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

[Saif]

Govt launches major banking reforms

Bangladesh Bank and the interim government are undertaking significant efforts to restructure the country’s banking sector, focusing on recovering both local and foreign assets embezzled by corrupt individuals. Officials have confirmed that these assets, laundered abroad, are being targeted

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Govt launches major banking reforms
Estimates suggest over Tk 1 trillion in embezzled funds
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Aug 28, 2024 15:07
Updated :
Aug 28, 2024 15:08

Bangladesh Bank and the interim government are undertaking significant efforts to restructure the country’s banking sector, focusing on recovering both local and foreign assets embezzled by corrupt individuals.

Officials have confirmed that these assets, laundered abroad, are being targeted for repatriation as part of a broader initiative to bring the financial sector up to international standards, reports UNB.

The government emphasized its commitment to reforming the financial sector, acknowledging that the process is complex and time-consuming.

A key element of this strategy will be the establishment of a banking commission tasked with investigating each implicated bank, uncovering the full extent of the corruption, and developing an action plan, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

This plan, which can be implemented within six months, aims to overhaul the sector to ensure compliance with global banking norms.

The aim of Bangladesh Bank and the government is to be capable of complying with all international standards and building a strong banking sector.

However, international technical assistance and funding will be required from the beginning to the end of the activities to achieve this objective.

The reforms come in response to revelations that unscrupulous businessmen and influential figures have embezzled vast sums from the banking sector, laundering the funds abroad through fraudulent activities.

Preliminary estimates suggest the total embezzled amount could exceed Tk 1.0 trillion, though the exact figure is still being determined.

Significant steps have already been taken, with reforms initiated in several banks linked to the scandal.

The boards of Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, National Bank, United Commercial Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Union Bank have been reconstituted as part of the restructuring efforts. Similar measures will be implemented across other affected banks and financial institutions.

The government has also sought assistance from foreign agencies to track and repatriate the laundered funds. As the new management teams take control, they will be responsible for gathering accurate data on the embezzled amounts and leading the recovery efforts.​

 

[Saif]

Constitution to be rewritten to fix state institutions: Ali Riaz

Distinguished professor of politics and government department at Illinois State University, Ali Riaz, has said the constitution needs to be rewritten even through constitutional assembly if the democratic organisations are to be fixed. He made the remark at a press conference organised by the...

en.prothomalo.com

Constitution to be rewritten to fix state institutions: Ali Riaz
Special CorrespondentDhaka
Updated: 29 Aug 2024, 20: 26

Professor Ali Riaz answering questions from journalists at a hotel in the capital on Thursday. Prothom Alo

Distinguished professor of politics and government department at Illinois State University, Ali Riaz, has said the constitution needs to be rewritten even through constitutional assembly if the democratic institutions are to be fixed.

He made the remark at a press conference organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at a hotel in the capital on Thursday.

The CGS adviser presented his keynote paper and in the question-answer session, he talked on various issues including constitution, democracy and election.

Professor Ali Riaz said, "My personal view is that the constitution has to be rewritten. Without this, you will not be able to build institutions."

When asked how many terms a person can become head of the government, a Bangladesh born US professor said, " I personally think one person can become two terms as the head of the government at the most."

In reply to a question about the constitutional assembly, Ali Riaz said, "We are talking about the rewriting of the constitution as there is no scope for the amendment of the constitution. The scope of amendment of the constitution is limited as one third of the constitution is written in such a way that there is no scope to change that. There are such matters here, you can do nothing if those are removed. As a result, the word 'rewriting' is being discussed. I am talking about the constitutional assembly as a way of rewriting. I don't know whether there are any other ways."

When his attention was drawn to TIB's proposal that the same person will not be able to become the party chief, leader in the parliament and the prime minister, he said TIB has proposed that the power is not centralised to a person. These reforms are necessary. If these ways of centralised power are not stopped constitutionally, the appearance of another dictator cannot be prevented in the future.

About the disinformation of Indian media, Ali Riaz said the response to such disinformation is to publicise the real story. Different international media outlets contact me and I have asked them to go to Dhaka and see and publish stories. I will also tell the real stories."

Referring to the chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus' address to the nation calling the citizens to hold dialogue, Illinois State University professor said dialogues will be arranged, and opinions and advice of experts will be taken to establish sustainable democracy and rule of law.

He said the CGS will organise at the national and regional level in the next five months. Eight dialogues will be held in Dhaka. The dialogue include constitution, human rights, constitutional body, justice system, law enforcing agencies, foreign debt and media.​

 

[Saif]

Take time needed for reforms, hold polls at earliest

Political parties are willing to give the interim government the time needed to make some fundamental reforms to key institutions, but they also want an election as early as possible.

www.thedailystar.net

Take time needed for reforms, hold polls at earliest
35 parties tell Yunus

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus holds a views-exchange meeting with the leaders of Gonoforum at the State Guesthouse Jamuna yesterday. Photo: PID

Political parties are willing to give the interim government the time needed to make some fundamental reforms to key institutions, but they also want an election as early as possible.

In a series of meetings with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday, some parties demanded what they called a road map to the next national and local elections so as to dispel the confusion over the matter.

Representatives of 35 parties met Prof Yunus at state guest house Jamuna.

The Jatiya Party proposed ensuring a balance of power between the president, prime minister, and parliament, and not allowing an individual to be the head of government (prime minister) for more than two terms.

Besides, the head of government must not be the leader of parliament, it proposed.

Jatiya Party Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu told reporters later that the chief adviser was informed that political parties will let the interim government take the time required to reform certain constitutional bodies.

Sources said Prof Yunus told the parties that the interim government did not want to stay in power any longer than the time needed to make the reforms.

Unless the Election Commission is reformed, a level-playing field cannot be ensured ahead of elections, Prof Yunus told the parties.

The Islamist parties expressed their support for reforms.

Prof Yunus wants to reach a national consensus based on the opinions of all, the chief adviser's Special Assistant Mahfuj Alam told a briefing.

"We all need to take the opportunity and bring reforms so that the people can benefit for a long time," CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said.

There were discussions about whether the constitution should be amended or re-written, he said.

Some Islamist parties demanded withdrawal of cases against their activists within a month and a fair probe into the killing of Hefazat activists in 2013 and during the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, he added.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Oli Ahmed said, "We don't want an election before reforms. But an election at the earliest will be good for the country, the interim government, and the political parties."

The LDP made 83 proposals, including one for cancelling Awami League's registration with the EC.

Advisers Adilur Rahman Khan, AFM Khalid Hossain and Mahfuj were present at the meetings.

The Islamist parties that met Prof Yunus are Khelafat Majlish, Nizam-e-Islam, Hefazat-e-Islam, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Islami Andolon, Khelafat Andolon, and Jamiat Ulama-e Islam.

Hefazat Joint Secretary General Mamunul Haque said, "We proposed that a person should not serve as the prime minister for more than two terms. We also demand a national election after the necessary reforms, but not delaying it."

He added that a specific time frame was not discussed.

Hefazat proposed reforms in the electoral system to ensure the representation of all voters in parliament.

If that is ensured, no party will be able to enact a law against Islam, he said.

Hefazat Joint General Secretary Azizul Haque Islamabadi said, "We demanded constitutional reforms so that fascism cannot come back. The constitution should be a charter of the masses… We demanded withdrawal of the cases that were filed against Hefazat leaders in 2013 and 2021 within a month.

"We proposed forming a tribunal for the mass killings of 2013, 2021 and 2024. We also demanded immediate arrest of instigators of the killings and enforced disappearance."

Islami Andolon Bangladesh proposed abolishing the constitution and forming a constitutional commission to draft a new one which will be ratified through a referendum.

The party also demanded an inquiry commission and independent tribunal for the "July massacre", and the abolition of the current Election Commission.

Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Mufti Syed Rezaul Karim demanded reforms to the Election Commission, civil bureaucracy, judiciary, law enforcement, and the media.​

 

[Saif]

Chief adviser to come up with 'comprehensive framework' on reforms soon

Says Special Assistant Mahfuj Alam

www.thedailystar.net

Chief adviser to come up with 'comprehensive framework' on reforms soon
Says Special Assistant Mahfuj Alam

Photo: PID

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will soon come up with a "comprehensive framework" on reforms which will include how the transition of power will take place, his Special Assistant Mahfuj Alam said yesterday.

"He will mainly give a framework on reforms," he told reporters at Foreign Service Academy at a briefing after the Chief Adviser's views-exchange meetings with over two dozen political parties, including Jatiya Party and Islamic parties, held at state guesthouse Jamuna from 3:00pm to 8:00pm.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder also responded to questions from the reporters.

Mahfuj said the political parties through their proposals will let the interim government know how much reasonable time they will give the government.

"He (Prof Yunus) basically wanted to listen to the political parties on what kind of reforms they want," said the special assistant.

The chief adviser expressed his optimism that taking all onboard he will present the framework very soon.

Prof Yunus assured that based on opinions from all, a greater national consensus will be created on reforms and lasting changes.

"It is a golden opportunity for the nation to reform and this opportunity needs to be utilized properly," Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted the chief adviser as saying.

The chief adviser asked the political parties to give concrete and written proposals outlining what they want regarding reforms including the Constitution's amendment or rewrite.

The press secretary said reasonable time will depend on reforms proposals and it cannot be said now. "No one talked about a specific timeframe."

"All said the country will march ahead under your (Prof Yunus) leadership and we will be able to see concrete and very lasting reforms," Shafiqul Alam said.

The press secretary said the Islamic parties demanded the withdrawal of 300 cases against them and sought fair and transparent investigations into events in 2013, 2016 and 2021 to know actually how many of their people died.

Earlier on Thursday, a BNP delegation led by its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul met with the Chief Adviser.

Earlier on August 12, senior leaders of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, CPB led by Shah Alam, Gonotantra Mancha, BJP, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, AB Party, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Democratic Left Alliance and NDM held separate meetings with the Chief Adviser and extended their full support to the interim government.​

 

[Saif]

‘Reform constitution based on equality and social justice’

Speakers at a programme yesterday called for reforms to certain clauses of the constitution in line with the principles of equality, human dignity, and social justice -- key tenets of the Liberation War and the July revolution.

www.thedailystar.net

‘Reform constitution based on equality and social justice’
Speakers call for change in line with Liberation War, July revolution principles

The Daily Star organised the first part of a series of discussions titled “Mass-Student Movement and Constitution Reform Outline” at The Daily Star Centre in the capital yesterday. Photo: Star

Speakers at a programme yesterday called for reforms to certain clauses of the constitution in line with the principles of equality, human dignity, and social justice -- key tenets of the Liberation War and the July revolution.

They argued that political and constitutional reforms should be implemented in a way that prevents any future autocratic rule.

Advocate Arif Khan, a constitutional specialist, suggested that a party chief should not become the prime minister, and that a prime minister should not serve more than twice.

The Daily Star organised the first part of a series of discussions titled "Mass-Student Movement and Constitution Reform Outline" at The Daily Star Centre in the capital.

Khan said since the Liberation War, people have distanced themselves from political parties due to their disregard for the constitution, resulting in a failure to secure the rights promised within it.

He highlighted four key areas for amendment to improve the political environment: balancing power between the president and prime minister; ensuring the Election Commission's financial independence; revising Article 70 to allow MPs to vote against their party's decisions; and completely separating the judiciary.

Prof Ahmad Mostofa Kamal of Independent University said changing the constitution alone will not alter the nation's fate; rather, those who implement it must also change.

Ali Ar Raji, assistant professor at Chittagong University's Communication and Journalism department, emphasised that constitutional changes should reflect cultural and traditional values rather than being imposed from above.

Tamanna Akhter, a Dhaka University student, advocated for setting educational qualifications for parliamentary candidates and reinstating the caretaker government system.

Akram Hussain, a Dhaka University student and member of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement's liaison committee, proposed that a political party or alliance should only form a government if it secures at least 51 percent of the vote.

Mehedi Sajib, a co-coordinator of the quota reform movement from Rajshahi University, suggested that the constitution should be made more accessible to help people understand their rights and powers.

Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, underscored the need for both political and constitutional reforms.

He said one of the major reasons for the downfall of Sheikh Hasina is her arrogance.

He thanked students who were involved in the mass uprising, and said, "You have brought about a great revolution. Let there be no arrogance among you. Humility should be embedded in your character. The nation will always salute you for your contribution."

The discussion, conducted by The Daily Star journalist Imran Mahfuz, also featured contributions from Jahangirnagar University's Prof Shamima Sultana, Prof Mohammad Golam Rabbani, student Maliha Mannan, and academics and students from various institutions including Jagannath University, Prime Asia University, Dhaka College, Rajshahi Medical College, Darun Najat Madrasa, Independent University, United International University, BRAC University, and North South University.​

 

[Saif]

It is time to reform the publishing sector

In the past regime, there was investment in books that only served a certain coterie, championing a certain narrative.

www.thedailystar.net

It is time to reform the publishing sector

In the past regime, there was investment in books that only served a certain coterie, championing a certain narrative. VISUAL: ALIZA RAHMAN

We have lost decades in our existential quest to build a knowledge-based society as a nation. Governments came and went, offering only lip-service and no unified vision or roadmap towards building a society where all everyday life decisions, whether personal or state-level, are based on some form of evidence-based knowledge. In other words, a society where expertise in any subject matter is valued, and where the creation and dissemination of local knowledge on a variety of subject matters is prioritised in the knowledge ecosystem.

The publishing industry is situated in the middle of making knowledge materials available to general readers, students, professionals, and public and private institutions alike. The publishing sector in any robust state plays a crucial role in reflecting the vibrancy of knowledge production and the creative output of a country. It mirrors the state of freedom of thought and expression that prevails in the country.

It will not be an exaggeration to say that for the entire lifetime of the country, this sector has suffered negligence in terms of its development, and access to being able to construct policies. This is despite the fact that to compete in the global economy these days, knowledge is the most important asset and should receive due attention in terms of how best it can be produced and delivered in the most professional and internationally accepted ways. Here is where the educational institutions and research organisations of the country also need to play a strong partnership role.

In the past regime, there was investment in books that only served a certain coterie, championing a certain narrative. Publications were part and parcel of the patronage system. Most government book acquisitions were primarily made to favour certain writers, bureaucrats and their family members who became best-selling writers overnight as their books were chosen for large government purchases. The merit of the books or the audience for whom the books were being purchased were hardly ever considered. There was no transparency in the process of project formulation, book selection and payments. We are aware of scams including the one about the Department of Primary Education's expenditure of Tk 150 crores in 2020 to purchase books for setting up Bangabandhu Corners in 65,700 schools. Out of this amount, over Tk 20 crores went to buying copies of only three books by someone named Najmul Hossain. The books were published by two entities owned by him. This is just one example among many such projects. An investigation ought to be conducted to investigate the extent of corruption and misappropriation of government funds in the name of projects for purchasing low quality, inappropriate books, or materials that only portray biased narratives about the country.

Under the current circumstances, despite the unprecedented challenges ahead, we are hopeful that this sector will receive renewed priority in forming a long-term unified and coordinated national vision. Therefore, I would like to place some recommendations that have emerged from my study of the existing literature on the sectoral development of the publishing industry and recent consultations with young and promising publishers who aspire for an environment conducive to nurturing their potential.

It is a matter of great privilege that a well-drafted National Book Policy is already in existence, and it only requires updating and review given the current context. The policy was first drafted and adopted by the cabinet in 1994. A revised and expanded policy was brought to the table for review and discussion in 2011.

An updated version based on a series of consultations with sectoral experts was drafted and submitted again to the cabinet. This attempt failed, and it has never seen the light of day. However, the draft is well prepared, forward-looking, with detailed plans for implementation. Moreover, most of its propositions are applicable even today. Just by reviewing the National Book Policy, it is possible to bring about some beneficial and necessary long-term reforms in the sector. In addition to what is covered in the policy the interim government could consider immediate, medium-term and long-term reforms along with a crisis mitigation agenda for this sector.

For the medium and long-term, one of the changes to consider would be placing the publishing sector under the purview of the Ministry of Commerce instead of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Strong interactivity with the education and cultural ministries could be maintained. The National Book Centre could be empowered as the apex body in charge of all matters relating to the knowledge sector; this can enable effective interministerial coordination. A detailed recommendation and implementation plan for transforming this institution into the National Book Development Council is provided in the draft National Book Policy.

In addition, we will require training facilities for enhancing the skills and building the capacities of aspiring publishing professionals. Grant programs may be created in all private and public universities for merit-based research and publications. We should create opportunities for international exposure to publishing practices elsewhere to improve our understanding and align our practices with international standards. Additionally, we should create opportunities for publishers to showcase their work at various international book fairs.

Furthermore, support should be provided for conducting reliable research and market analysis of the industry, enabling better decision-making at both the state and business levels. It is also important to support the creation of a strong sales and distribution network and to promote books throughout the country all year. Special provisions should be considered for promoting books through print, TV, and digital mediums.

Accompanying such reforms, existing copyright law should be reviewed and updated to better support the local publishing industry. Policies should be established to ensure fair and transparent purchasing by government and private institutions.

In the matter of immediate reforms and crisis mitigation efforts, we should turn our attention to the increased price of paper and other input material following Covid. With the current economic downturn already impeding recovery, we may want to consider offering publishers loans to revitalise the sector.

Additionally, two or more separate pressure groups and trade bodies representing publishers and booksellers should be formed within permissible legal framework. The existing trade body, ie the Bangladesh Pustok Prokashok O Bikreta Somiti (BAPUS) includes both booksellers and publishers. The result is a latent and existential defect, as it is a mix of two separate interest groups that are supposed to be on negotiating terms with one another

We hope that the current interim government will take the necessary steps towards rebuilding the foundation of the reformed state that will place excellence in knowledge production and dissemination at the centre of its state-reform agenda. The best way to attain this would be by reforming the publishing sector from the ground up. Rest assured, they can count on the youthful and patriotic energy of the well-intentioned and talented individuals in this trade to catalyse this essential and much-needed change.

Mahrukh Mohiuddin is the managing director of The University Press Limited (UPL).​

 

[Saif]

The alterations we need in our Election Commission

Elections are of paramount importance to a country’s quality of democratic governance.

www.thedailystar.net

The alterations we need in our Election Commission

Visual: Star

The 1970 Pakistan election was considered the "fairest and cleanest" election in Pakistan's history, which paved the way for Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan. However, Bangladesh has failed to institutionalise a sound electoral process in the 53 years since independence. Even though all elections held under caretaker governments (CG) were termed as mostly free and fair, elections held under political governments lacked credibility; some were even considered farcical. The key reason is political interference into the workings of election administration by successive political governments since 1972. To stay in power, the ruling class in most cases conducts purely decorative and ritualalistic elections denying independence to the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) and politicising other institutions with electoral responsibilities such as law enforcement agencies, local administration, judiciary, etc. aiming to manipulate election results.

The democracy-loving people of Bangladesh, where elections are festivals, are waiting to exercise their franchise in the 13th parliamentary elections. However, to ensure requisite institutional conditions for holding the next elections, the interim government needs ample time to rebuild Bangladesh's electoral institutions. The interim government and the new election commission, which is expected to be formed soon, must address the following key immediate issues not only to guide Bangladesh towards conducting genuine democratic elections but also to render the commission a professional citizens' organisation.

First, the country needs an independent election commission (EC) free from political intervention. The first and foremost step towards an independent EC is the recruitment of credible and non-partisan authorities with a demonstrated commitment to democracy and accountability to citizens. However, the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment Act, 2022 is incomplete, as it lacks recruitment criteria for commissioners, excludes citizen scrutiny, and does not ensure transparency. Moreover, the loopholes around this law allow the ruling class to easily recruit loyal people as election commissioners. Therefore, the interim government should engage an expert pool to review and propose amendments to the law to ensure it is comprehensive, adheres to international best practices, and ensures the recruitment of commissioners capable of neutrally performing their functions.

Second, no EC around the world can conduct credible elections alone. They need support from various institutions, including the police and civil service. During elections, the EC should emerge as the de facto government authority on election administration, assuming total control over police and bureaucracy, and cutting its link with the political government completely. Political neutrality of electoral institutions is paramount. However, due to blatant politicisation of state institutions, some police personnel in particular played a blatant role in ensuring victory of ruling party candidates, including widespread ballot stuffing in multiple elections held under a political government. In order to neutralise temporary poll officials, including police, the IG should amend the Election Officers (Special Regulations) Act, 1991 so that no temporary poll officials, including returning officers and police, can play a biased role in any future elections.

Third, the EC should become a citizens' organisation. In genuine democratic elections, citizens are "the ultimate controlling power." Therefore, EC-decision making must be based on citizens' voices to make the EC "of the people, by the people and for the people." The new EC should conduct its work transparently, including adopting a transparency guideline so that Bangladesh can benefit from an EC that is fully accountable to citizens.

Fourth, an election cannot be termed as credible if opposition parties do not participate and if there is a lack of qualified candidates running for office. The UN declared that "political contestants (parties, candidates and supporters of positions on referenda) have vested interests in the electoral process through their rights to be elected and to participate directly in government." In Bangladesh, there are allegations that some qualified political parties were denied registration with the EC, while parties that did not meet the registration criteria were enlisted. Lack of participation of all qualified political parties raises questions about the credibility of elections. Therefore, both the IG and the EC, before the next election should create equal opportunity for all political parties to participate in elections.

Fifth, election observation in Bangladesh has never been professionalised due to official and unofficial political intervention of the ruling party and EC restrictions. While election observers are a key electoral stakeholder, the EC never established professional relationships with observer organisations. Instead, many credible observers were labelled as "politically biased" when they published credible election observation reports.

There are many examples of political, election-time governments thwarting effective election monitoring by pressuring election observers in multiple ways. Practices that negatively impacted past observations efforts include NGO Affairs Bureau cancelling previously approved funds for observing organisations to prevent them from carrying out their mandates; intelligence agencies subjecting election observers to intense scrutiny, which discouraged observers from conducting election monitoring; BEC issuing credentials during the night preceding election day, preventing observers from traveling to their desired constituency, and restricting observers' movement.

Due to such barriers, most credible organisations stopped observing elections in Bangladesh. The IG and the BEC should develop a strategy not only to professionalise election observation but also to build a culture of accrediting credible election observation organisations as an integral part of elections.

Elections are of paramount importance to a country's quality of democratic governance. They are the means through which people voice their preferences and choose their representatives. I strongly believe the presence of an interim government creates an opportunity to bring elections back to the citizens of Bangladesh, including establishing a sustainable electoral mechanism which no longer change the rules of the game to engineer electoral outcomes.

Dr Md Abdul Alim is an elections specialist, currently working as principal director with Democracy International, and previously served as director of the Election Working Group.​

 

[Saif]

Rewriting or reform of constitution suggested

Legal experts, academics and professionals at a dialogue on Saturday mostly suggested rewriting the constitution, while some of them opted for reforms of the constitution during the...

www.newagebd.net

Rewriting or reform of constitution suggested
Staff Correspondent 01 September, 2024, 00:54

The Centre for Governance Studies holds a dialogue titled Democratic Reconstruction on Constitution at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies auditorium in the capital on Saturday. | New Age photo

Legal experts, academics and professionals at a dialogue on Saturday mostly suggested rewriting the constitution, while some of them opted for reforms of the constitution during the interim government’s term in power.

Majority of the 18 speakers advocated for rewriting the constitution at the dialogue organised by the Centre for Governance Studies at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies auditorium.

They suggested that the constitution should be rewritten through a constituent assembly or national convention, incorporating public opinion to prevent fascism or autocracy.

Some participants, however, argued that necessary amendments to the constitution could be made instead of entirely rewriting it.

The discussion, titled ‘Democratic reconstruction of the constitution,’ highlighted the ongoing debate over the best path forward for the nation’s governance framework.

Illinois State University professor and political scientist Ali Riaz presented a keynote paper at the discussion, arguing that the current constitution legitimised the actions and policies of the autocratic government led by fallen prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Riaz, also a member of the advisory board of the Centre for Governance Studies, emphasised that true democratic reform was impossible without establishing a system of checks and balance, which he believed required drafting a new constitution.

He criticised the existing constitution for allowing Sheikh Hasina to simultaneously hold the positions of head of government, leader of the ruling political party, and even head of state. ‘We see no distinction between the government and the ruling political party,’ Riaz asserted.

Riaz further argued that Bangladesh experienced a drift towards individual autocracy over the past 15 years under Hasina’s rule, a shift he attributed to the powers granted to her by constitutional amendments.

He also highlighted the inability to maintain judicial independence under the current constitutional framework.

One of the coordinators of Student Movement Against Discrimination Mahfuj Alam stated that the ouster of Sheikh Hasina government led to the emergence of a new political community with people’s will being reflected by the interim administration.

Mahfuj, now a special assistant to chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus, argued that this newly formed political community would play a decisive role in shaping the future Bangladesh.

He raised critical questions about how the interim government would continue to represent the people’s will.

Critiquing the 1972 constitution, Mahfuj pointed out its ideological bias, which he said closely aligned with the principles of the Awami League, blurring the distinction between the party and the state’s governing framework. This, according to him, eventually led to the public uprising that toppled the Awami League government.

Mahfuj rejected calls for the inclusion of the Awami League and its allies in the political process, arguing that these parties’ ideologies must first be reformed to align with the people’s will.

He emphasised the need to reconnect with the broader populace, stating, ‘We have to reach out to the masses.’

Supporting the drafting of a new constitution, Mahfuj claimed that it would not be a difficult task, as there was no fundamental difference between the will of the people in 1972 and that of 2024.

He stressed the importance of bridging these two eras, noting, ‘We must connect the will of the people of 1972 with that of 2024.’

Mahfuj further argued that the task of drafting a new constitution should not be limited to political parties but must involve various sectors of society.

He insisted that the preamble of the new constitution should honour the sacrifices made by students and others during the mass uprising.

Dhaka University’s former law student and an activist of the student movement Habibur Rahman questioned whether the present government was a constitutional government, mentioning that the government’s tenure was indefinite.

Habibur Rahman raised concerns about the legitimacy of the current government, questioning whether it could be considered constitutional.

He also cited the recent remarks by chief election commissioner Habibul Awal who stated that he could face the death penalty for failing to hold national elections within 90 days.

Habibur highlighted the constitutional requirement for elections within 90 days, arguing that no government could remain in power beyond this period without holding an election.

‘This is a government without a parliament,’ he remarked, adding that the government risked becoming similar to the one in place during the state of emergency on January 11, 2007, once the 90-day period expires.

He further argued that the interim government might not adhere strictly to the constitution, implying that a national election within 90 days was unlikely given the current political climate.

‘A new constitution is essential,’ Habibur asserted, emphasising that the aspirations of future generations could not be fully realised unless the constitution was amended periodically to reflect the will of the people.

‘We need to move beyond the basic structure of the current constitution,’ he added.

Habibur also advocated for the adoption of a ‘Second Republic’ or a new constitution to uphold the spirit of the student revolution that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina government.

He suggested renaming the state, arguing that the title ‘Gana Prajatantri’ was inappropriate for a country not ruled by a monarchy.

Instead, he proposed the name ‘Jana Ganatantrick Bangladesh,’ which was originally suggested in the 1972 Constituent Assembly.

He proposed that a new constitution with a democratic spirit could be created through a constituent assembly, following a model similar to South Africa’s, where the interim executive, in agreement with all political parties, would draft the constitution before the national election.

To achieve this, Habibur recommended forming a national convention composed of individuals involved in the anti-fascist movement and representatives from political parties, united by the common goal of overthrowing the Awami League government.

He proposed holding a referendum to ratify the new constitution drafted by the national convention and suggested that an election could be held solely to form a constituent assembly tasked with drafting the constitution.

Political scientist and former Jahangirnagar University professor Dilara Chowdhury asserted that there was no ambiguity regarding the need for constitutional reform.

However, Dhaka University law professor Borhan Uddin Khan opposed the idea of drafting a new constitution, arguing instead that it could be amended.

He emphasised that one-third of the constitution was considered fundamental and therefore could not be altered.

Munira Khan, president of the Fair Election Monitoring Alliance, questioned the feasibility of amending the constitution without first forming an elected government.

New Age editor Nurul Kabir argued that parliament should not have the authority to draft the constitution, as its role is to legislate based on an existing constitutional framework.

He cautioned against the conflict of interest that arises when those who draft the constitution are also responsible for implementing it.

According to Nurul Kabir, in a democratic system, lawmakers should create laws based on a constitution drafted by others, underscoring the principle that sovereignty lies with the people, not the parliament.

Sujan secretary Badiul Alam Majumder supported the idea of drafting a new constitution through a constituent assembly, and suggested the removal of Article 7B, which states that the basic provisions of the constitution are not amendable.

Supreme Court Bar Association president AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon refrained from offering an opinion on whether the constitution could be rewritten under the current government, expressing uncertainty about who would be responsible for drafting it and forming a constituent assembly.

Human rights lawyer Sara Hossain emphasised the importance of involving constitutional experts in the discussion and criticizsd the lack of representation from diverse viewpoints during the debate.

Adviser for the ministries of local government and land AF Hassan Ariff called the discussion as open-ended which would connect more people in phases to carry out the democratic reconstruction process.

Ariff, also senior lawyer and former attorney general, called the interim government as trustee saying that it would not give any decision.

‘We have to go back to the students and they will carry it on,’ Ariff said.

Lawyers ZI Panna and Dilruba Shormin, retired district judge Ikteder Ahmed, Chakma Circle chief Raja Devasish Roy, and Centre for Peace and Justice executive director Manzoor Hasan, among others, also participated in the discussion conducted by Centre for Governance Studies executive director Zillur Rahman.​

 

[Saif]

Why overhaul of EC is topmost priority

Questions have been raised about the current Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal and his colleagues.

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Why overhaul of EC is topmost priority

VISUAL: SALMAN SAKIB SHAHRYAR

Since the newly formed interim government has taken charge, emergence of an impartial democratic governance has become the sine qua non for restoration of public trust in the electoral system. Since August 5, in a significant overhaul of the local administration, the interim government dismissed 876 elected representatives nationwide. To fill these positions, administrators were appointed in 61 districts, 495 upazilas, and 330 municipalities, largely replacing those who had served under the previous Awami League (AL) government. In addition to the removal of seven previously appointed municipal administrators, 323 municipal mayors were also dismissed.

The administration is also being shaken up with at least five mid-ranking police officials, who were arbitrarily dismissed or sent into forced resignation during the tenure of AL, being reinstated. The chief justice, five justices, top police officials, and the central bank governor—all have gone into retirement, yet there has been no change in the bedrock of the country's democratic governance i.e., the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC).

Questions have been raised about the current Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal and his colleagues, following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government. Despite his overseeing the 2024 general election, widely criticised for irregularities and bias, the CEC continues to hold his position at a time when the growing national sentiment is that a new, impartial EC is essential to restore confidence in the electoral process.

Over the past 53 years, Bangladesh has struggled to build a strong electoral system. While elections overseen by caretaker governments since the transition to parliamentary democracy in 1991 were generally considered to be free, fair, and participative, those conducted under political administrations of the ruling AL often lacked credibility due to interference by the government. Same thing happened when the then ruling BNP tried to manipulate the infamous Magura by-polls in 1994.

The electoral system took a significant turn in 2011 when the Sheikh Hasina-led AL abolished the constitutional requirement for a caretaker government through the 15th amendment. This decision led to a boycott of the 2014 general election by BNP and other opposition parties which was marred by violence, voter suppression, and allegations of government crackdowns on opposition leaders. More than half of the seats i.e. 153 out of 300 were uncontested and won by the single ruling party candidates. From 2014 to 2024, the country's electoral landscape has been defined by a series of controversial elections with poor participation, political repression, and concerns over the state of democracy.

Similarly, under former CEC KM Nurul Huda, the 2018 election marked the introduction of electronic voting machines (EVMs) which became a source of controversy with a turnout of 80 percent with the AL, in alliance with the Jatiya Party (JP), securing over 90 percent of the parliamentary seats. Observers reported significant irregularities, such as voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and occupation of polling booths, raising serious doubts about the integrity of the electoral process and the role of the EC. In 2020, 42 prominent citizens called on the then President Abdul Hamid to establish a Supreme Judicial Council to investigate allegations of misconduct, including financial corruption, against the EC led by KM Nurul Huda.

In 2023, the EC's widely publicised dialogue with registered parties occurred with many expecting the EC to first enable the BNP to freely decide on participating. Instead, the EC considered its duty fulfilled by simply delivering an invitation to the BNP's empty, locked office. Additionally, TIB published a report on the 12th National Parliament Election criticising EC for failing to ensure fairness, transparency, and competitiveness.

The 2024 general election was widely seen as a repeat of previous polls, with an exceptionally low turnout of 27 percent, and the AL poised for another victory. These issues highlight ongoing concerns about the EC's ability to conduct credible elections, yet the EC seems mostly oblivious of its role in the flawed electoral processes. According to Articles 118(4) and 126 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, along with Article 4 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, the EC is an independent constitutional body, accountable only to the constitution and relevant laws. Given this, it is crucial for the CEC and the EC led by him to uphold democratic principles.

On August 24, the CEC wrote a column for Samakal expressing concerns about the constitutional requirement for the EC to conduct general elections within 90 days, as mandated by Article 123(3)(b) of the constitution. He warned that failure to do so could be considered a grave offense under Article 7A, potentially punishable by death. However, he also acknowledged the impossibility of holding elections within this timeframe under current circumstances, likening the situation to "the sword of Damocles hanging over one's head." Given the complexity of the situation, looming crises, and the fact that elections overseen by the EC in the past 15 years have eroded public trust, he and his colleagues should have resigned immediately without waiting for either a call from the president or any other corner who they would have difficulty ignoring.

The interim government needs to rebuild electoral institutions starting with an independent election commission free from political influence. This is an opportunity to restore citizens' trust in elections by creating a sustainable, transparent electoral process that puts power back in the hands of the people. Hence, it is difficult to understand why the current CEC and his colleagues are not submitting resignations as opposed to being asked to do so. Do they really believe that any further election will be held under their stewardship? Or are the salary, benefits, perks and privileges they enjoy too good to be not enjoyed until shown the door?

Prof Syed Munir Khasru is chairman of The Institute for Policy, Advocacy, and Governance (IPAG), an international think tank.​

 

[Saif]

Get ready for reform, CA asks secretaries

Chief adviser to the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday gave a host of directives to secretaries for building a new Bangladesh in the spirit of the recent mass uprising that ousted the Awami League-led regime...

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Get ready for reform, CA asks secretaries
Staff Correspondent 04 September, 2024, 17:00

Chief adviser to the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus holds a meeting with the top bureaucrats at his office in Dhaka on Wednesday. | Star Mail photo

Chief adviser to the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday gave a host of directives to secretaries for building a new Bangladesh in the spirit of the recent mass uprising that ousted the Awami League-led regime.


The directives including adopting reform programmes at all levels of the government and implementing those were given at a meeting with secretaries of the ministries and divisions at the office of the chief adviser.


All ministries and divisions have been asked to submit time-bound short, medium and long term plans reflecting innovative and citizen-friendly attitudes, according to a release from the press wing of the Chief Adviser’s Office at Tejgaon.

‘The plans will be monitored and evaluated regularly,’ said the release.


This was the first meeting of the chief adviser with the secretaries after the interim government assumed power on August 8.

The chief adviser asked the secretaries to consult with the authorities concerned for making reform programme while highlighting that the students-led mass uprising has given us fearless minds and confidence to check discrimination and uphold humanity.

Everybody should work with dedication, honesty and accountability to build a new Bangladesh, said the chief adviser.

He advised the secretaries to discard the stereotyped outlook.

The chief adviser said the government activities should run with creativity for giving priority to the interest of the people.

He also said the people’s satisfaction should be won by providing services easily and uprooting the corruption.

The chief adviser wanted the secretaries to ensure best use of public finance.

He said the competition in public procurement should be ensured.

The existing obstacles obstructing accountability and transparency should be removed, he said.

The chief adviser said the positive outlook created globally towards the country following the student-mass uprising should be utilised for the best interest of the nation.

 

[Saif]

Unveil roadmap to reform immediately

Anti-Discrimination Student Movement places their 5-point demand after Shaheedi March marking the one month of the fall of AL govt

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Unveil roadmap to reform immediately

Anti-Discrimination Student Movement places their 5-point demand after Shaheedi March marking the one month of the fall of AL govt
students demand reform roadmap from interim government

Photo: Palash Khan

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement today demanded that the interim government unveil a roadmap to reform the state immediately.

Abu Baker Majumder, a key organiser of the students' movement that spearheaded the protest against the AL-led government, announced the demand as part of their five-point demand from a rally held at the central Shaheed Minar.

Earlier, the students' movement held a mammoth procession, organised to commemorate one month of the fall of Awami League government.

The other demands include providing financial and legal assistance to the family of the martyrs, identifying the corrupt officials and collaborators of the ousted fascist government inside the administration and bringing them to book immediately.

They also demanded the arrest and punishment of the perpetrators of the mass killing. Athy demanded that the Gono Bhaban, the former official residence of Sheikh Hasina, to be declared as the July Memorial Museum.

Several thousand students and people from all walks of life participated in yesterday's 'Shaheedi March' that started from the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture at the Dhaka University.​

 

[Saif]

‘Reforms are crucial to strengthen the Election Commission’

Nothing can make the electoral system foolproof because it does not depend fully on the EC

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‘Reforms are crucial to strengthen the Election Commission’

Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of SHUJAN: Citizens for Good Governance, speaks with Naznin Tithi of The Daily Star about the changes needed in our electoral system and related laws before the next election.

The chief adviser is supposed to present a roadmap for state reforms soon. What kind of reforms should be prioritised before the election, and how long should it take to implement them?

What I learned from the people who participated in the mass uprising is that they wanted justice for the criminal acts such as the killing of students and civilians, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, violation of human rights, etc. They also wanted accountability for the financial crimes committed over the past 15 years. Another key demand of the students is state reform or raastro meramot. So, we are glad that the chief adviser is going to declare a roadmap after ongoing dialogues with the political parties. Once that roadmap is laid out, we will know what reforms they intend to undertake and how far they are willing to go.

Broadly speaking, I see two key areas where reform is required. One is the need to revise various laws, including those governing the appointment of members of the Election Commission (EC), the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Human Rights Commission, Information Commission, the local government, laws for appointing the judges, etc. These laws need to be updated and amended to reorganise both constitutional and statutory institutions. Another need is reforming the constitution, which is the most important and yet most difficult task.

Now, there are two alternative views. While some are opting for completely rewriting the constitution, others want changes in some key areas. These include bringing a balance between the powers of the president and the prime minister, reforming or abolishing Article 70, deciding on whether or not we should have a proportional representation system and bicameral legislation, establishing term limits for the prime minister, and setting the duration of the legislative term, etc. These are some of the major things that need to be addressed if we are not rewriting the constitution. We hope to get some sort of guidance on this from the chief adviser's forthcoming roadmap.

There are two ways to institute these reforms. One is by declaring the 15th amendment unconstitutional. In that case, the provision for referendums will come back. If that happens, it could be used for adopting some of the desired constitutional changes. Some laws could also be reformed, and the president could issue an ordinance to turn these into laws. But they will have to be approved in the first session of the parliament when it is formed. But you cannot change the constitution with an ordinance, so that will have to wait.

Now, the first round of dialogue is going on. There may be a second and even third round. After the chief adviser declares the roadmap, there will be further dialogues, through which an agreement among the political parties, government and other stakeholders can hopefully be reached. That agreement could be signed into a document, which can be called a National Charter. After the political parties sign the document, there could be a free and fair election. Then, whoever comes to power will be obliged to implement those reforms. However, our political parties don't have a good track record of keeping their commitments. So, there will have to be a body which will stand guard. I think our students could probably play this role.

But if we go for rewriting the constitution, then there has to be a constituent assembly through which a new constitution could be adopted.

What, in your view, can be a reasonable timeframe for polls?

The timeframe for the election will depend on what the political parties and the interim government agree on doing. It will depend on what milestones the interim government would like to achieve first. The good thing is that discussions are currently
The political parties have also proposed to hold the local government elections before the national polls.

Our local government system is in a bad shape. Also, some of the local government bodies that are very important for providing services to the people have been dissolved. So, elections to these bodies should be held as soon as possible for practical reasons. This will give the interim government, and a reconstituted EC, the experience required for holding the national election. The local elections will not be as contentious, because they will not cause changes in power. But before these elections are held, the local government laws should be reformed.

What kind of reforms are needed in our electoral system and in the Election Commission laws to make the system foolproof, so that the EC can hold elections independently in the future?

There is nothing we can do to make the electoral system foolproof because it does not depend fully on the EC, even though it is the biggest and most important stakeholder in case of elections. The other stakeholders are the political parties and their candidates, law enforcement agencies, bureaucracy, civil society, and media. If political parties and their candidates do not abide by the laws, and if the law enforcing agencies and bureaucracy are partisan, then the EC cannot really do much. Having said that, the EC can prevent/stop bad elections because its constitutional mandate is to hold an inclusive and competitive election.

However, there are quite a few areas where reform is vital to strengthen the Election Commission. First, we need to reform the law enacted in 2022 for appointing election commissioners. This law was basically recycled from the old circulars that the Awami League government used in the last few elections to appoint the commissioners of their choice. We need to do away with this law. Incidentally, the legality of the appointment of the now-former Election Commission is in serious question. Because the 2022 law calls for only political parties and professional bodies to propose names to the search committee for the appointment of election commissioners. But the search committee, in violation of the law, allowed all citizens to propose names, including their own. For example, Kazi Habibul Awal's name was proposed by the late Zafrullah Chowdhury. Although he was a distinguished person, he was not qualified as per law to nominate anybody. A similar thing happened in the case of other commissioners. Therefore, we need to reform this law to reconstitute the EC. However, because of the unusual situation caused by the mass upsurge, the interim government should be able to appoint a new EC without following the existing law or enacting a new one.

We also need to make quite a few changes in the Representation of the People Order (RPO). For example, according to section 90B of the RPO, political parties registered with the EC must not have provisions for associated and affiliated bodies in their constitutions. This was intended to disband such bodies. Our political parties removed such provisions from their constitutions but kept those affiliated bodies by terming them as "brotherly" organisations so as to use them as their lathiyal bahinis. Thus, our political parties adhered to the letter but not the spirit of the law. To remedy this, section 90B of the RPO needs amendment.

Moreover, the nomination trade has become a big concern as it allows people to buy nominations in exchange for money. Consequently, more than two-thirds of our parliamentarians were businessmen. As a result, we now have the "best" democracy money can buy. Redressing this will require amending section 90B of the RPO, requiring the nomination of candidates for parliament elections to be determined by the votes of the activists of each constituency.

In addition, a few more changes are needed with regards to the candidates' affidavits, which must be scrutinised. There must also be provisions for counter-affidavits so that one can challenge the affidavit of a candidate. Furthermore, the present outdated affidavit form needs to be updated, and election expenses should be scrutinised and monitored. All these must be included in the law.

Additionally, we need a constitutional change if we want a proportional representation system. We will need constitutional changes for women's representation in parliament, to hold direct elections for the women's seats, and to preserve at least a third of the seats for women. Constitutional changes will also be needed if we want to go for a bicameral legislature and set term limits for the prime minister.

What's your thoughts on the proportional representation system that some parties have suggested?

Proportional representation means that political parties will get the seats based on the proportion of votes they get. So, if a party gets 50 percent of the votes, it will get 50 percent of the seats. If we go for this system, it will prevent the monopoly and tyranny of the majority. In 2008, the BNP received about 33 percent of the votes but got only 10 percent of the seats. In a proportional system, the BNP would have had more seats. So, this system should be seriously considered.​

 

[Saif]

Don’t reform constitution, rewrite it

There is a need for a new constitution as merely amending the current one would not fulfil the aspirations of students or prevent the rise of future tyrants, said speakers at a roundtable yesterday.

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Don’t reform constitution, rewrite it
Speakers tell discussion

There is a need for a new constitution as merely amending the current one would not fulfil the aspirations of students or prevent the rise of future tyrants, said speakers at a roundtable yesterday.

Bangladesh Policy Discourse organised the event, held at Cirdap Auditorium in the capital, where participants called for significant state reforms and a constitution that ensures civil equality and balance of power.

"A one-party system was established in parliament. If the state fails to create strong institutions, the country will face destruction," warned Prof Robaet Ferdous of Dhaka University's mass communication and journalism department.

He accused the previous government of dismantling all constitutional institutions over the past 15 years. "We must move forward with the collective intellectual knowledge of the world, ensuring that the original spirit of any revolution is not compromised."

Kazi Abul Khair, secretary general of the Bangladesh Muslim League, echoed the call for a new constitution, saying it should reflect ideals of the student-led revolution to eliminate all forms of discrimination.

"If we want to liberate the nation, we must rewrite the constitution to establish a truly discrimination-free society."

Shahriar Iftekhar Fuad, chairman of Gonomukti Jote, highlighted the need for a people-centred constitution that guarantees economic, political, and religious freedom.

"In Bangladesh, groups loyal to dictators remain influential. The system that promotes political dynasties and class interests must be abolished to protect the people's rights," he said.​

 

[Saif]

Give us time to carry out reforms for a New Bangladesh

For the past 30 years I have been a critic of the different governments. Today I have been in the government for 30 days. It is not as easy to carry out this new responsibility as it was to criticise the negative actions of the government. I have had no experience. But this I can say, if a...

en.prothomalo.com

Give us time to carry out reforms for a New Bangladesh

Asif Nazrul

The consecutive 15-and-a-half year rule of the Awami League government drew to an end on 5 August this year by means of a student-people’s uprising. On 8 August an interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus was formed. Professor of the Dhaka University law department, Asif Nazrul, was given charge as the advisor of the ministry for law, justice and parliamentary affairs, the ministry of expatriate welfare and overseas employment, and the ministry of culture. On the completion of the government’s first month at the helm, in an interview taken at the expatriates' welfare ministry in Eskaton of the capital yesterday, Saturday, he spoke at length to Prothom Alo’s deputy head of reporting Rajib Ahmed on the activities of the advisory council, reforms, the the tenure of the government, relations with India, and more

Prothom Alo : You were a member of the civil society. You were a critic of the government when it came to human rights, freedom of speech, rule of law, the courts, etc. Now you yourself are in the government. How do you feel about this new experience?

Asif Nazrul: For the past 30 years I have been a critic of the different governments. Today I have been in the government for 30 days. It is not as easy to carry out this new responsibility as it was to criticise the negative actions of the government. I have had no experience. But this I can say, if a person has honest intentions, love for the country and will power, it is possible to carry out any task. I believe that within a month or two, I shall be quite adept at carrying out my government duties.

Over the past 15 years, each and every government institution has been destroyed, riddled with uncontrolled corruption, irregularities and politicisation, leaving behind a disastrous situation. This has made things extremely challenging.

Prothom Alo : The government has been at the helm for one month now. What achievements has the government made in this span of time? And what would you say has been unwarranted?

Asif Nazrul: I would say that the first achievement is that it has successfully created confidence that this is the people’s government. The previous government treated the people as its subjects. We have managed as far as possible to give the people the belief that this is their government, it is here to serve them. You can criticise the government anytime as you please. This free environment has been created. The government has taken many measures to eliminate discrimination and deprivation. This may not be understood clearly from the outside. For example, government officials were deprived from promotions and postings on political considerations. Measures have been taken in that regard. People have been given the confidence that the killings of July will be brought to justice. The false cases filed by the past government centering the student movement have been withdrawn. Some false cases lodged under the Digital Security Act have also been dismissed.

The government has managed to carry out the preliminary steps required to restore discipline to the economic sector, to bring loan defaulters under the law, to bring back money siphoned out of the country. The government to an extent has managed to give the people the courage to dream again. Meetings, rallies, seminars are being held in the capital city. People are speaking out. All sorts of recommendations are being made. This is the type of country we wanted.

We have achieved this after so many years. Certain work regarding international norms for human rights and also signing the convention against enforced disappearances, are important achievements of the government. A commission has also been formed regarding enforced disappearances.

There are some things that may not be visible from the outside. There was an effort to destabilize the government. The government successfully thwarted a coup by the court, a move to use the ansars to create instability, efforts to create disorder in the labour sector and more.

There have been unwarranted incidents too. Cases are being filed here and there. Allegations have arisen that cases are being filed indiscriminately in the style of the previous government. Assaults have taken place on the court premises.

Prothom Alo : There is criticism about indiscriminate cases and accusations. What steps is the government taking?

We have looked into the matter and found that cases are forced to be taken. Actually during the rule of the previous government, the court and the police were seen as opponents of the people and were despised by the people. That is why they are now under pressure and are finding it difficult to gather moral strength. Even if they do not want to, they are being obliged to take up a mass of cases. Despite their good intentions, the police are unable to control the assaults taking place on the court premises. We are working on ways to resolve this. For example, a proposal was made to hold the hearing of certain prominent persons very early in the morning at an unpredictable time. That is why the assaults have stopped.

Concerning the cases, investigations will be carried out before taking case statements. Considerations are being made to bring about certain changes to the criminal code. Also, the government is giving out a message that recording a case statement does not mean arrest.

Prothom Alo : So we can say that the random allegations and indiscriminately making persons accused in various cases, is a problem and the government admits this is a problem.

Definitely. And the government is taking measures accordingly. However, this is a problem created by the past government. The Awami League government created a culture of fabricated cases. As a reaction to that, there have been certain incidents in some places. It is not possible, after all, to assuage people's anger overnight.

Prothom Alo : Now coming to the matter of advisors. Why did you choose to be law advisor?

I feel I understand the law a bit more than other matters. A lot of injustices and wrongdoings can be cleared up by means of the law ministry. Almost 50 per cent of the judges are my students or my acquaintances. These issues encouraged me to join the law ministry. When Dr Yunus asked me to take up the law ministry, I readily acquiesced. But the expatriate affairs ministry is a challenge for me. When I would travel abroad with Dr Yunus I would talk to him about the sufferings of the workers. Perhaps he had that in mind when he gave me this ministry. I want to work for the expatriates. But as you see, it is Saturday and I am here at this office. This is the third Saturday in the last 30 days. I had to attend office on two Fridays in one month.

Prothom Alo : Ensuring many of the aspirations that the people had in the student-people's uprising -- human rights, justice, rule of law, freedom of speech, voting rights, etc -- are to a great extent a part of the law ministry's work. That is a massive workload. How confident are you about completing these tasks?

Asif Nazrul: Much of the past month has been spent on routine work such as withdrawing conspiratorial cases, releasing innocent persons arrested during the movement, freeing the attorney general's office of the previous government's influence, posting of officials who had been victims of discrimination, helping in various appointments, etc. There is a lot of other work too which a regular government does not have to address. That is why I have not been able to give time to reforms. But by December the initial process of reforms will be visible.

Prothom Alo : You were working on trying former prime minister Sheikh Hasina as well the party Awami League at the International Crimes Tribunal. Is that still on, or are there any other decisions?

The victims and their families are filing cases under the regular laws in various places. We cannot stop them. We do not have the right. However, the extent of the killings in July is huge. In that sense, it would be best for this trial to be conducted by the International Crimes Tribunal for the sake of justice. We have consulted local and foreign legal experts. This law contains the scope and capacity to duly try those who ordered the July killings. We have managed to explain the matter to the heads of foreign diplomatic missions and the representatives of the United Nations. They have some concerns over the definition of the law, certain problems in the rules of deposition, certain limitations in the accused seeking legal support, etc. We will address these issues and reform the law. Our aim is not vengeance, it is justice for the mass killings.

The concerned foreign quarters say that as the law has provision for death sentence, they cannot take part in the judicial proceedings directly. We said that the law will be reformed and they will have the scope to remain as observers. The accused persons will be able to retain foreign lawyers.

Prothom Alo : Will the International Crimes Tribunal retain the death sentence?

That is a major policy issue. We cannot simply change this all of a sudden. We have to look into whether Bangladesh has the correctional prison facilities and public culture to abolish the death sentence.

Prothom Alo : In an interview with the Indian news agency PTI, chief advisor Dr Yunus said he will ensure that the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina is tried. He will request India for her extradition. Will you expand on that?

Asif Nazrul: Sheikh Hasina is the one who planned and ordered the killings of July. These killings will be brought to justice. If the trial is held, naturally the question of executing the matter will arise. That is why the request to India for extradition will arise. The chief advisor's words are a reflection of the people's expectations.

Prothom Alo : Do we have a prisoner exchange agreement with India?

Asif Nazrul: Yes, we do. However, in some important instances, there is scope to use certain exceptional clauses. Discussions will be held with India to avoid these clauses being used.

Prothom Alo : We heard a statement of India's defence minister Rajnath Singh. He addressed the Indian armed forces, telling them to be prepared for future war. Does the Bangladesh government have any reaction to this?

The matter has not been discussed at an official level. From my own point of view I can say, India should understand that a government formed through a student-people's movement is in place in Bangladesh at the moment. This government has huge public support, respect and patriotism. The manner in which Rajnath Singh dragged in Bangladesh along with the issues of Ukraine and Palestine, indicates they have a lack of sensitivity and respect towards the change in Bangladesh. Indian policy has failed in each and every one of its neighbouring countries. I would request that India look into its own liability in this matter. Bangladesh will have relations with India, but as equals.

After such a huge massacre, who will say that they should be allowed to hold meetings and rallies right now? They are even conspiring to overthrow the government, to misguide the people.

Prothom Alo : The coordinators of the Student's against Discrimination are now a part of the government. This is a completely new chapter. What is your experience in this regard?

Asif Nazrul: This is a great experience. I am amazed at their performance. The manner in which they speak at the advisory council, the way they work, is very good. I foresee them doing extremely well in the future. I see them as a gift from the Creator to the people of Bangladesh.

Prothom Alo : No rehabilitation until the fascists are brought to trial. The government will discourage any public programmes of the fascist party and alliance. Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain made this statement at the end of the advisory council's meeting on Thursday. Would you elaborate on this?

Asif Nazrul: After such a huge massacre, who will say that they should be allowed to hold meetings and rallies right now? They are even conspiring to overthrow the government, to misguide the people. Asif Mahmud's statement was based on the discussions of the advisory council. I feel that the extent of their crimes will be revealed by means of proper trial. In the amendment of the International Crimes Tribunal, Awami League themselves created scope to try any organisation.

Prothom Alo : The political parties say that the interim government should be given a reasonable amount of time. What do you think should be a reasonable amount of time?

Asif Nazrul: Political parties may want an election. My question is, what sort of election do they want? Do they want an election as in Awami League times, do they want a government system that lacks accountability? Do they want police, a judicial system and an administration as in Awami League times? If they do not want that, if they have respect for the aspirations of the student-people's uprising, then they must give us time to carry out reforms to build a New Bangladesh. It is not possible to specify this time. It depends on how much cooperation we receive from the stakeholders.

Prothom Alo : An elected government has a role to play in turning the reforms of the interim government into laws. In the past we have seen that many things are changed. What guarantee is there that the new government will retain your reforms?

There are two reasons why I am confident. Firstly, never before has Bangladesh seen such a huge mass uprising, with so many people being killed. I believe the new government will not do anything against the aspirations of the people. Secondly, the reforms will be made keeping everyone as partners, so a sense of ownership is created.

Prothom Alo : Where do you want to see the country at the end of the present government's term?

I want to see the country for which the liberation war had been fought. I want a country free of discrimination, free of exploitation, free of suffering and sorrow, a country that can stand in dignity among the comity of nations. On a personal level, when I step down, I want no one to be able to say that I did anything wrong. I may make mistakes, but I will do no injustice.

Prothom Alo : Thank you.

Asif Nazrul: Thanks to Prothom Alo.

* This interview appeared in the print and online edition of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten for the English edition by Ayesha Kabir​

 

[Saif]

Govt to form commissions to reform 6 key sectors: Yunus

The commissions are expected to start their functions from October 1 and they are expected to complete their work within the next three months, said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in his televised address to the nation

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Govt to form commissions to reform 6 key sectors: Yunus

The interim government has decided to form six commissions to bring reform in six major sectors, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today told the nation in a televised speech.

The sectors are the elections system, police administration, judiciary, anti-corruption commission, public administration, and the constitution.

Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Shujan, will lead the election system reform commission while Sarfaraz Chowdhury will lead the police administration reform commission. Justice Shah Abu Nayeem Mominur Rahman, a former judge of the Supreme Court, will lead the judiciary reform commission.

Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, will lead the anti-corruption reform commission; Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, a former adviser to the caretaker government, will lead the public administration reform commission and Dr Shahdeen Malik, an advocate of the Supreme Court, will lead the constitution reform commission, he said.

The names of other members of the commission will be fixed upon talking with the chief of the commissions. Members of the advisory committee, and representatives of the movement -- students, general people, civil society, and political parties -- will be present at the discussions and meetings of commissions.

The commissions are expected to start their functions from October 1 and they are expected to complete their work within the next three months, he said.

The government will hold meetings with the main political parties on the basis of the reports of the commissions and the framework for the reform will be finalised upon holding a three-to-seven-day consultation meeting with the participation of the representatives' students, civil society, political parties and the government.

He also said that a hint will also be given on how the framework will be implemented.​

 

[Saif]

কোন খাত সংস্কারের নেতৃত্বে কে, জানালেন প্রধান উপদেষ্টা

 

[Saif]

Taskforce formed for banking reforms

The Bangladesh Bank yesterday formed a six-member taskforce to carry out reform initiatives in the country’s banking sector.

www.thedailystar.net

Taskforce formed for banking reforms

The Bangladesh Bank yesterday formed a six-member taskforce to carry out reform initiatives in the country's banking sector.

The taskforce will mainly assess the current financial condition of the banking sector and estimate the amount of distressed assets.

It will also identify major risks and review financial indicators of weak banks, according to a press release of the central bank.

Besides, it has also been tasked with assessment of the actual condition of loans, provision deficit, net capital, actual value of assets and review of liquidity situation.

The taskforce members are Lutfey Siddiqi, special envoy on international affairs to the chief adviser, Muhammad A (Rumee) Ali, former deputy governor of the Bangladesh Bank, Meheriar M Hasan, chairman of BRAC Bank, Zahid Hussain, former lead economist of World Bank Group, Dhaka office, Prof M Zubaidur Rahman, vice-chancellor of the ZNRF University of Management Sciences, and Sabbir Ahmed, partner of Hoda Vasi Chowdhury & Co.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh interim govt chief unveils reforms plan

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday announced the formation six commissions with appointment of six eminent citizens as their heads considering their experience in the respective fields...

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Bangladesh interim govt chief unveils reforms plan
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 11 September, 2024, 20:41

Bangladesh’s interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday urges the people to cooperate with the interim government to accomplish reforms. | BSS photo

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday announced the formation six commissions with appointment of six eminent citizens as their heads considering their experience in the respective fields.

‘We want reforms. It is our sincere request - please don’t go to the spectators’ gallery after bestowing the key responsibility of reform on us. Stay with us. We will do the reform together. It is the responsibility for all,’ he said in a televised address to the nation in the evening.

The chief adviser said six eminent citizens have been appointed to head these commissions. Badiul Alam Majumdar will act as the head of electoral system reform commission while Sarfraz Chowdhury as head of police administration reform commission, Justice Shah Abu Naeem Mominur Rahman as head of judiciary reform commission, Iftekharuzzaman as head of the anti-corruption reform commission, Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury as head of public administration reform commission and Shahdeen Malik as head of constitution reform commission.

The names of the other members of these commissions will be fixed through holding discussions with the heads of the commissions, he said.

After this, the government will continue the process of formation of commissions on various other issues, he added.

He expressed his belief that the reform of these institutions will also contribute to establishing a public ownership-based, accountable and welfare-oriented state system.

Yunus called upon all to bring reform to their own world too, saying bringing reform to a nation does not mean only reform of the government.

Yunus, who took the helm of the interim government following the fall of an autocratic regime in a student-people uprising, said the fascist government in Bangladesh has fallen in the face of the historic July uprising of students, workers and masses and the sacrifice of thousands of people.

It has become necessary to complete some national reforms in order to implement the aspirations and prevent the recurrence of fascism or autocratic rule in Bangladesh and introduce a state system based on people’s ownership, welfare-oriented and dedicated to public interest, he said.

The chief adviser said one of the central points of the reform plans is to establish a fair election system and good governance.

Yunus said the government is thinking of reforming the Election Commission and other institutions related to elections to eliminate these fears.

‘In addition, we feel the need for constitutional reforms to ensure the representation and interests of people from all walks of life and to reflect the message of the July mass uprising,’ he said.

Yunus said advisory council members, representatives of the movement of students, workers and masses and representatives of civil society and political parties will be present in the discussions and consultation meetings of the commissions.

Once fully constituted, he hoped, the commissions can begin works from October 1 and the works will be completed within the next three months.

The chief adviser said based on the commission’s report, the government will hold consultations with major political parties at the next stage.

At the final stage, the outline of reform plans will be finalized on the basis of a three-to-seven-day long consultation meeting with students’ community, civil society, representatives of political parties and the government.

It will also give an idea of how this outline will be implemented, he said.

He said the government believes that this event will make the whole nation strong and optimistic in the unity of implementation of the message of the July mass-uprising and aspirations of rebuilding the state.

He said that his government was committed to presenting an outline of democratic Bangladesh for the future generation.

‘We are committed to formulating an outline of a democratic Bangladesh for our children so that we don’t fall into the hands of any dictatorship and we can say we live in a democratic country...so that we all can claim that this country is ours - we’re working towards this goal,’ he told the televised address before the nation this afternoon.

Urging all not to take the law into their own hands, Professor Yunus warned that if anyone takes the law into his or her own hands and creates a chaotic situation in the society, he or she will definitely be brought to justice.

‘We (Bangladesh) are a nation of communal harmony. No one shall do any act that destroys religious harmony,’ he said.

At the onset of his speech, the chief adviser recalled the martyrs and the victims who participated in the student-people revolution against the fascist force.

He reiterated that the families of all the martyrs would be rehabilitated while the government will bear the entire expenditures for the treatment of all injured students, workers and commoners.

A complete list of martyrs and injured has been prepared for the long-term and costly treatment for the injured and looking after the families of the martyrs, he said, adding that updates of this list will be made.

The 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate said the government took an initiative to establish a foundation named ‘July Ganahattya Smriti Foundation’ to preserve the memory of the martyrs of the mass uprising.

‘Now this foundation has been established. This foundation is taking full responsibility of all martyrs’ families and families of victims along with providing best treatment to injured ones. We urge all people of the country and Bangladeshis living abroad to donate to this foundation,’ he said.

About law and order situation, Professor Yunus said his government is sincerely working to improve the law and order in the country.

Many people, he said, have been staging rallies and demonstrations to express their pains they suffered in the last 16 years and seeking its remedy, which created impediment to the movement of people.

‘I promise you that I will not forget your righteous plea. We are committed to giving remedy to all wrongs. We will try best to resolve all problems as much as possible within our responsibility. I again request you to refrain from disrupting your movement. The nation will be grateful to you,’ he said.

Referring to the allegations of workers in RMG and medicine industries, the chief adviser said the institutional structure is almost destroyed, while foreign exchange reserves have hit rock bottom.

‘We are trying to bring life into this economy. We are also getting response to our initiative. If our industrial plants are closed down and get non-operational at this time, the country’s economy will be hit hard. That cannot be expected in anyway,’ he said.

The chief adviser asked the factory owners to resolve their problems in consultation with workers and keep their factories operational, resulting in making the poor economy healthy.

Yunus said all should work together to build a society based on justice, while the criminal cases, except murder cases, filed from July 1 to August 5 to suppress the mass movement have been withdrawn and all those arrested in these cases have been released.

He said the interim government has embarked on major reforms in judiciary since taking of its office.

Appointment of the most qualified person as the Chief Justice has instilled new hope in people’s minds, he said, adding that appointment of Judges of Appellate Division, Attorney General and many important appointments have all been completed.

The false cases filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Digital/Cyber Security Act to harass people are being withdrawn, the chief adviser said.

He said there are many black laws including the Cyber Security Act in Bangladesh and those black laws will be repealed and amended soon.

Professor Yunus said assistance is being provided for the investigation into and trial of the five much-talked-about murders, including the killing of journalist Sagar-Rony, on a priority basis and for settlement these cases at the earliest time.

The government, he said, recently signed an international convention to protect people from enforced disappearance and ‘as a result, we are committed internationally to ending the ‘the culture of disappearance’ established by dictatorship’.

‘We are also forming a separate commission to investigate every case of enforced disappearance during the 15 years of fascist rule,’ he said.

Aynaghor (Mirror house) has been closed and at the same time the story of the suffering and pain of families of the people disappeared by the fascist Hasina government is coming out, the chief adviser said.

‘We have our full eye on the education system to ensure a bright future for our young generation,’ he said.

‘Already, the present flawed curriculum from class I to class XII has been changed. The work of correcting and revising the textbooks is at final stage. This reform work will continue,’ he added.

In the first month, Professor Yunus said, the government started the process of appointing Vice-Chancellors and Pro Vice-Chancellors, who are acceptable to all, in every university.

As a result, an environment has been created to start work with new enthusiasm in all public and private universities, he said.

Claiming that the full freedom of press and expression has already been ensured, the chief adviser said the government is considering formation of a Media Commission so that the media can do their work smoothly.

He said to indentify the fake freedom fighters and skip the names of freedom fighters with age of less than 12.5 years during the liberation war from the list of freedom fighters, the government has taken an initiative to summit leave to appeal before the Supreme Court.

Measures have also been taken to recover the grabbed immovable assets of the Freedom Fighters’ Welfare Trust, he added.​

 

[Saif]

Education reforms to meet market needs, empower work force

IN RECENT years, Bangladesh has been facing a critical issue, widening the gap between the education provided by its higher institutions and the actual demands of the job market. This mismatch is not just a concern for the career prospects of graduates but a pressing challenge that demands...

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Education reforms to meet market needs, empower work force
Mohammad Shahidul Islam 12 September, 2024, 00:03

IN RECENT years, Bangladesh has been facing a critical issue, widening the gap between the education provided by its higher institutions and the actual demands of the job market. This mismatch is not just a concern for the career prospects of graduates but a pressing challenge that demands immediate attention. It could potentially stifle the nation’s economic growth, making it a matter of utmost importance. A significant factor contributing to this issue is the overwhelming emphasis on preparing for the Bangladesh Civil Service examination, often at the expense of technical and specialised training.

It is of utmost importance to balance academic pursuits and practical skills, ensuring that our youth are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern workplace. The BCS examination has become a central focus for many students across various disciplines. Traditionally centres of diverse learning, universities are now considered BCS coaching centres. This shift in focus has led to a concerning trend: students from fields like engineering, medicine, and science are abandoning their core subjects to prepare for the BCS or other public service recruitment exams. The allure of a secure government job with perceived social status and benefits has drawn thousands of students, turning university libraries into de facto BCS preparation hubs.

While the civil service is undoubtedly an essential pillar of the state, the current trend raises critical questions. Is this heavy emphasis on administrative roles undermining the potential of technically skilled professionals? With its growing industrial and technological sectors, Bangladesh urgently requires a workforce equipped with specialised engineering, technology, and healthcare skills. However, the overemphasis on BCS preparation risks creating a generation of ill-prepared graduates who cannot meet the demands of these sectors, thereby hampering the nation’s economic growth.

The disconnect between higher education and employment in Bangladesh is further exacerbated by the outdated curriculum and teaching methods, often disconnected from real-world applications. Many universities continue to teach in a theoretical vacuum, with little emphasis on practical skills or industry-relevant training. Graduates usually find themselves ill-equipped for the challenges of the modern workplace, leading to underemployment or the necessity to undergo additional training post-graduation. Moreover, the private sector in Bangladesh faces a shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in technical fields. According to a report by the International Labour Organisation, industries struggle to find qualified candidates to fill critical positions despite the high number of graduates each year. This has led to a reliance on foreign workers, further highlighting the skills gap in the domestic workforce.

The economic implications of this mismatch are profound. The private sector, which is crucial for driving economic growth and innovation, is hampered by a lack of skilled workers. This not only affects productivity but also limits the country’s ability to compete on a global scale. The overemphasis on BCS preparation also means that many of the country’s brightest minds channel their energies into administrative roles rather than contributing to sectors that desperately need their expertise. In addition, the BCS examination itself has become highly competitive, with the number of applicants increasing exponentially each year. This intense competition has led to many qualified candidates spending years attempting to pass the exam, often without success. This wastes valuable time and resources and leads to frustration and disillusionment among the youth.

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, there needs to be a significant shift in the perception of technical and vocational education. These fields should be promoted as viable and prestigious career paths on par with civil service roles. This can be achieved through targeted campaigns, industry partnerships, and government incentives encouraging students to pursue careers in technology, engineering, healthcare, and other specialised fields. Secondly, universities must modernise curricula to align more closely with industry needs. This includes incorporating practical training, internships, and partnerships with the private sector to ensure graduates are job-ready. Developing specialised programmes and courses that cater to emerging industries, such as information technology and renewable energy, is also essential. Furthermore, the education system must promote innovation and entrepreneurship as viable career paths. The ability to innovate and adapt is crucial in a rapidly changing global economy. Encouraging students to think creatively and equipping them with the tools to start their businesses can help narrow the gap between education and employment.

The mismatch between education and employment in Bangladesh is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. While the BCS examination has its place, it should not dominate the aspirations of an entire generation. We can empower the next generation to drive Bangladesh’s economic growth and innovation by rethinking our approach to education and employment. This will benefit the individuals involved and ensure the country remains competitive globally. A concerted effort from the government, educational institutions, and the private sector is required. By working together, we can create an environment where every graduate can thrive in their chosen field, contributing to a more prosperous and equitable Bangladesh.

Dr Mohammad Shahidul Islam is an assistant professor of marketing, BRAC Business School, BRAC University.​

 

[Saif]

BNP hopes Yunus’ reforms to be accomplished soon

Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Thursday said that the party hoped that the reforms announced by the chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus would be accomplished quickly to...

www.newagebd.net

BNP hopes Yunus’ reforms to be accomplished soon
Staff Correspondent 12 September, 2024, 15:47

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir | UNB photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Thursday said that the party hoped that the reforms announced by the chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus would be accomplished quickly to get on the road to elections.

‘Yesterday the chief adviser addressed the nation and he talked about some reforms, he also announced the names of those responsible for the reforms. He has roughly outlined his vision of this interim government,’ BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at a press conference at the party’s Naya Paltan central office.

‘We think that the reforms are needed... democratic rights were absolutely destroyed. In that case, these reform works should be completed as soon as possible,’ he said.

‘We wish the success of this interim government. We think that the interim government is carrying out its work. We are committed to give them time and opportunity to do this,’ he said.

‘We hope that they will complete these works [reforms] in a short period of time and go to the polls as soon as possible,’ he said.

Fakhrul also said that this government has come through the movement.

‘We hope they will reflect the aspirations of the people. One thing needs to be clearly stated ... there is no alternative to democracy. Democracy is the only system which can reflect the aspirations of the people.’

That is why building democratic institutions in a democratic state is most important task, he said, adding that there should be public involvement in that work.

‘What the people want, how the people want to see things, should be there,’ he said, adding that his party hope that the current interim government will realise that.

‘It is our hope that those who have been given the responsibility will try to discharge their duties very smoothly and the people will benefit,’ he said.

On Wednesday, Yunus announced six reform commissions to reform election system, judiciary, police, Anti-Corruption Commission, civil administration and the constitution.​