[🇧🇩] Reforms carried out by the interim/future Govts.

[Saif]

PRC suggests changing metropolitan police commissioner’s power in prohibiting rallies

The Police Reform Commission (PRC) has suggested restricting the authority of police commissioner to prohibit people’s right to hold assembly or procession as majority respondents in a survey have considered such right as vital for flourishing country’s democratic environment. “S

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

PRC suggests changing metropolitan police commissioner’s power in prohibiting rallies
BSS
Published :
Dec 08, 2024 23:46
Updated :
Dec 08, 2024 23:46

The Police Reform Commission (PRC) has suggested restricting the authority of police commissioner to prohibit people’s right to hold assembly or procession as majority respondents in a survey have considered such right as vital for flourishing country’s democratic environment.

“Some 71.2 per cent respondents want to change this provision of the police administration to sustain the rights of holding assembly or procession to flourish the country’s democratic environment,” according to a recent public survey conducted by the PRC.

In accordance with the section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, 1976, the Police Commissioner may, by order in writing, prohibit any assembly or procession whenever and for so long as he considers such prohibition to be necessary for the preservation of the public peace or safety: provided that no such prohibition shall remain in force for more than thirty days without the sanction of the Government.

Although there is no provision of taking prior permission for holding assembly or procession in the ordinance, prior police permission is required to this respect.

As many as 24,442 individuals took part in the survey and 17,411 want amendment to the provision while 7031 (28.8 percent) do not want any change to the provision.

Some 51.8 percent respondents have considered taking prior permission for holding rallies from the Metropolitan Police Commissioner as an adversary of the basic rights as Article 37 of the Constitution has guaranteed holding assembly and procession as basic rights.

However, 37.4 respondents have expressed their disagreement while 10.8 percent are doubtful or hesitant about the opinion.

The public survey titled ‘What kind of police do we want (kemon police chai)’ was carried out in the wake of recent criticism in Bangladesh and around the world about the violent role of some police personnel in suppressing the anti-discrimination student movement.

To that end, the interim government formed the 'Police Reform Commission' to reform the police force.

In replying to a question on how the allegations of human rights violation and misusing of power by police should be investigated, 60 percent of 24,442 the people taking part in the survey, recommended forming a complete investigation commission to pursue the matter.

While 20 percent of them have suggested formation of a permanent investigation commission led by a retired justice of the High Court division and 20 percent wanted to investigate into the allegation by the National Human Rights Commission by amending the relevant law of 2009.

The country needs a law-abiding, corruption and political influence free independent police to maintain law and order equally for the people irrespective of their identity, the survey said.

“Some 89.5 percent people opined to stop use police force for political purposes and 77.9 percent want police not to indulge in corruption by misusing power,” it also said.

Apart from these, 74.9 percent opined to bring police under accountability for violations of rights that include enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

The survey is now available on the website of the Police Reform Commission (www.prc.mhapsd.gov.bd), said a press release of the home ministry.

The Police Reform Commission has received recommendations from 24,442 individuals of different sections following its request to submit their opinions by November 15, 2024.​

 

[Saif]

UN vows support for interim govt’s reform commissions

The UN stands ready to support the interim government's reform commissions, assist in accessing innovative financing mechanisms, and strengthen data systems to seize this moment for long-term sustainable development, UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis said yesterday

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UN vows support for interim govt’s reform commissions

The UN stands ready to support the interim government's reform commissions, assist in accessing innovative financing mechanisms, and strengthen data systems to seize this moment for long-term sustainable development, UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis said yesterday.

"Our collective efforts will focus on creating a sustainable economic transformation, inclusive, essential services, bolstering climate resilience, enhanced governance framework, and driving gender equality across all sectors," she said.

She made the comment at a joint steering committee convened by the government of Bangladesh and the UN Country Team today to review progress on the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (Cooperation Framework) and discuss priorities for 2025.

The meeting also addressed critical issues regarding implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Bangladesh's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

"To successfully graduate from LDC status, we must embrace a new era of collaboration focused on advancements in science, technology, and artificial intelligence in Bangladesh," said Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary of the Economic Relations Division.

The UN acknowledged the significant changes in Bangladesh in recent months and reaffirmed its support for the interim government's evolving priorities, particularly in reform commissions focused on issues such as elections, policing, anti-corruption, and human rights, said UN Resident Coordinator's Office at a statement.

To address the SDG priorities in the context of the broader development agenda, participation was expanded to include several senior government officials.

Co-chaired by Gwyn Lewis, the meeting was attended by representatives from twenty-eight line ministries, eighteen UN agencies, JSC members, and senior government officials, including the Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs), the Planning Secretary, and the Member of the General Economics Division (GED).

The Cooperation Framework (2022-2026) outlines UN support to Bangladesh in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 8th Five-Year Plan across five strategic priorities.

In 2024, the JSC reviewed progress across key areas. The UN has supported Bangladesh's economic transformation through various initiatives.

The UN also mobilized significant aid in response to Cyclone Remal and widespread flooding, notably deploying early warning systems that helped millions prepare.

Collaboration with national commissions continued critical reforms in areas like policing, elections, and anti-corruption, in tandem with support for the government in strengthening legal protections for women and promoting gender equality.

Looking ahead to 2025, the JSC identified key policy support and capacity-building interventions to accelerate SDG progress, emphasising integrated policy, financing, and programming at scale, focusing on Leaving No One Behind.

The meeting also identified several key policies and interventions to support Bangladesh's development in its new political context.​

 

[Saif]

Japan for reforms to combat corruption

Japan is eager to see reforms that eliminate corruption and improve governance, which are key factors for Japanese companies to invest in Bangladesh, said Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori.

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Japan for reforms to combat corruption
Envoy says

Iwama Kiminori

Japan is eager to see reforms that eliminate corruption and improve governance, which are key factors for Japanese companies to invest in Bangladesh, said Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori.

"The interim government's top priority is eliminating corruption and reducing bureaucratic redundancy. This is a key element for Japanese companies to invest here," he told The Daily Star in a recent interview.

Kiminori is leaving Dhaka after a two-year tenure and will assume a new post as ambassador to a European country.

He informed that Japan has been closely observing the condition of law and order, peace and stability in Bangladesh since the political changeover in August.

"I believe the internal security situation is stabilising. While there have been some incidents, I believe the interim government will tackle the issue in a positive way," Kiminori said, stressing on improvement of law and order.

Over the past 50 years, Japan has been Bangladesh's largest bilateral donor, providing about $27 billion since 1972. Bangladesh exports products worth more than $1 billion to Japan annually while imports amounted to about $2 billion in 2022-23.

The island nation is also supporting several major development projects in Bangladesh, including the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and the Matarbari Deep Sea Port. It is also providing technical and financial assistance for the Dhaka Metro Rail and the Araihazar Special Economic Zone in Narayanganj.

More than 350 Japanese companies operate in Bangladesh, and many more are eager to do so. The two countries are working to sign an Economic Partnership Agreement for bilateral trade after Bangladesh graduates from the least developed country club in 2026.

Kiminori said that a more favourable investment climate could attract many more Japanese companies.

"Bureaucracy, uncertainty, complicated procedures and corruption -- these are the issues for our companies. We are eager to see reforms by the interim government in these areas," he added.

Asked if the political transition in Bangladesh would impact Japan-Bangladesh relations, he replied: "Our stance is clear. We have consistently extended support, regardless of the government in power. We will continue to do so."

"We will see what is needed for the people of Bangladesh and development, like rural development and environment. We have been doing this, and we will continue to be a friend of Bangladesh," he said.

Regarding the progress of the deep-sea port project in Matarbari, Kiminori said that the power plant has already been established and the first phase of dredging is complete. Japan is planning to extend the project to a second phase, for which the government has already agreed.

Asked if Japanese-funded projects are facing any difficulties due to the political changeover, he said the third terminal of Dhaka airport, the metro rail and Matarbari projects are ongoing. Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line 6 is being utilised quite well and Japan is currently discussing MRT Lines 1 and 6 with Bangladesh.

"The interim government has shown positive interest in continuing other lines. While there may be some challenges, I see positive signs for the continuation of the existing MRT project. Sooner or later, we will need to complete them," he said.

"In that sense, we are ready to continue existing projects. For new projects, we need to discuss with the interim government," Kiminori added.

Japan was discussing an industrial value chain connecting Chattogram, Northeast India, Nepal and Bhutan.

When asked about this, Kiminori said: "We will continue the discussions. We have to identify the priorities of the new government. If they still consider it a priority, we will proceed accordingly.

"We would like to explore the possibility of connectivity in all directions, not just India and Bangladesh, but also Nepal and Bhutan. This is a key element to your development of the deep-sea port."​

 

[Saif]

WB pledges support for Bangladesh's key reform initiatives

World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh Abdoulaye Seck on Monday reaffirmed the institution's commitment to supporting key reform initiatives undertaken by Bangladesh's interim government. Seck said this when he made a farewell call on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest H

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

WB pledges support for Bangladesh's key reform initiatives
UNB
Published :
Dec 23, 2024 19:53
Updated :
Dec 23, 2024 19:53

World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh Abdoulaye Seck on Monday reaffirmed the institution's commitment to supporting key reform initiatives undertaken by Bangladesh's interim government.

Seck said this when he made a farewell call on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.

The Chief Adviser thanked Seck, who is retiring in January, for support during his tenure at World Bank-supported projects in critical sectors like infrastructure, climate resilience, service process digitalisation, education, healthcare and poverty alleviation.

Seck told the Chief Adviser that the World Bank approved nearly $1.2 billion in three financings on December 19 to help Bangladesh build climate resilience and environmental sustainability while improving health, nutrition and water and sanitation services in Chattogram city.

On Sunday, the Economic Relations Division (ERD) and the World Bank signed two financings totalling $900 million.

One of the projects will develop secondary cities by constructing climate-resilient and gender-responsive infrastructure along the economic corridor from Cox's Bazar in the south to Panchagarh in the north.

The other financing, a $500 million development policy credit to support green growth, will be disbursed to the national treasury by this month.

The World Bank's development portfolio stands at about $ 45 billion since 1972, which has made a significant contribution to the development trajectory of Bangladesh, particularly in reducing poverty, ensuring sustained economic growth, and improving education, health, and disaster management.

The Chief Adviser wished Seck and his family good health on his retirement.

Special Envoy to Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi, senior secretary for SDG affairs Lamiya Morshed and ERD secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky were among others present on the occasion.​

 

[Saif]

Separating policy, revenue in NBR top reform priority

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) should not both formulate policies and collect revenue, rather a separate, independent and specialised policy wing should be formed, recommended an advisory committee recently. .This should be the first priority when bringing about reforms, said the co

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Separating policy, revenue in NBR top reform priority
Advisory committee tells interim govt

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) should not both formulate policies and collect revenue, rather a separate, independent and specialised policy wing should be formed, recommended an advisory committee recently.

This should be the first priority when bringing about reforms, said the committee in a proposal to the interim government last week.

The five-member advisory committee was formed by the finance ministry on October 9 to bring about reforms in the NBR, such as speeding up revenue collection and improving services for taxpayers.

The advisory committee members include two former chairmen of the NBR, Muhammad Abdul Mazid and Nasiruddin Ahmed, former income tax members Md Delwar Hossain and Aminur Rahman, and former customs member Farid Uddin.

The separation proposal had also come from International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a part of its $4.7 billion loan programmes.

Businesses have been advocating for the separation for years, citing that otherwise it created an "autocratic" mindset in the NBR.

Since the NBR works with a revenue collection target, it inevitably ends up formulating policies more inclined towards achieving the target and this ends up ignoring detrimental effects that those policies have on taxpayers, explained the businesses.

A white paper committee led by economist Debapriya Bhattacharya, which was formed recently on unearthing the state of the economy, had also spoken on the issue.

"By creating a dedicated policy unit within the Ministry of Finance, the NBR can focus on efficient collection and enforcement, leaving strategic tax policy formulation to a specialised team," it stated.

Earlier, the NBR officials of both customs and tax departments also requested the creation of an "Independent Policy Commission".

However, they emphasised that its officials should be chosen from among them, as the job necessitates having prior experience working in their departments.

"We have recommended it following discussions with businesspeople, development partners and NBR officials to make a better tax system," said one of the advisory committee members yesterday, seeking anonymity.

"Although everybody has welcomed the proposal, the state should be very careful when implementing the proposal. Otherwise, it would not be fruitful," he said.

In 2008, the then caretaker had undertaken the same reform initiative. Later, the elected government did not adopt the suggestion, he said.

"It will depend on the desire of the government," he added.

"We won't explain anything now," said Muhammad Abdul Mazid, a member of the advisory committee.

"We are working (on formulating a number of reform proposals). It will continue as the interim government didn't give any timeframe (with a deadline). We have just submitted our proposal on a single item or issue," he said.

"Our next priority will be automation," he said.

Declining to comment on policy issues, Md Farid Uddin, another member of the advisory committee, said they were now giving a lot of focus on automation.

"Policy separation is one of several reform priorities of the NBR. Even larger issues, such as digitalisation and integration, remain to be addressed," he said.

"Our prime goal is to simplify the tax policy and ensure integration among all stakeholders," he said.

"Although this initiative is a massive task, it will bring immense changes to the tax systems, which will help to reduce tax evasion," he added.

Welcoming the separation suggestion, Shaikh Shamim Bulbul, general secretary of BCS Taxation Association, said, "As a specialised division, we, both taxes and customs officials, have urged to form an independent and separate 'Policy Commission'."

This is to ensure an effective tax system, he said, adding, "We hope the advisory committee has accepted our proposal…We want to see its execution soon," he added.​

 

[Saif]

Tension mounts among govt officers over reform

Administration cadre officials and other cadres are now facing off over the public administration reforms aimed at freeing the civil service from political influence and inter-cadre discrimination and making it more service-oriented.

www.newagebd.net

Tension mounts among govt officers over reform
Sadiqur Rahman 25 December, 2024, 23:54

Bangladesh Administrative Service Association and the BCS Administration Welfare Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited hold a meeting, protesting at the reform of public administration, at the BIAM Foundation Auditorium in Dhaka on Wednesday. | New Age photo

Administration cadre officials and other cadres are now facing off over the public administration reforms aimed at freeing the civil service from political influence and inter-cadre discrimination and making it more service-oriented.

Officials belonging to 25 Bangladesh Civil Service cadres other than the administration cadre have long been pressing for eliminating the discrimination against them regarding promotions and in-service facilities.

The administration cadre officials, meanwhile on Wednesday, announced that they would submit a memorandum to the public administration reform commission today, intensifying the tension in the civil service over its reform as officials of other cadres are scheduled to hold human chains across the country, protesting at what they termed as dominance of the administration cadre in the civil service jobs.

Since the Public Administration Reform Commission disclosed its draft recommendations on December 17, civil servants under the administration cadre and the rest 25 cadres have faced off against each other, claiming their fair shares in the administrative services.

Public administration teacher at Dhaka University, Professor Ferdous Afrina Osman, called the ongoing tension in the civil service as frustrating and observed that dominance of a single cadre was discriminatory.

Saying that promotion in the civil service must be free from political influences, she told New Age that the only way to keep promotion free from political influence was a proper evaluation of the candidates.

‘Only the deserving civil service officials irrespective of the cadre should get promotion,’ she added.

On December 17, the reform commission said for promotion to the rank of deputy secretary it would recommend 50 per cent quota allocation for the administration cadre and 50 per cent for the rest of the 25 cadres.

Currently, for promotion to this rank, the administration cadre enjoys 75 per cent quota and the rest 25 cadres get 25 per cent quota.

The disclosure of the draft recommendations have stirred up discontent among both the administration and other cadres, leading to increased tension among the administration cadre officials and those of other cadres. The administration cadre officials fear that the recommendations, if accepted, will reduce their promotion quota, while officials under the rest 25 cadres think that the recommendations fail to reflect their demand for a merit-based administrative service.

On Wednesday, several hundred present and former officials of the administrative cadre assembled at the BIAM Foundation Auditorium in the capital in a meeting in protest at the commission’s reform proposal. It was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association and the BCS (Administration) Welfare Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited.

After the meeting, the officials announced that they would submit a memorandum to the public administration reform commission today, administrative service association member secretary Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the matter.

Speakers at the meeting complained that narrowing representation from the administration cadre was a conspiracy to destabilise the country by misdirecting public administration reforms.

Some of the speakers also demanded the resignation of the reform commission chief within 48 hours starting from Wednesday afternoon.

They said that narrowing the administration cadre’s representation would be a violation of a government circular, published on February 10, 1998, which was endorsed by the High Court as legal on February 13, 2002.

Moreover, they termed the application of the quota system in promotion to the deputy secretary rank as a discriminatory practice.

Dhaka district deputy commissioner Tanvir Ahmed told New Age that the administration cadre officials now demanded that the reform commission should recommend the abolition of the quota system and establish the Bangladesh Administrative Service exclusively with the administration cadre officials.

Asked how the civil servants from other cadres would get their promotion of the other cadre officials, Tanvir Ahmed said, ‘Their ranks must be upgraded as per the respective departmental promotion ladders.’

Earlier, on Sunday also, a significant number of administration cadre officials gathered at the Secretariat to press their demand.

On Tuesday, members of the Inter-Cadre Council to Eliminate Discrimination, a platform representing officials from 25 BCS cadres other than administration, staged a protest through a one-hour ‘pen-down strike’ to protest against the administration cadre’s dominance.

The council’s coordinator, Mohammad Mofizur Rahman, told New Age that officials of the 25 cadres would hold a human chain in front of their offices today.

The council is also scheduled to hold a rally in Dhaka on January 4 and has also announced further programmes, Mofizur said.​

 

[Saif]

Labourer sector reform: Informal workers seek recognition

The informal sector labourers, accounting for an overwhelming 85 per cent of the country’s labour force, keep their hopes high that the interim government would fulfil their...

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Labourer sector reform: Informal workers seek recognition
Sadiqur Rahman 25 December, 2024, 23:56

The informal sector labourers, accounting for an overwhelming 85 per cent of the country’s labour force, keep their hopes high that the interim government would fulfil their longstanding demand for inclusion in the formal sector as part of its labour reform initiative.

Labour rights activists believe that the inclusion would usher a watershed moment in the country’s labour rights campaign as it would mark the first step towards ensuring labour rights of the thousands of workers counted so far as informal sector labourers.

The interim government, which replaced the now ousted Sheikh Hasina regime from August 8, has launched a reform campaign in several sectors, labour sector one among them. It has tasked a 10-member labour reform commission, formed on November 18, with submitting its recommendations to the chief adviser within 90 days.

According to the Bangladesh Labour Force Survey 2022, around six crore or 84.9 per cent of the total working population in the country are engaged in informal employment that includes a highly varied range of work.

Most familiar of the informal sector jobs include agriculture labourers, domestic workers, construction and utility sector wage labourers, self-employed workers, including street vendors, hawkers and rickshaw pullers. Informal sector workers sell their cheap labour without any formal contracts with the employers and without any regular benefits.

Rights activists for domestic workers and municipality cleaners, while saying that they are marginalised among the informal workers, demand that the reform commission recommends their due recognition.

‘We eke out a living by selling our labour but we are not valued as workers. We hope that the interim government will recognise our due status,’ said Zakia Sultana, president of Grihakarmi Jatiya Forum, a platform for domestic workers.

The country’s massive 96.6 per cent of 2.48 crore employed women are engaged in informal employment.

Zakia added that informal workers’ long-due demand for recognition remained unheeded because the previous governments did not create any mediums to facilitate the discussion.

‘The labour reform commission is supposed to work as the much-expected media,’ she said.

She further said that domestic workers often avoided being pregnant, fearing job loss. ‘They are not given maternity leave. So when someone gets pregnant and gives birth to babies her plights become endless. In absence of day-care facilities at the slums where they live, mothers of newborns or small children face extreme challenges as they are not allowed to take her children to the employers’ house.’

Domestic workers, particularly those who work as live-in helps, do not have fixed work hours, weekends and standard wages.

Although the Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy was enacted in 2015, it brought hardly any positive impact on the domestic workers’ rights situation as it was not translated into a law.

Municipality cleaners, doing a critical service to keep the environment of cities and municipality towns, also face an increasing level of job insecurity.

Gajan Lal, senior vice president of Bangladesh Harijan Oikya Parishad, a platform of the Dalit community from which many earn livelihood as cleaners of cities and municipality towns, has said that most of the cleaners work on an ad hoc basis, and so can neither bargain on their wage nor demand increment.

‘Moreover, newcomers, mostly from the Muslim community, have made the temporary cleaning jobs more competitive,’ Gajan Lal said.

While talking about increasing livelihood insecurity of vendors and hawkers, Bangladesh Hawkers Union vice president Monzur Moin has said that they are in a constant risk of eviction.

While the authorities regularly run eviction drives, they do not provide alternative livelihood sources to the hawkers, says Moin. Moreover, as their occupation is not formalised, they cannot take their demands to the government in a systematic way.

‘The hawkers as informal sector workers do not have the right to trade union. We expect that the labour sector reform will recognise all engaged in the informal sector to ensure their legal protection,’ the hawker leader said.

Socialist Labour Front president Rajekuzzaman Ratan commended the formation of the labour reform commission as a reflection of the informal workers’ long-due expectations.

‘For the first time in the history of Bangladesh, a reform commission has been formed to address the discrimination in the labour sector. We hope for the best,’ Ratan said.

Recently, the interim government has added 15 new industrial sectors to the existing list of 42 sectors under wage regulations.

The newly included sectors are private clinics, hospitals and diagnostic centres; fertiliser factories; brickfields; private airlines; electric and electronic goods manufacture; ceramics; cement; batteries; poultry; commercial amusement parks; dry fish manufacture;, stone crushing; IT parks; colour and chemical factories; and milk products and dairy farms.

Labour rights activists allege that while some industries, such as type foundry industry, which no longer exist or have become insignificant in the changing economic scenario, are still in the wage regulations list, many new sectors involving significant numbers of workers have yet to find their place in it.

Chief of the labour reform commission, Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, observes that informal sector workers remain deprived of fundamental rights and social dignity.

‘The commission will highlight all the discriminations that the informal workers are facing. Steps must be taken to ensure their social dignity, security, and humane and sustainable livelihood,’ Sultan said.​

 

[Saif]

Tension mounts among govt officers over reform

Administration cadre officials and other cadres are now facing off over the public administration reforms aimed at freeing the civil service from political influence and inter-cadre discrimination and making it more service-oriented.

www.newagebd.net

Tension mounts among govt officers over reform
Sadiqur Rahman 25 December, 2024, 23:54

Bangladesh Administrative Service Association and the BCS Administration Welfare Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited hold a meeting, protesting at the reform of public administration, at the BIAM Foundation Auditorium in Dhaka on Wednesday. | New Age photo

Administration cadre officials and other cadres are now facing off over the public administration reforms aimed at freeing the civil service from political influence and inter-cadre discrimination and making it more service-oriented.

Officials belonging to 25 Bangladesh Civil Service cadres other than the administration cadre have long been pressing for eliminating the discrimination against them regarding promotions and in-service facilities.

The administration cadre officials, meanwhile on Wednesday, announced that they would submit a memorandum to the public administration reform commission today, intensifying the tension in the civil service over its reform as officials of other cadres are scheduled to hold human chains across the country, protesting at what they termed as dominance of the administration cadre in the civil service jobs.

Since the Public Administration Reform Commission disclosed its draft recommendations on December 17, civil servants under the administration cadre and the rest 25 cadres have faced off against each other, claiming their fair shares in the administrative services.

Public administration teacher at Dhaka University, Professor Ferdous Afrina Osman, called the ongoing tension in the civil service as frustrating and observed that dominance of a single cadre was discriminatory.

Saying that promotion in the civil service must be free from political influences, she told New Age that the only way to keep promotion free from political influence was a proper evaluation of the candidates.

‘Only the deserving civil service officials irrespective of the cadre should get promotion,’ she added.

On December 17, the reform commission said for promotion to the rank of deputy secretary it would recommend 50 per cent quota allocation for the administration cadre and 50 per cent for the rest of the 25 cadres.

Currently, for promotion to this rank, the administration cadre enjoys 75 per cent quota and the rest 25 cadres get 25 per cent quota.

The disclosure of the draft recommendations have stirred up discontent among both the administration and other cadres, leading to increased tension among the administration cadre officials and those of other cadres. The administration cadre officials fear that the recommendations, if accepted, will reduce their promotion quota, while officials under the rest 25 cadres think that the recommendations fail to reflect their demand for a merit-based administrative service.

On Wednesday, several hundred present and former officials of the administrative cadre assembled at the BIAM Foundation Auditorium in the capital in a meeting in protest at the commission’s reform proposal. It was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association and the BCS (Administration) Welfare Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited.

After the meeting, the officials announced that they would submit a memorandum to the public administration reform commission today, administrative service association member secretary Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the matter.

Speakers at the meeting complained that narrowing representation from the administration cadre was a conspiracy to destabilise the country by misdirecting public administration reforms.

Some of the speakers also demanded the resignation of the reform commission chief within 48 hours starting from Wednesday afternoon.

They said that narrowing the administration cadre’s representation would be a violation of a government circular, published on February 10, 1998, which was endorsed by the High Court as legal on February 13, 2002.

Moreover, they termed the application of the quota system in promotion to the deputy secretary rank as a discriminatory practice.

Dhaka district deputy commissioner Tanvir Ahmed told New Age that the administration cadre officials now demanded that the reform commission should recommend the abolition of the quota system and establish the Bangladesh Administrative Service exclusively with the administration cadre officials.

Asked how the civil servants from other cadres would get their promotion of the other cadre officials, Tanvir Ahmed said, ‘Their ranks must be upgraded as per the respective departmental promotion ladders.’

Earlier, on Sunday also, a significant number of administration cadre officials gathered at the Secretariat to press their demand.

On Tuesday, members of the Inter-Cadre Council to Eliminate Discrimination, a platform representing officials from 25 BCS cadres other than administration, staged a protest through a one-hour ‘pen-down strike’ to protest against the administration cadre’s dominance.

The council’s coordinator, Mohammad Mofizur Rahman, told New Age that officials of the 25 cadres would hold a human chain in front of their offices today.

The council is also scheduled to hold a rally in Dhaka on January 4 and has also announced further programmes, Mofizur said.​

 

[Saif]

Govt to consult with all parties before reforms

The interim government will not make unilateral decisions on the reform commissions’ reports but will finalise decisions through consultations with all political parties, said Adviser Mahfuj Alam yesterday.

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Govt to consult with all parties before reforms
Advisers tell dialogue

Photo: Collected

The foundation of the state relies on its institutions. Without robust institutions, the unity of the state is meaningless. If we cannot reform institutions like the Election Commission to serve the people, our efforts will be futile.— Mahfuj Alam

The interim government will not make unilateral decisions on the reform commissions' reports but will finalise decisions through consultations with all political parties, said Adviser Mahfuj Alam yesterday.

"We have been engaging in consistent discussions with political parties. Once the commissions begin presenting their proposals, which we expect from January, broader consultations will occur involving all stakeholders," Mahfuj said at the concluding session of a dialogue organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka.

He explained that the consultations would determine the extent of feasible reforms.

Mahfuj said reforms proposed by the political parties' had been largely integrated into the government's initiatives. "The political parties must now sit with us to finalise what reforms are achievable and necessary."

He emphasised the importance of strengthening state institutions. "The foundation of the state relies on its institutions. Without robust institutions, the unity of the state is meaningless. If we cannot reform institutions like the Election Commission to serve the people, our efforts will be futile."

The adviser stressed that reforms must be consensual.

"We need agreement on how much reform is possible and whether a legal framework can ensure that future governments continue these initiatives. Political parties must commit to upholding reforms when in power."

Photo: Collected

The absence of a democratic transition process led to the recent popular uprising that ousted the previous government. People have shed blood repeatedly, yet this issue remains unresolved.— Nahid Islam

Meanwhile, Nahid Islam, adviser to the information and ICT ministries, underscored the need for democratic power transitions to prevent the recurrence of political unrest.

"The absence of a democratic transition process led to the recent popular uprising that ousted the previous government. The people of Bangladesh have shed blood repeatedly, yet this issue remains unresolved."

He called for a framework to institutionalise peaceful and democratic power transitions.

"Our primary agenda is to prevent the return of vindictive politics. This must be addressed before the elections."

Responding to a query about the government's performance, Nahid said, "The public or those outside power can judge better. We are working within limitations, seeking assistance to advance our goals."

Nahid criticised the bureaucracy's misuse under previous governments.

"Bureaucrats gained undue power under the past regime, which was used to establish fascism. This legacy challenges our administrative effectiveness."

He commended the unity achieved during the mass uprising, saying, "This national unity persists on key issues."

He also called for embedding the essence of the July uprising into a new constitution, warning of future disruptions if this is not achieved.

On foreign policy, Nahid stressed the need for consistency.

"Bangladesh's foreign policy has historically shifted with changes in government. We need consensus on economic and trade policies to secure the nation's future."

At the event, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna dismissed debates over "reforms first or elections first" as irrelevant.

"Reforms will always be ongoing, but an interim government is temporary. The focus must be on conducting a free and fair election."

Amar Bangladesh Party Member Secretary Mojibur Rahman Monju said they aim to build a "New Bangladesh" with the help of the youth.

Private University Students Alliance representative Tanjil Mahmud called for engaging students in the reform process.

Supreme Court lawyer Dilruba Shormin urged unity, invoking the sacrifices of the uprising's martyrs.

Gono Odhikar Parishad's Rashed Khan, Jamaat-e-Islami's Hamidur Rahman Azad, Chattogram Hill Tracts representative Ilira Dewan, BNP's Mahidi Amin, and others echoed the need for reform and consensus.

Political scientist Navine Murshid stressed institutional accountability to ensure sustainable change.

The dialogue concluded with a consensus on the importance of inclusive reforms to strengthen democratic governance and national institutions.​

 

[Saif]

Failure to meet expectations will lead to political instability: Rizwana

Emphasising the importance of building a national consensus on reforms, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that public participation is crucial to achieving this goal

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Failure to meet expectations will lead to political instability: Rizwana

Emphasising the importance of building a national consensus on reforms, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that public participation is crucial to achieving this goal.

"If we fail to align with the people's expectations, we will constantly find ourselves in political discomfort and complications," she said.

She was speaking at the first session of the National Dialogue 2024, held under the theme "Unity, Reform, Elections" and titled "Which Path to Unity," at the Krishibid Institution Auditorium in Dhaka yesterday.

The adviser also said that achieving national consensus may require some compromises, and we must be prepared to make them.

She said that unity is essential in various areas, including communal harmony, political reform, and ensuring the inclusion of the younger generation's aspirations in governance.

The adviser remarked that agreement on reforms should not result in treating one another as adversaries. Decisions on what reforms are necessary, who will implement them, how they will be carried out, and within what timeframe must be made.

She stressed that backing down from reforms is not an option, as broad cooperation is needed to ensure public opinion is reflected in these changes. Failure to meet public expectations will lead to repeated political instability and complications.

Addressing the broader responsibility for change, she noted that it is not just the task of an interim government but a collective obligation. Merely drafting reforms on paper will not suffice; these changes must be practised to benefit the public.

Leadership changes alone are not enough without a shift in mindset. We must internalize that leadership is about responsibility, not power, and commit to fulfilling these responsibilities.

She also underscored the importance of public engagement in governance, noting that although the need for reform is widely acknowledged, the path forward remains challenging.

She warned that breaking away from entrenched political norms or eliminating inequalities will not happen overnight. Patience and persistence will be essential.

Rizwana said, "I remain optimistic and hopeful about the youth. Major changes are likely to come from them because they bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. However, change is a process that cannot be achieved solely through new laws. Training ourselves to sustain this process is vital, and both youth and experienced individuals have roles to play."

She concluded by expressing confidence in the government's initiatives and reform commissions, stating that public engagement would follow once commission reports are received.

The chief adviser has also proposed forming a commission to build consensus.

She added that effective reforms would benefit current and future political leaders by clarifying public expectations and ensuring responsive governance. Although the road to unity is challenging, the ultimate goal is to reflect the aspirations of the people.​