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

[Saif]

Reforms needed in political parties and the electoral process in Bangladesh

The citizens of Bangladesh have been victims of a frustratingly underperforming democracy for quite a long time.

www.thedailystar.net

Reforms needed in political parties and the electoral process in Bangladesh

Individuals ever convicted of financial corruption and homicide by the highest court of Bangladesh will be ineligible to contest any parliamentary election. VISUAL: STAR

The citizens of Bangladesh have been victims of a frustratingly underperforming democracy for quite a long time. As one of the ordinary citizens, I feel that the interim government should immediately take up the measure of dialogue among the relevant stakeholders to bring about substantial reform in the practices of the political parties.

To foster a more vibrant political landscape, each party should be required to develop and maintain a core agenda that differentiates it from others. Currently, many political parties pursue the same agenda. Often a new party is born from a faction of an existing party with no distinctly different agenda.

Political parties should hold a council every two years to elect their top leaders for the subsequent term. Regular leadership elections would prevent stagnation from long-serving leaders and provide opportunities for new voices and ideas to emerge. Currently, most political parties are like proprietorship concerns, where top leaders are irreplaceable until their death. Under their folds, other leaders can hardly emerge, and consequently, with the top leader's death, the parties suffer from a leadership crisis.

Relevant council proceedings must be reported to the National Election Commission, and any party failing to hold two subsequent councils will not qualify for the next national election.

To prevent power consolidation, no individual should be allowed to hold the same leadership position for two consecutive terms or more than five terms in a lifetime. By regularly introducing new leadership, parties can benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. The leaders, ineligible for holding any top positions, can be included in the advisory council of that party.

Barring individuals from holding both party positions and government roles simultaneously is essential to reducing conflicts of interest and promoting a clearer distinction between party politics and governance. Currently, there is almost no difference between the positions at the party and the government, and in effect, the party is mired in government. Once out of government, the party is in extreme disarray and shambles.

To curb nepotism, the position of a departing party leader should not be filled by a close relative—first-blood relatives, spouses, and spouses of the first-blood relatives—for ten years. This reform would reduce the likelihood of dynastic succession and encourage a merit-based approach to leadership selection.

There should be rules preventing close relatives of retiring members of parliament from contesting for parliamentary positions within the same party. By ensuring no first-blood relatives as well as the spouses of a retired member can run for a parliamentary seat from the same party, parties can promote broader democratic participation and reduce the potential for entrenched political networks.

Also, both structural and procedural issues are needed to promote a more robust and representative democratic process.

In the direct voting process, parties' total votes and the number of winning Members of Parliament (MPs) are not actually representative. A party that receives 35 percent of the total votes in the country may win more than 150 of the 300 seats in parliament and form government. However, immediately shifting to proportional representation may be an unpopular proposition among political parties. As a first step, a hybrid electoral system that combines direct elections and proportional representation will assist people in becoming accustomed to the process.

Out of a total of 350, including 50 for women, parliamentary seats, 200 would be elected directly by the voters in their constituencies. The individual getting the most votes will be the MP for the concerned constituencies. The remaining 150 seats would be allocated based on proportional representation. The number of seats each political party receives would correspond to the percentage of total votes they receive in the whole country. This approach ensures that smaller parties are not left out of their representation in parliament. Proportional representation will increase the chance of eminent citizens, journalists, intellectuals, professionals, different ethnic and minority representatives, as well as politicians, being in parliament.

Of the 150 total seats for proportional representation, a maximum of 30 will be reserved for women. A party getting women MPs through direct voting will get the same number of women MPs from the 150 seats reserved for proportionate representation. However, the total number of women MPs in the reserved seat will not exceed 30. Even religion-based parties will have to engage and get directly elected women MPs to get their share of the reserved seats. Women MPs will fetch more women in the parliament, which will be more dignifying for them than the current process.

Parties or independent candidates receiving less than a specified minimum percentage of votes, 0.5 percent in the direct elections may club together to be eligible to participate in the proportional representation segment. This provision allows smaller parties to collaborate post-election and nominate a representative of their choice from the list declared before the election. However, there can be a requirement of getting minimum threshold votes, say 0.1 percent, for a party or an independent candidate to be eligible to join the club.

The role of the MPs will have to be designed to be more meaningful. MPs will concentrate solely on national-level policy-making and state issues, excluding involvement in local government activities. They cannot hold positions in political parties while in office, and they will be ineligible for such roles for two years even after the MP tenure ends. This separation is needed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that MPs are focused on their core responsibilities.

No first-blood relative of an MP can contest for the same constituency from the same party for ten years after the MP's term ends. Additionally, no MP can contest from the same constituency more than three times, whether elected into parliament or not. Also, an individual cannot serve more than two terms as prime minister in their lifetime.

The president of Bangladesh will be elected directly by the people to enhance the position's credibility and impartiality. Additionally, the speaker of parliament will be directly elected by at least 200 out of the 350 votes cast by the MPs. Among the deputy speakers, one must be from the opposition, and one must represent women or minorities. At least half of parliamentary committees must be headed by MPs from opposition parties.

Local government elections, such as those for upazila and union council representatives, should be conducted without the involvement of political parties. By removing party influence, the focus can shift entirely to the individual candidates and their qualifications, fostering a more community-centred and accountable local government.

Individuals ever convicted of financial corruption and homicide by the highest court of Bangladesh will be ineligible to contest any parliamentary election. The measure of deterring the convicted ones from contesting the election can significantly increase the probability of morally pure individuals representing the people in parliament.

Mohammad Abdul Hannan is deputy general manager at IDLC Finance PLC.​

 

[Saif]

A call for legal reform and justice

Bearing in mind the 15 long years of oppression, misrule, and misuse of powers, we can reasonably expect our political parties to act purely in the nation’s interests in this critical juncture of our history.

www.thedailystar.net

A call for legal reform and justice

Sheikh Hasina's rise and clinging to power for 15 long years were through certain processes—however flawed those may be—but her fall was quite dramatic. August 5 marked our freedom from the Hasina-led Awami League dictatorship, which comprised of suppression, oppression, and merciless persecution. A new era has begun thanks to the supreme sacrifices of our young generation in particular, and the people in general. It is now the sacred duty of the entire nation to preserve and protect this newfound freedom not only for the present generation, but for future generations as well.

The interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, faces far greater challenges than any of the past caretaker administrations did, starting with the first one led by Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed in 1990. On August 18, while meeting foreign diplomats and international agencies, Dr Yunus expressed his intention to reform the election commission, the judiciary, civil administration, security forces, and mass media. The list is long but it is far from exhaustive. The interim government has other things to do as well, such as holding the perpetrators of crimes to account, including financial crimes, and above all, the trial of Sheikh Hasina for committing Crimes Against Humanity (CAH) under the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act, 1973.

The 1973 act, even with its several amendments, is an outdated one. It has been heavily criticised by the international community, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, International Bar Association, the UK Bar Association, and the European Union for falling far below the international standard. In my capacity as Chief Defence Counsel of the 10 opposition politicians who were indicted under the 1973 act (five of whom were executed), I am fully aware of the international community's criticism.

The last nail in the coffin of the act is the very recent UK Supreme Court's verdict on it. In view of the matter, it won't be advisable to proceed with the trial of Sheikh Hasina either in her presence or in absentia with the act as it is. The trial process will not be acceptable to the international community and will rightly face a barrage of criticism.

However bleak Hasina's record may be, the interim administration's objective should not be to exact revenge but to establish rule of law. Hence, this law should be updated to the international standard. Moreover, CAH being a very complicated area of law, it is crucial that the prosecution team is be well-versed in it.

The greatest contribution of the administration would be to clean up the rotten political system, and put an end to divisive politics. Perhaps more importantly, it should open up our decade old political system to new ideas, so that educated and patriotic young people find it comfortable to enter politics and contribute to nation-building. Unhealthy student politics should be cured by national consensus.

The present constitution has become unworkable. By amending it with their brute majority, the Awami League has changed certain sections of the constitution in alignment with their party manifesto. In any event, so much power has been given to the prime minister under the constitution, and so little to the president, that a Roman emperor would envy the powers of the former instead of the latter.

The parliamentary committees under the full control of the party in power have become non-functional. In a parliamentary democracy, the opposition has a very important role to play. Under our constitution, winners take all. Ideally, we need to begin our new journey with a balanced constitution.

This administration certainly does not have the mandate to frame a new constitution for which we need a national consensus. Once a national consensus is reached, a constituent assembly needs to be elected by the people to frame a constitution within a particular period, say within 120 days. After the new constitution has been framed, the constituent assembly needs to be dissolved, and a fresh election should be held for the re-establishment of parliament.

Here, the political parties need to make sacrifices. They have to put the country before their party. Bearing in mind the 15 long years of oppression, misrule, and misuse of powers, we can reasonably expect our political parties to act purely in the nation's interests in this critical juncture of our history.

It is unfortunate that the country which produced leaders such as Shaheed Suhrawardy and AK Fazlul Haque has now become leaderless. In the early days of our independence, the late Abul Mansur Ahmad, who was an Awami Leaguer all throughout his life, used to advise and criticise the Awami League and its leadership, both privately and publicly. We do not have such a wise politician amongst us now, leading to our civil society being divided along party lines.

Finally, this administration is not yet free from external and internal existential threats. This administration matters to each and every Bangladeshis. We cannot and must not allow it to fail.

Abdur Razzaq is a senior advocate of Bangladesh Supreme Court and currently practises law in the United Kingdom.​

 

[Saif]

Govt, administrative systems: TIB proposes a raft of reforms

Transparency International Bangladesh yesterday proposed a host of reform measures that would create a conducive state structure and the environment to build a transparent, accountable, corruption-free and discrimination-free “New Bangladesh”.

www.thedailystar.net

Govt, administrative systems: TIB proposes a raft of reforms
Suggests two-term limit for PM

Transparency International Bangladesh yesterday proposed a host of reform measures that would create a conducive state structure and the environment to build a transparent, accountable, corruption-free and discrimination-free "New Bangladesh".

"We are making these recommendations to assist the government. The authoritarian regime fell at the cost of unprecedented bloodshed and sacrifice through the movement of students and the people. One authoritarian regime should not be replaced by another," said TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman at a press conference.

Chief among the recommendations is adding a provision in the constitution that would bar an individual from serving as the prime minister for more than two terms, a practice followed in the US.

The same person should not hold the positions of the prime minister (head of government), the chief of a political party and the leader of parliament simultaneously.

TIB's recommendations for necessary reforms in the state structure to prevent corruption, and establish democracy, good governance and integrity are categorised into two groups: immediate and strategic areas.

The immediate priorities include ensuring discipline, public safety and administrative normalcy; conducting UN-led investigations into past human rights violations; ensuring proper legal procedures such that the judicial process remains unquestionable; and restoring normal economic activities.

A task force must be formed comprising the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Attorney General's Office to set an exemplary standard of effective accountability for high-level corruption and money laundering.

TIB demanded revealing the true picture of the banking sector following an independent and neutral investigation, and the formation of an "independent bank commission" with skilled specialists for the revival of the banking sector.

Strategic reforms include the introduction of proportional representation in the parliamentary system to ensure the true reflection of the people's verdict in the national parliament.

Additionally, an election-time interim government system should be introduced to ensure free, fair, neutral, and participatory parliamentary polls.

The Speaker should be free from party influence, avoid conflicts of interest and act as the guardian of parliament. They must conduct all parliamentary activities impartially.

The deputy speaker should be elected from the opposition in parliament.

In the absence of both the Speaker and the deputy speaker, members of the opposition parties included in the presidium should be allowed to perform the duties of the Speaker.

TIB also recommended amending Article 70 of the constitution to allow MPs the freedom to criticise their party and vote against it on different matters, including legislation, except for no-confidence motions and the budget.

Among the recommendations for democratic practices, TIB emphasised the need to abolish the monopoly and dynastic rule of a party chief and to determine party leadership through fair elections at all levels.

In the category of the rule of law and human rights, TIB called for immediate separation of the judiciary and specific policies and laws in consultation with the Supreme Court for the appointment of judges to the High Court.

TIB also recommended repealing the 16th amendment to the constitution, which gave power to the Jatiya Sangsad to remove judges if allegations of incapability or misconduct against them are proved.

The other recommendations include ensuring accountability and exemplary punishment for multidimensional and unprecedented human rights violations through nationally and internationally acceptable, impartial and independent investigations.

The National Human Rights Commission must be granted the jurisdiction and capacity to investigate all allegations of human rights violations such as extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances by security forces and law enforcement agencies, and to repeal all laws that violate human rights, including the Special Powers Act.

To prevent irregularities, corruption and money laundering, TIB called for ensuring the independence and capacity of the ACC and amending the Civil Service Act of 2018, the Money Laundering Prevention Act of 2012 and the Income Tax Act of 2023.

The agencies responsible for curbing and preventing corruption such as the ACC, the BFIU, the NBR, the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Attorney General's Office, the CID and other institutions concerned must develop professional skills free from party influence.

TIB recommended that no political appointments be made to institutions such as the Election Commission, ACC, Information Commission, NHRC, Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Public Service Commission.

An independent working environment must be ensured in these institutions.

The Official Secrecy Act of 1923 and the Cyber Security Act of 2023 must be repealed and measures must be put in place to ensure personal information protection.

Additionally, TIB called for the necessary amendments to the constitution and relevant laws to make the local government system independent, strengthened and effective.

In the electricity, energy, and environment category, TIB proposed a short-, medium-, and long-term time-bound plan to gradually phase out the use of fossil fuels and promote renewable energy.

Supportive policies must be created to increase local and international investment in the renewable energy sector.

Moreover, TIB demanded the abolishment of the "Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provisions) Act 2010", the removal of capacity charges and the cancellation of all ongoing development projects that are harmful to the environment and biodiversity.

"It is not possible to say how long it will take for the interim government to implement the recommendations made today [yesterday]. That decision lies with them. This government should be given the time it needs to meet the expectations of the people," Iftekharuzzaman said.

The government has been in office for only 20 days and it would not be fair to evaluate them so soon.

"They must fulfil the aspirations of the masses, even as they work amid the ruins," he added.​

 

[Saif]

Time to reform the judiciary

An independent judiciary is a cornerstone of any democratic society where justice is administered without bias or external influence. In Bangladesh, this basic element of a democracy was under severe strain as we have seen that ruling parties, in some cases, preferred to appoint loyal people as ju

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Time to reform the judiciary
Mir Mostafizur Rahaman
Published :
Aug 28, 2024 21:12
Updated :
Aug 28, 2024 21:12

An independent judiciary is a cornerstone of any democratic society where justice is administered without bias or external influence.

In Bangladesh, this basic element of a democracy was under severe strain as we have seen that ruling parties, in some cases, preferred to appoint loyal people as judges and law officers.

This very practice posed a threat to basic principles of an independent judiciary. The judiciary acts as a guardian of the Constitution and the rights of citizens. It is tasked with interpreting the law impartially, remaining free from any political influence or pressure.

In a democratic system, the judiciary serves as a check on the other branches of government, ensuring that they operate within the bounds of the law. This separation of power is essential for preventing the abuse of authority and maintaining the balance necessary for a functioning democracy.

In Bangladesh, the judiciary has historically played a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of the citizens, often stepping in to correct executive overreach. However, this role can only be effectively fulfilled if the judiciary remains independent and free from political interference.

Unfortunately, the judiciary was made highly controversial during the last one and a half decades. It was open secret that courts were dictated by the government and nakedly used as an instrument to clamp down on dissenting and opposition voices.

At one stage people in general lost confidence in the court and justice became illusive for many. All these resulted from the absence of a transparent process to recruit judges and law officers.

After the fall of the Hasina regime through mass upsurge, people are now expecting a real and meaningful reform of the judiciary so that it could perform independently.

However, some disturbing developments are taking place on the court premises that have made people apprehensive about the fate of judicial reform.

As several judges, and 107 law officers including the Attorney general, have resigned, pressures are reportedly piling up on the administration from different political parties to fill up these vacant posts with people loyal to them.

If the government succumbs to such demands it will come as a severe blow to the process of establishing an independent judiciary.

This government must not follow the old practice of recruiting judges and law officers under political consideration ignoring their merit.

The judiciary risks becoming a pawn in the hands of political actors if the posts that have fallen vacant following resignations of judges and law officers are filled up under outside pressure.

Such interference undermines the impartiality of the judiciary, as judges and law officers might feel beholden to the political forces that facilitated their appointments. This creates a conflict of interest, where the rule of law could be compromised in favour of political expediency. The impartial application of justice becomes questionable, leading to a loss of public confidence in the judiciary's ability to act as an unbiased arbiter.

Moreover, this politicization can lead to a situation where legal outcomes are influenced by political considerations rather than the merits of the cases. This not only causes damage to the credibility of the judiciary but also erodes the public's trust in the justice system. When citizens believe that justice is not being administered fairly, it weakens the social contract and can lead to civil unrest and a breakdown of the rule of law.

To address these challenges, it is imperative that Bangladesh undertakes comprehensive judicial reforms aimed at strengthening the independence of the judiciary. These reforms should focus on creating transparent and merit-based processes for the appointment of judges and law officers. A judicial appointments commission, free from political influence, could be established to oversee the selection of judges and law officers based on their qualifications, experience, and integrity.

In addition to reforming the appointment process, it is essential to ensure that judges and law officers have security of tenure. This means that they should not fear removal from office for political reasons. Clear and stringent criteria for the removal of judges, such as proven misconduct or incapacity, should be established, and any process for removal should be carried out through an independent and impartial body.

It is crucial that the government, civil society, and all stakeholders in Bangladesh recognize the gravity of this situation and work together to implement judicial reforms that will safeguard the independence of the judiciary. Only through a strong and independent judiciary can Bangladesh ensure that justice is served, the rule of law is maintained, and democracy is preserved for future generations.​

 

[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

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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.​