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

[Saif]

The reform drive must continue apace

The first round of reform talks produced a wide range of agreements and disagreements

www.thedailystar.net

The reform drive must continue apace
The first round of reform talks produced a wide range of agreements and disagreements

VISUAL: STAR

It is reassuring to see the conclusion of the first round of talks between the National Consensus Commission (NCC) and political parties over reforms meant to lay the groundwork for a more accountable and transparent system of governance. In a country where political deadlock is more common than consensus, the achievement of common ground across a wide spectrum of issues marks a departure worth noting. The first round—which covered 166 key reform proposals over 45 sessions—produced agreements in several major areas, but also disagreements in others, setting the stage for the second round of talks expected to begin within days. While this process goes on, the NCC plans to engage the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics to conduct a survey to gather public feedback on key proposals and finalise a "National Charter" based on broader consensus by July.

Thanks to the structured and publicly accessible manner in which the discussions were held, we now know the areas where the parties agreed, partially agreed, or disagreed. For instance, all parties agreed to reinstate the non-partisan caretaker government system to oversee elections, but disputes remain over its formation, tenure, and the mechanism for appointing a chief adviser. Similarly, while there is support for a bicameral legislature and empowering the opposition through the deputy speaker's post, disagreements remain over how members of the proposed upper house should be elected. Another crucial sticking point is the proposal to limit the prime minister's authority—particularly preventing one from simultaneously holding the posts of PM, party chief, and leader of the House. Proposals to impose term limits on PM and reform the process of electing the president have also proven divisive. Sharp divisions remain over the proposed formation of a National Constitutional Council to oversee key appointments and uphold legal standards.

That said, the areas of consensus are significant in their own right. Parties have collectively endorsed vital judicial reforms, including the creation of a separate Supreme Court Secretariat, curbing executive control over judicial appointments, and introducing accountability mechanisms to discipline judges exhibiting political bias. There is also agreement on placing key parliamentary committees—such as those on public accounts, estimates, and government undertakings—under opposition control. On anti-corruption, all parties supported granting the Anti-Corruption Commission constitutional status, and ensuring its independence and accountability. Electoral reforms have also made notable progress. In public administration, there is strong support for automating public services, revising outdated laws such as the Official Secrets Act, and modernising the Right to Information Act.

While full consensus on all unresolved issues is unlikely, as Prof Ali Riaz, co-chair of the NCC, has also acknowledged, we hope that political parties will engage sincerely in the remaining talks. Otherwise, the push for critical reforms may stall. At the same time, we must keep in mind the challenges of implementing reforms. The protests following the dissolution of the National Board of Revenue and the introduction of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 show that real change will depend on our collective resolve to follow through despite the resistance these changes may provoke. All stakeholders must, therefore, rise above partisan or group interests, and act from a place of national responsibility.​

 

[Saif]

EU urges democratic reforms in Bangladesh’s political transition

The European Union (EU) has said the regional grouping has consistently supported Bangladesh’s political transition, calling for it to be underpinned by the rule of law, fundamental rights and lead to democratic elections. “This is a pivotal moment,” said the EU Embassy in Dhaka

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EU urges democratic reforms in Bangladesh’s political transition

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jun 06, 2025 23:46
Updated :
Jun 07, 2025 00:35

The European Union (EU) has said the regional grouping has consistently supported Bangladesh’s political transition, calling for it to be underpinned by the rule of law, fundamental rights and lead to democratic elections.

“This is a pivotal moment,” said the EU Embassy in Dhaka as Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, in a televised address to the nation, announced a timeline leading to elections.

The EU Delegation called on all stakeholders to engage constructively in this process and to take forward work to define an ambitious reform agenda that will lead to a more stable, more prosperous and democratic Bangladesh, according to a UNB report.

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus on Friday announced that the next national election will be held sometime in the first half of April 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to reform, justice, and democratic progress.

“After reviewing the ongoing reforms in justice, governance and the electoral process, I am announcing today that the next national election will be held in the first half of April 2026,” he said in a televised address to the nation in the evening.

Based on this announcement, Prof Yunus, the Election Commission, will provide a detailed roadmap for the election at an appropriate time.

He said they want an election that will satisfy the souls of the martyrs of the uprising and bring peace to their souls.​

 

[Saif]

Reforms are heard of everywhere, but nothing to be seen

Instead of undertaking necessary reforms, the government is making decisions that show no sign of initiating change. The consequences are seen in economy, politics, society.

en.prothomalo.com

Reforms are heard of everywhere, but nothing to be seen
We had hoped that the current government would focus on enhancing national capacity. But to do that, changes in budget allocations and policy frameworks are essential. No such changes appear to have been initiated. The government could have started by scrapping the environmentally destructive projects, but we are witnessing the opposite.

Reforms were our biggest expectation from the post-uprising government. The government and persons associated with the government continually talk about carrying out reforms. But what do we actually see?

Till now they haven't made it clear what exactly are the reforms they want to carry out in the areas of politics and the economy. Many of the reform commission have submitted those reports, but we see no tangible action about even the implementable recommendations in those reports. In fact, we see a continuance of lot of past trends.

Reforms are in the offing, we hear, but the matter remains hazy. The issue of reforms is being discussed, true, but the people have no idea how these reforms are going to be implemented.Which areas should be prioritised for reforms by the government which we got through the mass uprising? Education, healthcare, and employment for unemployed workers along with their safety in the industrial zones. But so far, we have not seen any sign of change in the education and health sectors.

In fact, the allocations for education and health were already inadequate in the last budget, and in the revised budget these been reduced further. There has long been a demand in Bangladesh that the allocation for education should be increased to 6 per cent or 7 per cent of the GDP. But we have consistently seen it remain within the range of 1 to 2 per cent. The current budget shows no change in this regard either.

It wasn't just about increasing the amount of funding. There was also a demand for qualitative improvements. To ensure that education and healthcare fall within the scope of citizens' rights, institutional capacity and other qualitative reforms were essential, but no such initiatives have begun in the past ten months.

We had hoped that the current government would focus on enhancing national capacity. But to do that, changes in budget allocations and policy frameworks are essential. No such changes appear to have been initiated
Workers still have to protest to claim their unpaid wages. The government signed an 18-point agreement with workers, but it has not been implemented. The most alarming issue is that, due to the government's announcement of the closure of many factories, nearly a hundred thousand workers have lost their jobs. Those who were employed have lost their employment, and no new job opportunities have been created. Based on this, it can be said that unemployment has increased over the past ten months.

Due to inflation, a new class of poor has emerged. Hundreds of thousands more have fallen below the poverty line.

All this is happening because there is no focus on what the focus of reforms should be. Priority hasn't been given where due. Then there is the matter of institutional capacity. During the last government's rule we saw that all the institutions were run on orders, not by increasing the institutional capacity. In other words, the orders were impose from above and that was how the institutions would run. The inherent dynamism and strength of the institutions were destroyed.

During the time of the now ousted fascist government, this weakness had developed across all institutions - universities, the judiciary, the police, the administration, and both public and private sectors. This was made possible due to a few submissive and spineless groups. There were expectations from this government. There was significant scope for reforms, to enhance the institutional activity of these institutions, to build their capabilities and bring transparency to processes ranging from recruitment to other areas. But even in these aspects, we are seeing no change. What we are seeing instead is people being forcibly appointed or removed.

The judicial system, too, is carrying on as before. The same sorts of cases are being filed. Indiscriminate arrests and remand orders are being made. Some are being given bail, some not. We are also seeing the process of proving war criminals to be innocent. Overall, the problems that existed in the institutional powers, independence and capacity of judicial system, the administration, and in the universities, still persist.

Enhancing the institutional capacity of the energy and power sectors was another major expectation of the people. We have always said that if national capacity in these sectors is strengthened, then subsidies would not be necessary. We will be able to get gas at a much lower cost. We will get renewable energy at a much lower cost. We will get electricity at a much lower cost. And the environment will not be harmed. This transformation is certainly possible if national capacity is developed.

We are witnessing the rise of hate-driven, discriminatory groups, which gives the impression that a new fascist force is gradually gaining strength.

The previous government did not do that. Instead, they made foreign loans, foreign projects, and import dependency the core of their policy. Certain groups were given undue advantages.

We had hoped that the current government would focus on enhancing national capacity. But to do that, changes in budget allocations and policy frameworks are essential. No such changes appear to have been initiated. The government could have started by scrapping the environmentally destructive projects, but we are witnessing the opposite.

Rather than building national capacity, the government is moving toward handing over the management of Chattogram Port and the exploration of oil and gas to foreign companies. This means the same trend continues: dependency on imports, foreign investment, foreign companies, and foreign loans.

In the social sphere, too, we are witnessing several problems. For example, persecution of minority communities and ethnic groups has not stopped. This is deeply painful for us. Many members of the Bom ethnic group have been detained. Among them are women and children. None of them are being granted bail. A Bom man suffering from cancer was granted bail only a day before his death. He had become just skin and bone, but he was still denied bail. He received no proper medical treatment in custody, and he died in pain.

At the same time, we still see attempts to silence women who are becoming vocal in society or who were active during mass uprisings. Certain groups continue their efforts, through threats, intimidation, and smear campaigns, to suppress them. We’ve seen such incidents in the case of college teacher Nadira Yasmin in Narsingdi and in various other places.

The government’s indifference to these issues is a matter of serious concern. There ostensibly is a silent endorsement of those groups. Even now, incidents of attacks, vandalism, coercion, and mob violence are taking place in various parts of the country. We are witnessing the rise of hate-driven, discriminatory groups, which gives the impression that a new fascist force is gradually gaining strength.

Instead of undertaking the necessary reforms, the government is making decisions and adopting policies that show no sign of initiating real change. And we are seeing the consequences of this not only in the economy but also in politics and society.

That is why, for those who have dreamed of a Bangladesh free of inequality, it remains absolutely vital to stay alert, vigilant, and active.

* Anu Muhammad is an economist, editor of Sarbajankatha, and member of the Committee for Democratic Rights

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

 

[Saif]

Govt, BNP should also give road maps to justice, reforms

THE chief adviser to the interim government Muhammad Yunus in an address to the nation on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha has announced that the general elections would be held any day in the first quarter of April 2026, noting that the Election Commission would announce a road map to the elections at an...

www.newagebd.net

Govt, BNP should also give road maps to justice, reforms
11 June, 2025, 00:00

THE chief adviser to the interim government Muhammad Yunus in an address to the nation on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha has announced that the general elections would be held any day in the first quarter of April 2026, noting that the Election Commission would announce a road map to the elections at an appropriate time. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, the major political organisation of the country, had earlier held brief for the elections by this December whilst the government stood its ground for the elections between this December and June 2026. Although the announcement is viewed as an effort to reach a middle ground, the announcement has elicited mixed reactions, some saying that this is logical given the time required for democratic reforms and the trial of individuals associated with the deposed Awami League and some others saying that this is illogical as the announcement has failed to reflect people’s expectations and impractical as Ramadan would span from mid-February to mid-March, not to mention the government’s visible failures to effect any effective reforms so far. There could also be weather challenges and public examinations. But the announcement has created resentment in the BNP camp which has become evident in its reaction to the announcement, noting that the period would be inconvenient for national elections.Bangladeshi cuisine recipes

Behind-the-scenes ministrations have, however, come up and the results are yet to be forthcoming. The chief adviser to the interim government has said that it has assumed the responsibility to run the affairs of the state on three mandates: reforms, justice and elections. But his address has only spoken of elections, which are essential and pressing, somewhat setting aside reforms and justice. Only a road map to the national elections would hardly work for a meaningful transition to a democratic polity unless reforms and justice also have road maps for implementation. Muhammad Yunus, or the interim government for that matter, should also announce effective road maps to justice and accountability for the crimes that the Awami League regime had committed for a decade and a half and to reforms, which would ensure a sustainable transition. The interim government should put to effect all the three mandates that Muhammad Yunus has talked about. On the other side, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which talks about only elections, setting aside the issues of reforms and justice, should also announce meaningful road maps to both justice and accountability of the crimes committed during the July–August 2024 uprising and to democratic reforms of the state which are essential when it comes to a democratic governance.Bangladeshi cuisine recipes

Whilst the interim government should work out road maps to reforms and justice, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party should also make public road maps to reforms and justice for a democratic reconstruction post the August 2024 political changeover.​

 

[Saif]

CA informs King Charles of Bangladesh’s reform initiatives

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday held a private one-to-one meeting with King Charles III where the Bangladesh’s reform agendas were discussed. “At 11:20 am today, a one-to-one meeting was held between our Chief Adviser and King Charles III, which was a private o

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

CA informs King Charles of Bangladesh’s reform initiatives

FE Online Desk
Published :
Jun 12, 2025 20:24
Updated :
Jun 12, 2025 20:24

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday held a private one-to-one meeting with King Charles III where the Bangladesh’s reform agendas were discussed.

“At 11:20 am today, a one-to-one meeting was held between our Chief Adviser and King Charles III, which was a private one,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam a press briefing about the outcome of the meeting.

During the meeting, he said, they discussed the massive transition in Bangladesh according to BSS report.

He said the Bangladesh Chief Adviser informed King Charles of the reform initiatives taken by his government in Bangladesh.

Claiming that the 30-minitue meeting was a cordial one, the press secretary said since King Charles knows Prof Yunus for a long, they discussed many issues.

“In this whole tour, I would say it was the most important event,” he added.

After the one-to-one meeting, Alam said, a gift having photo of the King and the Queen, signed by them, was presented to Prof Yunus, which was a very honour for the Chief Adviser.

King Charles welcomed Chief Adviser Prof Yunus at Buckingham Palace for a private audience.

In addition to their regular diplomatic and political Audiences, the Monarch also meets individuals who have made extraordinary achievements in their fields, particularly if they are taking up a Royal appointment or receiving a prize which is given in their name.

By meeting people privately, or ‘granting an Audience’, The King acknowledges the importance of certain individuals and their work, and creates an opportunity to learn more about them and to give them a memorable Royal experience.

An ‘Audience’ is simply a one-to-one meeting with The King.​

 

[Saif]

Risk-based reforms could cut food import delays by 80pc: Study

The average clearance time for food and agricultural imports in Bangladesh could be slashed by up to 80 per cent through targeted risk-management reforms, a new study has found. It said that quick release of such products would not only reduce port congestion but also ease prices for consumers in

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Risk-based reforms could cut food import delays by 80pc: Study
Blanket inspections at ports inflate costs, delay clearances

Doulot Akter Mala
Published :
Jun 15, 2025 00:12
Updated :
Jun 15, 2025 00:12

The average clearance time for food and agricultural imports in Bangladesh could be slashed by up to 80 per cent through targeted risk-management reforms, a new study has found.

It said that quick release of such products would not only reduce port congestion but also ease prices for consumers in the domestic market.

Currently, agro-based containers are subject to 100 per cent customs inspection as per the Import Policy Order, regardless of the type, nature, or risk profile of the products.

The study, titled "Quantifying the Benefits of Risk-Based Clearance for Imported Food and Agriculture Products in Bangladesh", was conducted under the USDA-funded Bangladesh Trade Facilitation (BTF) project and released recently.

Risk-based approaches can help reduce market prices of several food items, including milk powder, apples, and oranges.

Bangladesh has witnessed a sharp hike in food import expenditure, which surged from US$4.7 billion in 2014 to $11.85 billion in 2022.

During this period, the number of bills of entry (B/E) processed by customs more than tripled.

Despite this growth, the country continues to rely on a rigid clearance system that mandates 100 per cent inspection and testing of all food consignments, irrespective of their risk level.

"This blanket approach, applied without consideration of factors such as importer credibility, country of origin, or product type, has led to significant delays in the clearance process," the study report says.

Analysing seven food products, the study highlighted three critical areas for reform: policy and regulatory change, process improvements, and capacity building and awareness.

The products covered in the study include milk powder, fortified soybean oil, ketchup, chilled and frozen fish, apples, oranges, and animal feed ingredients.

"Overall, the average release time increased in 2024 to 7.1 days, up from 6.54 days in 2023. Notably, fortified soybean oil experienced a significant rise in clearance time, by nearly three days, suggesting the need for better handling and inspection processes," it said.

The report recommends amending the Import Policy Order and other relevant acts and rules to incorporate risk-based clearance procedures in line with international best practices.

Michael J. Parr, Chief of Party of the USDA-funded BTF Project, said the study aims to support evidence-based reforms that improve efficiency, transparency, and predictability in food and agricultural imports.

Currently, he noted, Bangladesh heavily relies on blanket inspection and testing of all consignments regardless of risk.

"Our goal is to provide empirical data showing how risk-based clearance, an internationally recognised best practice, can help Bangladesh optimise resources, reduce delays, and better target high-risk shipments," Parr said.

"The findings clearly show that structured risk management can cut clearance times by up to 80 per cent and significantly lower retail prices for consumers," he added.

He hopes the findings will guide government agencies in updating procedures to adopt risk-based clearance methods, align with global standards, and meet obligations under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.

Mohammad Borhan E-Sultan, President of the Bangladesh Foodstuff Importers & Suppliers Association (BAFISA), said obtaining clearance from BSTI and other agencies can take up to a month after import, often costing importers more than Tk 1.0 million per container in port demurrage and shipping charges. "Usually, consumers have to shoulder the additional costs due to the escalation of import expenditures," he added.

He also pointed out that clearance-issuing agencies remain closed two days a week, while ports operate 24/7, making fast responses impossible after shipments arrive.

Nipun Chakma, Deputy Commissioner of Customs and Technical Advisor (Risk Management) at the USDA-BTF Project, said applying risk management methods across all relevant cross-border agencies would expedite agricultural goods clearance without compromising national health and security priorities.

He noted that faster, more predictable, and transparent procedures would improve the overall trade environment.

"This enhanced trade environment is likely to attract both local and foreign investors, especially as lengthy and unpredictable clearance processes have long been a concern for international businesses operating in Bangladesh," he added.

Under current Import Policy Order obligations, every food and agro-based container must be certified by the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and undergo plant quarantine procedures, even if sourced from compliant exporters.

Customs officials and importers argue that requiring time-consuming test reports for food products from reputed companies with no history of substandard shipments is unjustified.

Earlier, New Zealand raised concerns over the prolonged testing of imported powdered milk in Bangladesh, despite the country's strict radiation safety compliance.

Bangladesh imports food and agro-based items from long-standing partner countries, but every container still undergoes testing, causing delays and adding costs that trickle down to consumers.

The study recommended establishing institutional coordination mechanisms for risk management between regulatory bodies, particularly between customs and other government agencies (OGAs).

Currently, there is no structured risk management approach applied by any agency other than customs during the clearance process.​