionally, we must invest in education—this is our natural competitive advantage.

Providing dynamic leadership

Dynamism in leadership is espoused by a symbiotic relationship between the leader and its citizens. Everything comes to life when the right leader arrives. The leader can galvanise the competitive spirit of the nation by determining its geopolitical position, building appropriate institutions, and attaining resource synergy. Education and the democratic process can develop such leaders.

As a young nation, Bangladesh shows great promise in becoming one of the top competing countries in the world. It is geographically well-positioned as a peace-loving nation. Its rich homogenous culture with liberal attitude and values is commendable. It has favourable demographics—its large young population that can be trained/educated. The female participation in the labour force contributes to our competitiveness.

Attaining national competitiveness is a journey, not a destination. Government reforms can make that journey conducive.

At this time, bringing stability precedes all discussions. Our neighbours, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Maldives are facing harsh political and economic realities, partly emanating from foreign interventions. We must ensure that we do not fall into such situations. Our patriotism should be paramount in protecting the nation and in attaining competitiveness.

Dr Abu NM Waheeduzzaman is a professor of Marketing and International Business at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.​

 

[Saif]

US court stays warrants for Salehuddin, Ahsan

A US court on Friday stayed the arrest warrants for Bangladesh Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed and Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur.

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US court stays warrants for Salehuddin, Ahsan

Salehuddin Ahmed, left, and Ahsan H Mansur

A US court on Friday stayed the arrest warrants for Bangladesh Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed and Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur.

Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, who has recently been appointed as an ambassador with the rank of a senior secretary, confirmed this to The Daily Star over the phone from Washington yesterday.

The development comes a day after US District Judge Carl J Nichols had issued "bench warrants for the arrest" of Salehuddin and Ahsan, whom a power company wants to testify, as it seeks to enforce a collective $31.9 million in arbitration awards against Bangladesh.

The judge directed the US Marshals Service to detain the two as they were visiting Washington to attend the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, held on October 21-26.

The court had ordered the clerk to issue the warrants as a contempt sanction against Bangladesh.

"The US court had no jurisdiction to issue such arrest warrants for these officials. However, through the stay order of the court, the issue has been suspended," said Mushfiqul.

The interim government cannot take responsibility for the misdeeds committed by the previous regime, he said on Facebook, adding that those who tried to put the issue under carpet should face action.

Law360, a New York-based legal news publisher, reported on Friday that the move by the US court prompted an immediate appeal from the Bangladesh government.

The Bangladesh government said it is "unprecedented" that a Washington, DC federal judge ordered the arrest of two high-ranking Bangladeshi officials to force their depositions in a power company's lawsuit.

The motion said, "Petitioner did not cite a single example of a court enforcing a sanctions order against a foreign state, much less ordering the arrest of high-ranking foreign government officials during a diplomatic visit to the United States. The lack of precedent is not surprising, as such an action is, or at least was, unimaginable."

Bangladesh condemned the judge's decision, Law360 said.

The dispute has its origins in 1997, when Smith Cogeneration signed a power purchase agreement with the Bangladesh government and its Power Development Board that provided for the construction of a barge-mounted power plant in northern Bangladesh.

Smith Cogeneration told the DC court in its 2006 enforcement petition that the government agreed to provide the company with all the required permits to complete the project, according to the Law360 report.

However, the government nixed the project in 1999 and never provided the company with the necessary permits, Smith Cogeneration claimed.​

 

[Saif]

How has the interim government fared so far?

The mutilation done to the nation would require more than run of the mill actions or traditional approach.

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How has the interim government fared so far?

Students under the banner of anti-discrimination student movement demonstrate on the High Court premises on October 16 demanding resignations of ‘pro-Awami League fascist judges'. PHOTO: PALASH KHAN

Nearly three months have passed that the interim government (IG) has been in charge of a country devastated beyond comprehension. We the mere mortals, struggling to forget the nightmarish 15 years, can be forgiven for nurturing very high expectations from the new dispensation.

It will do us well to remember that the IG is not the caretaker government (CTG) of the past. It is very unique, given the circumstances in which it came to power—a popular youth-led uprising has validated not only the IG's assumption of power but has also, ipso facto, granted approval for any and all legal actions it undertakes to rectify the damage to the nation's institutions and agencies. The mutilation done to the nation would require more than run of the mill actions or traditional approach.

In passing it should be stressed that raising the issue of Hasina's resignation at this point in time is out of place, some may see this as being ulteriorly motivated, and reeking of conspiracy.

It is of no consequence whether a person who assumed power in a dubious manner, was deposed through a popular uprising—there can be no greater mandate than this—and sought exile of their own volition, has tendered an official letter of resignation. We must admit that the president's recent remarks regarding this have mystified us.

The various reform committee gives us a good idea of the sectoral reforms the IG wants to undertake. Unique situation requires unique response that may not necessarily conform to the normal methods and means of administering a country.

But while the IG goes about fixing things, it should keep the people informed about its policies and plan of action for rectification. The IG should keep in mind that although it is not bound by any timeframe and its framework of reference is very wide, its time limit is also not open-ended. And a "reasonable" timeframe is open to various interpretations. What the IG is doing should also be visible.

The various reform committee gives us a good idea of the sectoral reforms the IG wants to undertake. Unique situation requires unique response that may not necessarily conform to the normal methods and means of administering a country.

The first thing that still needs to be fully addressed is the administration, which seems to be influenced by the lingering presence of the Awami League. Reportedly, many beneficiaries of the past regime continue in important appointments. The longer they stay in the administration the more are the risks they pose to the successful implementation of the IG's reform plans. The significance of the manufactured unrest in the RMG sector, sabotage of oil tankers, and various demands from different professional groups are well-orchestrated actions to nip the plans of the IG in the bud.

Apparently, it would seem that the administration is not moving fast enough for some quarter's liking, and a feature post-revolution is the regime of intimidation and coercion imposed on certain quarters. While that is understandable under the circumstances, making haste while sorting out the muck of the last 15 years may be counterproductive.

The public has certain expectations as well as grievances, and some of these are manifested in the student outburst, demonstrated in their siege of the High Court for removal of judges appointed during the Hasina regime where personal fealty triumphed over qualification and merit. The latest outburst is against the person in Bangabhaban for reasons mentioned.

One of the gripes the students have, and justifiably so, is the continuation of some senior bureaucrats who thrived under the Hasina regime, and who were complicit in the destruction of the state institutions and misuse of the state agencies for partisan gains. This goes for all sectors.

The education sector was a target of the students too. But witch-hunting is not the answer. Admittedly, the public universities were caderised from the vice chancellor down to the junior most lecturer. Most of them did not meet the minimum requirements of the post. One might say that it was a long-term plan to destroy the backbone of the nation by destroying the education sector.

It would also seem that the process of accountability is not moving fast enough. One hears the question "Where have all the crooks gone, and how?" Indeed, one may ask, once again, where have all the crooks gone? And by crooks, I mean all those that sought sanctuary inside the safety of the cantonments across the country after the student-led revolution that has been anointed with the very appropriate appellation of Monsoon Revolution, and many others who made good their escape quite a few days after the assumption of office of the IG. In fact, there is a general suspicion that the beneficiaries of the previous government may still be calling the shots.

A passing reference was made to this subject in one of my previous columns, but time has come to accord the issue more than a cursory glance. It is my distinct impression that the matter has been deliberately swept under the carpet hoping that, Bangalee memory being short, the matter would be forgotten. Well, not so soon.

A few questions need to be answered by the relevant individuals in positions of responsibility. Feigning ignorance will not sit well with the common man, who feels that allowing those responsible for bringing so much misery to the people—through wanton loot and plunder, siphoning billions out of the country, and particularly those directly responsible for the deaths of a thousand and the maiming of several times more—soils the blood of the martyrs. They must be held accountable.

Of the 17 crore Bangladeshis, only 600 or so sought refuge inside the military establishments. Among them were politicians and senior members of the law enforcing agencies. The question is why. They must have done something wrong that they feared would incur public wrath. In fact, these were the people who would have left the country sooner but somehow couldn't. Some of their more clever and smarter colleagues had abandoned the Awami League boat no sooner than they realised that it had started taking in water.

In fact, abandoning the followers and leaving the country furtively for safer places during hard times has been the hallmark of the party leadership. History will bear out my comments. Therefore, to see the leader living up to the party tradition after August 5 was not a surprise.

My question is: in the future, will highly secured places within the country be used as sanctuaries for those responsible for killing democracy, looting public wealth, and committing the kinds of misdeeds that those seeking protection in the cantonments are alleged to have committed? Additionally, we are still at a loss to explain how many of these individuals managed to leave the country and who guaranteed them a safe exit.

The ultimate goal is to hold a participatory all-inclusive and acceptable election. Having said that, holding elections without fixing the systemic aberrations would take us back to square one. That would denigrate the sacrifice of the martyrs of the Monsoon Revolution. And it shall not be allowed to happen.

Brig Gen Shahedul Anam Khan, ndc, psc (retd) is a former associate editor of The Daily Star.​

 

[Saif]

No scope to revoke death penalty, Asif Nazrul says after meeting Volker Turk

The UN high commissioner for human rights urged Bangladesh to scrap capital punishment on first day of his visit

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No scope to revoke death penalty, Asif Nazrul says after meeting Volker Turk
Asif Nazrul comments on death penalty

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk today urged the interim government to revoke the existing death penalty in Bangladesh, but there is no scope to do so, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said today.

"We said there is no scope for revoking death sentences under the current circumstances. The Penal Code has the provision of death sentence. There is no scope to amend it all of a sudden," he told reporters after a meeting with Turk at the secretariat.

During the meeting, the human rights chief spoke of establishing rule of law and human rights, which are closely interlinked, and also ensuring human rights in all the reform initiatives.

Turk told media that he asked for Bangladesh's human rights commission to be strengthened to uphold human rights in the country.

He also said the UN fact-finding mission is giving due importance to the human rights violation during the July-August student-led protests.

The UN headquarters is overseeing the entire matter, he said.

Turk arrived in Dhaka early today on a two-day visit and held meetings with Nazrul and Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and the students of Dhaka University.

He is scheduled to meet the chief adviser, chief justice, army chief, heads of several reform commissions, civil society groups, UN agencies and members of diplomatic missions here.

Volker Turk wanted to know more about the International Crimes Tribunal Act, 1973, said the law adviser.

The UN calls for revoking death penalty worldwide, but only a few countries have revoked it, he added. This is their commitment and they will speak about this, but no government of Bangladesh in the past revoked the death sentence, Nazrul said.

"There is no question of abolishing the death sentence, in connection with the trial of the fascist government that killed thousands of students," he said.

Those accused in the cases under the ICT Act will be provided all legal rights to defend themselves, said Nazrul.

Volker Turk has asked for the draft of the amendments to the ICT Act, which the government will provide.

Another priority of the UN human rights chief was for Bangladesh to have an independent judiciary.

"We said we have started reforms to the judiciary. Turk has expressed satisfaction about the reforms initiatives," Nazrul said.

Nazrul said the government may avail forensic or technical support from the UN and stressed that there will be no injustice as there was in the past.​