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

[Saif]

Government committed to creating environment for free, fair elections: Chief Advisor

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus said his government is committed to transitioning Bangladesh to an inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an environment conducive to free, fair, and participatory elections. He made these remarks on Saturday during the Leaders' Session of the 'Third Voice of

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Government committed to creating environment for free, fair elections: Chief Advisor
bdnews24.com
Published :
Aug 17, 2024 22:38
Updated :
Aug 18, 2024 01:10

Photo: PID

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus said his government is committed to transitioning Bangladesh to an inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an environment conducive to free, fair, and participatory elections.

He made these remarks on Saturday during the Leaders' Session of the 'Third Voice of Global South Summit-2024,' held in New Delhi, India.

The interim government head said, "The youth have driven the movement with a vision of revolutionary change, and their aspirations have resonated with the entire nation. Now, meaningful reforms are essential to ensure democracy and human rights, which will restore all the weakened institutions of the state."​

 

[Saif]

Election after vital reforms

Chief adviser tells foreign diplomats; ‘I must succeed as there’s no other option’

www.thedailystar.net

Election after vital reforms
Chief adviser tells foreign diplomats; ‘I must succeed as there’s no other option’

The interim government will conduct a free, fair and participatory election after reforming the democratic institutions that had been destroyed by the previous regime, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus told the international community yesterday.

It is the interim government's mandate to make vital reforms in the Election Commission, judiciary, civil administration, security forces, and mass media, he said.

"We will also make sincere efforts to promote national reconciliation," he said.

Prof Yunus' first "meet and greet" event with more than 60 foreign diplomats and representatives of international organisations was held at the InterContinental Dhaka.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media after the event.

The event scheduled to begin at 11:00am was delayed by nearly two hours. Prof Yunus said he was stuck in his office because some unruly government officials wanted their demand for permanent jobs fulfilled immediately.

He paid deep respect to the people who sacrificed their lives in the "Second Revolution" that led to the fall of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.

Students of no other countryin recent memory had to pay so much for expressing their democratic aspirations and dreaming of a discrimination-free, equitable and environment friendly country where human rights are protected, he added.

"I took over a country which was in many ways a complete mess. In their efforts to stay in power, the Sheikh Hasina dictatorship destroyed every institution of the country.

"The judiciary was broken. Democratic rights were suppressed through a brutal one-and-a-half decade long crackdown. Elections were rigged blatantly. Generations of young people grew up without exercising their voting rights. Banks were robbed with full political patronisation. And the state coffer was plundered by abusing power."

In the new era that has dawned, he said, people, regardless of their political, religious or ethnic identity, will be able to fulfil their aspirations as the interim government will uphold democracy, justice, human rights, and freedom of speech.

The top priority now is to establish law and order at the earliest. The armed forces will continue to assist law enforcers as long as the situation warrants, he said.

Ensuring justice and accountability for all the killings during the mass upsurge is another priority, said the Nobel laureate.

"The revolutionary students want us to carry out meaningful and deep reforms, that will turn the country into a real and thriving democracy. The task is huge, but doable with the support of all people and the international community.

"I must succeed. We don't have any other option."

Robust and far-reaching economic reforms will restore macroeconomic stability and sustained growth, with priority attached to establishing good governance and combating corruption, he said.

He promised upholding the international humanitarian and human rights law and adhering to the international, regional and bilateral instruments.

Bangladesh will continue to be a proponent of multilateralism, with the UN at the core, and look forward to maintaining and enhancing Bangladesh's contributions to the UN peacekeeping, he said.

The interim government will continue to support the Rohingya people in Bangladesh, he said, seeking sustained support from the international community for humanitarian operations and eventual repatriation to Myanmar.

Urging the trade and investment partners to keep their trust in Bangladesh, he said, "For our part, we won't tolerate any attempt to disrupt the global clothing supply chain in which we are a key player."

He then promised to nurture friendly relations with all countries.

"Bangladesh stands at the crossroads of a new beginning. Our valiant students and people deserve a lasting transformation of our nation. It is a difficult journey and we need your help along the way. We need to fulfil their aspirations. The sooner the better.

"We have to create opportunities to build a poverty-free and prosperous new Bangladesh."

Press Secretary Shafiqul said there was no question-answer session at the event, but Prof Yunus greeted and interacted with the diplomats after the speech.​

 

[Saif]

EU will do its utmost to support interim government: Acting Ambassador

Acting Ambassador of the European Union Dr Bernd Spanier has said the European Union will do its utmost to support the interim government in turning its vision into a reality. "EU stands ready to help," he said after meeting interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during a diplom

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EU will do its utmost to support interim government: Acting Ambassador
UNB
Published :
Aug 18, 2024 23:49
Updated :
Aug 18, 2024 23:49

Acting Ambassador of the European Union Dr Bernd Spanier has said the European Union will do its utmost to support the interim government in turning its vision into a reality.

"EU stands ready to help," he said after meeting interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during a diplomatic briefing at a hotel in Dhaka on Sunday.

"Great privilege to see Prof Yunus today during a meeting with the diplomatic corps," the diplomat said in a brief message shared through X, previously known as Twitter.

In his address to Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Professor Yunus said a new era has begun as the students impressed upon them their dream of a country where people, regardless of their political, religious or ethnic identity, will be able to fulfill their aspirations and enjoy full freedom of expression, with the government upholding democracy, justice and human rights and freedom of speech.

Meanwhile, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Reto Renggli said he was delighted to briefly meet Prof Yunus at the diplomatic event today.

During the event, Prof Yunus addressed the priorities, opportunities and challenges facing the interim government.

"We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Bangladesh in its quest for peace, prosperity, and economic empowerment for all its citizens," said the Ambassador.​

 

[Saif]

The education mission for the interim government

Students should have the right to have a role in managing the education and co-curricular activities of their institutions

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The education mission for the interim government

With their sacrifice and maturity demonstrated in the popular movement, students have earned the right to have a role in managing the education and co-curricular activities of their institutions. PHOTO: ORCHID CHAKMA

In 1974, Dr Muhammad Qudrat-i-Khuda, head of Bangladesh's first education commission, outlined many goals for the country's education sector, from universal literacy at the primary stage to quality education in Bangladesh universities. These goals were never realised. A majority of children aged 10-14 years cannot read or count at a basic level, according to World Bank estimates, and adult literacy skills at functional level remain well below 40 percent, according to an Education Watch assessment.

The expectations from the interim government, headed by Prof Muhammad Yunus, are many and high. The burning education questions are the policy and action priorities for the interim government.

To the credit of the Awami League government, the 2010 National Education Policy, adopted by the parliament, was a broadly accepted guideline for development in education. However, 14 years later, we have not seen a comprehensive and coordinated implementation plan for the policy. Most key objectives remain unmet, such as: i) a core unified curriculum for all types of school education with a minimum common standard of school provisions for all students; ii) major change in the professional training of teachers, their performance standards, their status and incentives, and assurance of adequate numbers; and iii) decentralised and accountable education governance, planning and management. These goals were aimed at realising an inclusive and equitable education system that responds to the needs of changing times.

Many educationists saw education development as fragmented and partial. The government actions did not address the roots of the problems. Too often, the government pursued solutions that avoided rocking the boat—solutions that usually don't work.

Public investment in education has remained at or below two percent of GDP—one of the lowest among developing countries. And larger budgets, under the present structure of planning, management and accountability, may lead to more waste, inefficiency, and mismanagement. One of the priorities should be a broad assessment of primary-level students' ability to read and do basic arithmetic, and actions based on the assessment to reach these targets. For example, Bangladesh could adopt the early grade reading and arithmetic survey, Annual Status of Education Report (ASER). It was pioneered by Pratham, an Indian NGO.

The past government claimed credit for a major expansion of student enrolment including girls, growth in the number of educational institutions, stipends for school students, distribution of free textbooks, and use of multimedia in classrooms. These have not produced satisfactory learning outcomes due to deficits in planning, school management, accountability, and pursuit of an education vision. We don't have enough teachers with professional skills, commitment to teaching, and a career path for them.

Comprehensive and coordinated planning has been obstructed by splitting school education into two ministries, unlike in any other country. As in other sectors, partisan political interests, rather than educational goals, have guided decision-making, especially in recruitment of personnel.

The new school education curriculum, launched in 2022 with much fanfare, has caused much anxiety and confusion among students, teachers, and parents.

The extraordinary recent events call for urgent actions. Students need to be in school and normal operations need to resume. At the university level, the University Grants Commission (UGC), in consultation with students and other stakeholders, should provide guidelines, but not seek to micro-manage. Each institution should consult students and teachers, and parents at school level, in implementing the guidelines.

With their sacrifice and maturity demonstrated in the popular movement, students have earned the right to have a role in managing the education and co-curricular activities of their institutions. Non-partisan elected student bodies should be formed in institutions.

The recent spate of resignations in top university positions requires that the right people be appointed to the right place. Appointments must be based on merit, not political loyalty. The process must ensure impartiality through measures such as clearly defined qualifications and use of search committees. A professional UGC can facilitate the process and consult teachers and students.

While changes are made, schools must continue to operate without disruptions and untried experimentations. This is particularly germane to the new curriculum. Most educationists want a pause in the rollout of the new curriculum. In order to minimise disruption, two steps can be taken: i) textbooks already introduced in some grades under the new curriculum may continue and existing textbooks may be used for other grades; and ii) conventional end-of-year or public student evaluation based on written examinations should continue, separating formative and practical work-based evaluation in classrooms from summative written examinations. Pausing for a year or so should be used to review and rethink the curricular reforms, particularly student evaluation, a highly controversial aspect of the new curriculum, and effective implementation in classrooms. Experts and stakeholders should be involved in this rethink.

An education consultative group of experts and stakeholders should examine the status and the priorities in the education sector and advise the interim government. They would look at the issues and suggest actions on the matters noted above. This group may be turned into a permanent, statutory commission as recommended in the 2010 education policy.

The consultative group would also consider and advise on larger policy questions related to the Sustainable Development Goals and national goals for building an equitable, inclusive and quality education system for all. These larger agenda would include: i) promoting an equitable society through education; ii) a time-bound plan for equitable and inclusive early childhood development and K-12 school education of acceptable quality for all; iii) strengthening the teaching profession and the education workforce in respect of their professional skills, motivation, performance and adequacy of numbers as well as effective use of digital technologies; iv) establishing decentralised district education authorities for planning and managing equitable K-12 education in every community; and v) ensuring academic autonomy of the education system and education institutions, protecting them from partisan politics.

The interim government may not complete all needed reforms. It should at least set a course which all stakeholders can endorse. If the interim government realises at least some of the key reforms, we will have honoured Dr Qudrat-i-Khuda's aspirations.

The author acknowledges valuable comments received from Dr John Richards and Shahidul Islam, his co-authors of the book 'Political Economy of Education in South Asia: Fighting Poverty, Inequality and Exclusion' (University of Toronto Press, 2022).

Dr Manzoor Ahmed is professor emeritus at BRAC University, chair of Bangladesh ECD Network (BEN), and adviser to the Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE).​

 

[Saif]

BNP won’t offer any timeframe for holding election

All members of the party’s supreme policy making body agreed to allow the interim government a reasonable time to execute necessary reforms.

en.prothomalo.com

BNP won’t offer any timeframe for holding election
Special CorrespondentDhaka
Published: 20 Aug 2024, 23: 11

The meeting of the BNP standing committee at the chairperson's office in the capital's Gulshan area at night on 19 August, 2024.Courtesy

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has apparently softened its stance and decided not to specify a rigid timeframe for holding next parliamentary elections, so that the interim government can carry out fundamental reforms in the state mechanism in the meantime.

The party, in a meeting of its national standing committee on Monday, reached a consensus in this regard. All members of the party’s supreme policy making body agreed to allow the interim government a reasonable time to execute necessary reforms.

According to sources, the other decisions of the meeting include that the BNP will demand a judicial inquiry committee to investigate the BDR killings at Pilkhana in 2009, and that they will celebrate the party’s founding anniversary with much festivity on 1 September.

Previously, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had demanded that the elections be held within three months following the formation of the interim government, while acting chairman Tarique Rahman sought elections in the fastest possible time.

It was learned through conversations with multiple members of the standing committee after the meeting that the party shifted its stance on the issue and decided to refrain from offering any rigid timeframe to the interim government for holding the parliamentary elections.

Its policymakers now believe that the interim government should be given adequate time to carry out necessary reforms, particularly in key state institutions. The BNP would extend its full support to the government.

On the condition of anonymity, a member of the standing committee told Prothom Alo, “It has been only a few days since the inception of the government. Why will the BNP offer a timeframe right now? It would be indecent and inappropriate. It is not a matter for us to demand, rather they will announce an election when the time comes.”

The meeting welcomed two newly appointed members – Maj (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and AZM Zahid Hossain – of the standing committee. Apart from other members, acting chairman Tarique Rahman joined the meeting virtually.​

 

[Saif]

What the interim government needs to do urgently

After 15 years of autocratic rule and authoritarian economic policymaking, the time has come for significant societal reform

www.thedailystar.net

What the interim government needs to do urgently

The energy sector has become an area of large-scale corruption in Bangladesh. VISUAL: STAR

After 15 years of autocratic rule and authoritarian economic policymaking, the time has come for significant societal reform through conscious youth leadership and public participation. Such a possibility was created once in 1972 and again in 1990. We could not realise either of those two opportunities because of the betrayal and hypocrisy of the big political parties. Instead, we saw them consolidate their wealth and create a new political class.

It is important that we remember the failings of the past, so that we do not replicate them moving forward. Now, there is an interim government—we know its limitations but we must also keep in mind its primary responsibilities. This government came to power through a mass uprising, so it has public support and responsibility to initiate some major reforms that other governments did not. Let's consider some of the things this government can do in the next one or two months.

First and foremost, inquiry committees should be formed to investigate the unprecedented number of killings and acts of repression that we have witnessed. The responsible persons, organisations, and policies that enabled these actions should be brought to justice and amended through a special tribunal. An example must be set so that this sort of mass killing can never happen again in Bangladesh.

Massive corruption, bad deals, bank robberies, loan defaults, and over-expenditures in megaprojects have been commonplace in the last 15 years. The government should publish a white paper and make public all the deals, contracts and excesses of the previous regime. The next duty would be to analyse the large amount of loans incurred—Bangladesh has never had such high levels of foreign loans. The people of Bangladesh are yet to fully realise the steep amount they will need to repay as a result of these incredibly expensive contracts, since the deals were never made public. Moving forward, we must demand full disclosure of each loan or contract signed by our government, as the burden for paying them will fall on us.

Then there are the megaprojects, which have been touted as the achievements of the government; yet many of them are actually disastrous, unreliable, and risk-prone, threatening the security of the country. It is essential for this government to review these megaprojects. One of the most prominent ones is the Rampal project which has the potential to destroy the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world that also acts as a protective barrier against natural disasters. Enough national and international research has been conducted by experts clearly highlighting the dangerous impact of these projects. Moreover, there has been a decade-long people's movement against this project with support being attained from every section of society.

There is also the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, which poses an existential threat. It is unusual to find a nuclear power plant in such a densely populated place filled with forests and rivers. If the risk of such a nuclear plant were ever to become a reality, the lives of tens of millions of people would be endangered. Even the nuclear waste management system of a project like this would put the country at risk.

The decision is clear: projects like Rampal, Rooppur, and Bashkhali must be cancelled. The interim government can initiate the process of doing so. Now, a question may arise: Since we have already taken loans for these projects and spent such an exorbitant amount of money, won't this be a massive financial loss to not continue? My answer is this: if a government, without the consent of its people, takes a loan that is against their well-being, it is not the people's responsibility to repay that loan. It is a case of odious debt, a legal doctrine explaining this very phenomenon. However, should we not receive that exemption and have to repay the loan, I would still argue that cancelling such projects would be more beneficial than going ahead with them in the long run.

The energy sector has become an area of large-scale corruption in Bangladesh. In the name of capacity charges, some companies receive hundred thousand crores of taka. Previously, the prime minister was in charge of this ministry, along with the state minister, aided by some local and international private companies. The companies that benefitted from unethical arrangements included well-known names such as Summit, Beximco, Bashundhara, United and many others in Bangladesh; in India, it consisted of NTPC, Adani, and Ambani; in Russia, it was Rosatom and Gazprom; in the US, the organisations were Chevron, ConocoPhillips; and in China it was China Power etc.

The entire power and energy policy needs to be revised. The Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply Act must be repealed immediately. Right now, we are running on a master plan made entirely by foreign consultants. We have to reject this and cancel all the environmentally disastrous, import-oriented, foreign-funded projects and opt for environmentally-friendly, safe, non-corrupt projects. This will not only reduce the price of gas and electricity, but eliminate the threat posed to the environment. We can achieve this by developing Bangladesh's capacity in natural gas exploration and by pushing for renewable energy. The interim government must initiate this journey.

Next, we have to prioritise the major but neglected sectors crucial for public well-being which include public education, public healthcare, and public transportation. For far too long, we've seen low budget allocation and high irregularities in these sectors. Meanwhile, public transportation remains under the auspices of corrupt business owners. Should the spirit of the 2018 Road Safety movement be revived, and the demands made then be fulfilled now, the public transport sector can be greatly rectified. After independence, great emphasis had been placed on education and health; yet we have backtracked completely. Every government has failed in this regard. If the current government focuses on fixing these sectors, their credibility will increase, and based on this, stronger institutions may be developed.

The conversation of reforming the constitution should also start. We need to figure out how the constitution has become exceedingly discriminatory, autocratic, and anti-people. How was power taken from the people? Why does the prime minister hold so much power in one hand? The constitution includes clauses for gender, class, ethnic and religious inclusion and also includes clauses against all sorts of discrimination. Yet, these promises have not been fulfilled due to opposite clauses in the same constitution.

Finally, along with institutional reforms for sustainable democracy, the VIP culture must be eradicated. Public offices should transform to serve the public without hassle. There must be accountability and transparency for all actions taken by government offices..

Anu Muhammad is former professor of economics of Jahangirnagar University.​

 

[Saif]

Timing of polls ‘a political decision’

Urging the people to set the interim government’s tenure and mandate, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday said when the elections will be held is “completely a political decision”.

www.thedailystar.net

Timing of polls ‘a political decision’
Says Yunus in address to nation, asks people to fix interim govt’s mandate, tenure

Urging the people to set the interim government's tenure and mandate, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday said when the elections will be held is "completely a political decision".

"Everyone is eager to know when our government will depart. The answer lies in your hands. It is up to you to decide when to bid us farewell. We are not the people to rule the country," he said in a 26-minute televised address to the nation yesterday evening.

He went on to request the people to discuss and prescribe what is the least the interim government needs to do.

"We can get a guideline from this discussion," Yunus said, adding, "But the political decision is the ultimate decision. And political decisions will only come from political discussion."

In his first address to the nation, the chief adviser also assured that he would not seek to extend his tenure.

He said the members of the advisory council took up the responsibilities at the call of the students and have been carrying out their duties with utmost diligence as a team.

Seeking blessings from the people, he said the government does not want to lose the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh, earned through the blood of the students and the people.

"If we lose this opportunity now, we will be defeated as a nation. We want to remain committed to the martyrs, the injured, and the surviving students so that we do not lose this achievement."

He said local government institutions will be empowered, and decentralisation of power will be ensured to strengthen democracy.

Necessary reforms to the administration, judiciary, Election Commission and the electoral system, and law and order would be made to ensure free flow of information and a free, fair, and participatory election.

"The aim of these [reforms] will be the initiation of an accountable political system against corruption, looting, and genocide," Yunus said.

The chief adviser said after the fascist government leader fled the country in the face of public wrath, they want to build a country where the human rights of every citizen are completely protected.

"We have one goal -- an open, democratic, exploitation-free, and non-communal Bangladesh. We are one family. We have one goal. We are committed to ensuring that no division can disrupt our dream," said the Nobel Peace Prize winner.

He said Bangladesh was built with the supreme sacrifice of several millions, but it has been destroyed by fascism and tyranny.

The country had been changed so much that even an autocrat's peon can accumulate illegal wealth of Tk 400 crore without any obstruction.

"They have crippled the education sector; looted banks and the stock market; set world records in project expenditures; plundered resources openly; turned law enforcement agencies into puppets of their party; snatched away freedom of speech; and violated human rights. These are just the tip of the iceberg," he said.

To consolidate power, he said, "The fascist government curbed the people's constitutional power and rights. Their misrule, corruption, injustice, repression, and farce in the name of justice endangered public safety."

Millions of people were deprived of their voting rights for years and the autocrat not only took the nation's ownership, it also handed it over to its families and party people, he said.

Yunus thanked the people for their support for his government's efforts to bring reforms and said, "We realise that you have high expectations of us. We are determined to meet these expectations."

However, the long-standing absence of democracy and 15 years of fascist rule left the interim government with challenges as big as mountains.

"But we are ready to take up the challenge," he said, urging all to have patience.

He called on all not to force the immediate fulfilment of their demands, threaten individuals at work, mount pressure to lodge cases, or attack people at courts.

"These actions will tarnish the glory and potential of the revolution of student and people, and hinder the efforts to build a new Bangladesh," Yunus said.

He said the government had to begin the job of rebuilding the country on a fragile structure, which is contrary to public interest.

The government wants to build Bangladesh in such a way that the people become the source of all power in the true sense. "We must succeed in the task of reforming… There is no alternative to this."

DON'T OBSTRUCT OUR WORK

Regarding agitations and road blocks by different groups for realising their demands, Prof Yunus said rallies have been held daily at the Secretariat, around his office, and in various places in the city.

"We understand that you have suffered a lot and have grievances pent-up over the past 16 years. If you do not let us work, all paths to reducing the sufferings will remain closed. My earnest request to you that allow us to work," he said.

The chief adviser urged the agitating groups to submit their demands to them in writing and assured everyone of taking measures to solve the issues in line with the law.

MEASURES FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

Prof Yunus said the government took all-out measures at government and private levels to ensure that the flood-hit people return to a normal life at the soonest.

"We have initiated discussions so that we can work together with neighbouring countries and domestic stakeholders to prevent floods in future," he said.

INSTRUCTIONS TO FORCES

Prof Yunus alleged that the army, police, BGB, and Rab have been disgraced as they were used for enforced disappearances and torture.

"They are the pride of the country. We do not want to see the image of an entire force get tarnished due to some overenthusiastic members.

"We want to identify the criminals and punish them so that no member of the patriotic forces, police, or Rab dares to engage in murder, enforced disappearances, or torture at anyone's command," he said.

Prof Yunus further said that he instructed the defence forces, police, and all other forces to identify and bring to justice those among them who were directly involved in murder, enforced disappearances, killings, or physical and mental torture.

Lists of those who have been made to disappear or were murdered are being prepared, he said.

He said the government is also at the final stages of establishing a "July Genocide Memorial Foundation", led by him, to preserve the memory of the martyrs of the mass uprising.

CORRUPTION

The chief adviser said a committee has already been formed to prepare a white paper on the corruption, money laundering, anti-public interest agreements, looting in the name of projects, and other crimes committed over the last 15 years.

"The entire country is submerged in a sea of bribery. Please advise us on how we can get out of this. If we can advance on this issue, I believe this government will have left an important contribution to the country," he said.

'WE ARE ALL EQUAL'

Putting emphasis on the need for unity, Prof Yunus said the government's responsibility is to bind all people of the country as a family.

"There will be disagreements in a family. There will be arguments. But we are brothers and sisters; we are parents. We are not enemies of each other. We will not consider anyone an enemy because of their opinions, religion, or gender.

"We all are equal. No one is above or below anyone else. We would like to establish this concept in all areas of national life," he said.

REFORMS IN SECTORS

The chief adviser talked about reform initiatives in various sectors, including banking, judiciary, police, education, health, and agriculture.

He said the government took initiatives to ensure good governance in the banking sector, which was turned into a den of "plunderers and the corrupt".

Skilled personnel are being recruited in this sector, he said, adding that a banking commission will be formed for long-term reforms in the sector.

He said a roadmap will be prepared and made public soon.

Immediate measures are being taken to address the extreme disorder in the stock market, transportation sector, and other areas. Besides, steps were taken to control the prices of essential commodities and inflation.

He said efforts were being made to free the judiciary from corruption and political influence. Measures were taken through a specific process to ensure the independence and accountability of the judiciary.

"Justice will be ensured for all extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, murders, abductions, and other heinous crimes committed by the fascist government. Everyone involved in these crimes will be brought to justice.

"Steps have been taken, including becoming a party to the international convention on enforced disappearances," he said.

Prof Yunus said a police commission will be formed to make the force people-centric, politically neutral, and accountable.

Necessary reforms will be made under the commission's leadership in line with the UN investigation and other agencies' reports, he said, adding, "Measures will be taken to ensure that no one can turn Bangladesh into a police state ever again."

Prof Yunus asserted that the free flow of information and freedom of the press will be ensured.

Legal and other barriers to free flow of information will be removed and repressive provisions in laws that obstruct freedom of expression will be amended, he said.

"We are committed to ensuring people's right to information."

He said the previous government unleashed anarchy in the education sector and this government's top priority will be massive reforms to the sector. The curriculum will also be updated promptly.

Yunus said, "All of our advisers will disclose their assets in the shortest possible time. This will be made regular and mandatory for all government officials gradually."

He said an ordinance will be enacted to appoint an Ombudsman in line with the constitution.

The chief adviser mentioned that necessary reforms will be brought to the health sector while farmers' interests will be protected so that they receive fair prices for their produce.

He said, "Development that destroys and pollutes rivers, canals, wetlands, hills, forests, soil, and air is not sustainable in the long term. Our government will give utmost importance to protecting the environment and climate."

Yunus said the government will maintain friendly relations with all countries and the foreign policy will be based on mutual trust, faith, and cooperation.

Through political unity, necessary reforms will ensure that women, children, people with disabilities, religious minorities, indigenous people, and all citizens of this country are entitled to equal protection under the law, he said.​

 

[Saif]

Govt officials must submit wealth statements: Prof Yunus

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today said government employees should regularly submit their wealth statements.

www.thedailystar.net

Govt officials must submit wealth statements: Prof Yunus

File photo

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today said government employees should regularly submit their wealth statements.‍

Incumbent advisers of the interim government will also disclose their assets. The chief adviser announced the appointment of an ombudsman as promised in the constitution to prevent corruption at the state level.

The chief adviser made these promises in his address to the nation today. This is his first address to the nation after taking charge of the interim government on August 8.

Dr Muhammad Yunus said, "All our advisers will publish their asset details as soon as possible. Regular asset disclosure will be made mandatory for all government servants."

"Local government institutions will be strengthened to consolidate democracy and decentralisation of power will be ensured," he said.

After conducting necessary reforms in the administration, judiciary, election commission and election system, law and order sector, we'll conduct free, fair and participatory elections.

The chief adviser said, "The current government has taken a clear stand against corruption. It aims to be an accountable one to corruption, looting. In this way, we want to introduce a new political settlement."​