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

[Saif]

Dissolution of textbook committee shows fault lines in reform drive

Hate campaign against two teachers deeply troubling

www.thedailystar.net

Dissolution of textbook committee shows fault lines in reform drive
Hate campaign against two teachers deeply troubling

VISUAL: STAR

The row over the composition of a textbook revision coordination committee over the last few days has exposed a fault line in the government's ongoing reform drive, underscoring the challenges it faces as it prepares for more critical reforms, especially surrounding the question of religion in the constitution. On Saturday, the government dissolved the committee after facing backlash from certain groups for the lack of Islamic scholars in the 10-member committee and alleged "anti-religious" views held by its two members. The development, and the manner in which the authorities have acquiesced, underline a dilemma that has long plagued the state: how to balance progressive reforms with the expectations of religious constituencies that still hold significant sway.

The education adviser has denied the decision had anything to do with the pressure, stressing that there was no need for such a committee as specialists from both Islamic and general streams of education are "at the final stage of revising textbooks." But why form a committee then and disband it only after 13 days? The episode suggests that the government may be susceptible to yielding to conservative pressure in its reform initiatives. It also brought into focus the broader question about the role of religion in state affairs, with the fallen Awami League regime setting a trend of exploiting and appeasing fundamentalist elements for political gains. One may recall how pressure from religious groups led to the removal of certain stories and topics from school textbooks. Nothing much has changed even after the regime's ouster.

If we analyse the criticisms directed at the two Dhaka University teachers, it is clear that those had nothing to do with education or their qualifications, but only their perceived beliefs. Many have even indulged in a hate campaign online to the point that it sparked concerns about the safety of the teachers. Dissolving the committee, without critically evaluating the criticisms or doing nothing about those indulging in hate speech, also cast doubt about the government's commitment to such reforms. Are we to accept that any group can influence or reverse much-needed reforms through public agitation?

We must acknowledge the importance of ensuring a balanced and inclusive curriculum, one that reflects the cultural and religious diversity of the nation. But decisions on curriculum revisions must be based on academic merit and pedagogical principles, not political pressures. The government must realise that yielding to such pressures is contributing to an atmosphere where education is increasingly getting detached from the objective of nurturing critical thinking which it is supposed to do. We must not allow our education system to regress under the weight of such undue pressures any longer.​

 

[Saif]

Prof Yunus expresses resolve for quick reform, election

Chief Adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed his determination to advance reform and hold an election quickly

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Prof Yunus expresses resolve for quick reform, election

File photo

Chief Adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed his determination to advance reform and hold an election quickly.

Prof Yunus made the remarks in an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York, where he went to attend the United Nations General Assembly, it reports on Sunday.

He became chief adviser of the interim government after the administration of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina collapsed in August after 15 years in power, following student protests.

Yunus is the founder of Grameen Bank, which extends small unsecured loans to underprivileged people. He and the bank won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.

In the interview, Yunus said the interim government's job is to carry out reform as quickly as possible, and that the government will hold an election as soon as it is ready.

He said, "Failure is not something that we can accept."

Referring to students who played a major role in the overthrow of the Hasina government, Yunus said young people gave their lives during what he called the "revolution".

He indicated his stance of including the young generation in policy making.

The chief adviser said Bangladesh looks forward to support from its biggest donor Japan "during this very critical period".

He emphasised that Japan's cooperation is essential in rebuilding his country's economy and helping democracy take root there.​

 

[Saif]

Dialogue with parties before reform bodies start working

The advisory council of the interim government will hold another round of dialogue with the political parties before the six reform commissions begin their work in full swing.

www.newagebd.net

Dialogue with parties before reform bodies start working
Staff Correspondent 30 September, 2024, 21:40

Chief adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam, centre, speaks at a press briefing, flanked by deputy press secretaries Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Apurba Jahangir, at Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Monday. | BSS photo

The advisory council of the interim government will hold another round of dialogue with the political parties before the six reform commissions begin their work in full swing.

‘The dialogue will be held very soon,’ the chief adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam told a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Monday.

The press conference was organised to brief the media about chief adviser Muhammad Yunus’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly in the past week.

Shafiqul called the chief adviser’s visit highly successful and historic.

In his address to the nation on September 11, Yunus announced the formation of six commissions for reforms in the electoral system, police, judiciary, public administration, constitution and Anti-Corruption Commission.

Badiul Alam Majumder will head the electoral system reform commission; Safar Raz Hossain will head the police reform commission; Justice Shah Abu Naeem Mominur Rahman will head the judiciary reform commission; Iftekharuzzaman will lead the Anti-Corruption Commission reform commission; Abdul Mueed Chowdhury will lead the public administration reform commission; and prominent lawyer Shahdeen Malik was first announced to head the Constitution Reform Commission to be later replaced by professor Ali Riaz.

According to the announcement of the interim government, the commissions were supposed to start work from today (October 1).

The formation of six reform commissions, however, has not been gazetted yet.

The government has asked the commissions to complete their work and submit reports by December 31.

Responding to questions from the journalists at the Monday press conference, the chief adviser’s press secretary said that the reform commissions were scheduled to start their work from today.

‘But before they start their work the advisory council wants to hold another round of discussions with the political parties,’ he said.

Shafiqul remarked that with the announcement of the names of the commission heads their work had started to some extent.

‘Since political parties are a stakeholder here, the commissions will discuss with them and ask for their opinion,’ he said.

The press secretary at the briefing also highlighted the chief adviser’s meetings with high-level delegations, including US president Joe Biden and many other heads of states and governments, regarding obtaining loans.

Referring to an interview of Yunus given to the New York Times in New York, Sahfiqul Alam said that the chief adviser would not contest in the next polls and he had no wish to join politics.

Responding to a question, he said that there was no discussion about the interim government’s timeframe during the visit.

‘The timeframe of the interim government would be determined by the people of Bangladesh,’ he added.

The chief adviser’s deputy press secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Apurba Jahangir were also present at the press conference.​

 

[Saif]

Full commission on constitutional reforms formed

The government yesterday formed a full commission to make recommendations on constitutional reforms.

www.thedailystar.net

Full commission on constitutional reforms formed

The government yesterday formed a full commission to make recommendations on constitutional reforms.

The commission was constituted after Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus approved it, according to a gazette notification.

Prof Ali Riaz leads the commission.

Eight other members include Dhaka University law professors Sumaiya Khair and Muhammad Ekramul Haque; lawyers Imran Siddique, Sharif Bhuiyan, and Moin Alam Ferozi; writer Firoz Ahmed; rights activist Mustain Billah; and student representative Mahfuj Alam, who is also the special assistant to the chief adviser.

In his speech to the nation on 11 September, Prof Yunus announced the formation of six commissions to reform the electoral system, police, judiciary, public administration, the constitution, and the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Initially, prominent lawyer Shahdeen Malik was named as the head of the Constitutional Reform Commission, but later he was replaced by Prof Ali Riaz.

On October 3, the government formed five commissions to reform the public administration, ACC, judiciary, police, and the electoral system.​

 

[Saif]

State reforms: CA to hold 2nd round of talks with parties October 19

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will hold talks on reforms with some political parties on October 19.

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State reforms: CA to hold 2nd round of talks with parties October 19

Photo: Courtesy/UNB

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will hold talks on reforms with some political parties on October 19.

His dialogue is aimed at advancing the reform process, said Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, deputy press secretary to the CA.

At a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy yesterday, he said that the Gonoforum, Bangladesh Jatiya Party, 12-Party Alliance, Liberal Democratic Party, Jatiya Mukti Council, Labour Party, the alliance of like-minded nationalist parties, and some others will be invited to the dialogue.

Asked if the Jatiya Party would be invited, he said the chief adviser's dialogue with political parties is an ongoing process, and a decision regarding the JP's invitation would be made later.

On October 5, Prof Yunus held talks with the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Ganatantra Mancha, Left Democratic Alliance, Hefazat-e-Islam, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party.

Responding to another query, Azad yesterday said the interim government is unaware of any "minus two" formula. "There have been no discussions about this in any government meetings, and there is no likelihood of such an issue being discussed."

As a journalist sought his comment on the BNP's recent statement that it did not want to see another "minus-two" attempt, the deputy press secretary said, "Please ask the BNP what they have said and why."

'IDENTIFYING SYNDICATES'

Talking about syndicates of traders, Azad said the interim government was working to identify the syndicates to check the price hike of essentials.

"Efforts are on to identify and bust the syndicates of traders. We are seeking your [journalists] cooperation. If you have information on the syndicates who are manipulating prices, let us know about it. If you cooperate with the government by providing information, the government will of course take steps."

He said 99 percent garment factories are open now.

Mentioning that ordinary people are worried about the price hike of essentials, Azad said the government has already taken some steps to bring down the prices to an affordable level.

"The price of eggs is going up. A decision has been made today [yesterday] to reduce the duty on egg imports to 13 percent from 33 percent."

The deputy press secretary said the government has decided to cut the duty on edible oil imports by five percent and withdraw VAT on its production and supply.

He said the government has started selling agricultural products, including potato, onion and vegetables, at affordable prices under an Open Market Sale (OMS) programme at different places in the capital.

The products are now being sold at 20 points and the number will be increased later.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Safiqul Alam was present at the press briefing.​