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

[Saif]

TDS: It seems the interim government is not adequately addressing the people's demands, and there is a perceived void, as political parties are claiming that this government has not provided a clear roadmap. How do you evaluate the situation?

FM: It's unjust to place the responsibility for creating a roadmap solely on the interim government. The initiative should come from the political parties themselves. Why are the political parties failing to put forward their own roadmap? It's contradictory to expect the interim government to provide a plan while leaving the task of reform to the political parties.

I've published seven critical articles on the BNP's proposals for state reform, which are available on my website. None of the BNP members have contested my views. If political parties refuse to listen to public feedback and dismiss criticism while demanding a roadmap from the government without offering their own, how can they claim to be a legitimate agency to lead the people? They need to outline their plans to the people, earn their trust, and secure their votes.

Furthermore, we still have bureaucrats who were involved in significant corruption and remain loyal to the Awami League. Why haven't we replaced them? What's stopping us from promoting capable young bureaucrats aged 30 to 32? If they are competent, why not consider them for senior positions like secretary?

TDS: How does the July movement stand to shape narratives related to the 1971 Liberation Movement?

FM: The independence movement of 1971 is a non-negotiable issue! It clearly and historically marks us as a political community different from Islamic Pakistan, and in 1947 we marked ourselves as different from Hindu India. I fundamentally reject the prevailing narrative about the events of 1971.

It's crucial to differentiate between independence and liberation. Liberation involves the creation of a politically empowered community, whereas independence merely signifies control over territory without fully realising statehood and its essential structures. Collective self-consciousness as the driving historical agency is not easy to achieve and realize. This is why I am so keen on literature, art, culture and the critique of theology and traditions. So I squarely place emphasis on the appropriate articulations between Bangla language, Bangla culture, pre-Islamic history and the religions. To progress, we must challenge the conventional Awami League (AL) narrative that 1971 was the culmination of our journey. No. It is only the beginning. We must integrate the golden history of Islam both in its place of origin and its arrival in the subcontinent and contribute to building powerful foundational imaginations and structures in our own language, and culture integrating the traditions and legacies we carry within us from pre-Islamic era. We must cultivate a critical, historical and creative mind that keeps us united and altered to our collective self-consciousness as the agent of world history, and not slaves of colonial, imperialist ideologies and power.

The intellectual shortcomings of the Awami narrative become apparent when we consider the constitution's adoption, which was driven more by the preferences of lawyers and bureaucrats than by the general will of the people formed by the collective self-consciousness as I discussed earlier. The Constitution is not a legal document, as naive lawyers usually think. To constitute is the most important political act through which a political community arrive to world history and contributes to the collective good of humanity and world history and planetary survival as a life form.

The core demands of the 1971 movement—equality, human dignity, and social justice—must now be actively pursued. Following the July uprising, Bangladesh has the chance to advance towards these goals. At this pivotal moment, we must address issues related to laws, culture, tradition, religion, and history to move forward effectively. Most importantly, we must learn to imagine ourselves as a unique political community and our existence is not negotiable.

The interview was taken by Shamsuddoza Sajen of The Daily Star.

 

[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.​

 

[Saif]

EU ready to support reform agenda: new envoy

The new European Union ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Tuesday expressed the EU’s readiness to support the reform agenda of the interim government, led by...

www.newagebd.net

EU ready to support reform agenda: new envoy
Staff Correspondent 15 October, 2024, 21:01

New European Union ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller pays an introductory courtesy call on foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain at his Segun Bagicha office in Dhaka on Tuesday. | Press release

The new European Union ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Tuesday expressed the EU’s readiness to support the reform agenda of the interim government, led by professor Muhammad Yunus.

During an introductory courtesy call on foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain at his office in Segun Bagicha, Miller offered the EU’s full cooperation in areas such as human rights, good governance, and the democratic process, according to a foreign ministry press release.

The EU envoy highlighted the recent student-led mass uprising as an unprecedented opportunity for change in Bangladesh.

Miller also stated that the EU was keen to diversify trade relations with Bangladesh by increasing investment, and it supported the country’s transition following its graduation from the Least Developed Country status.

In response, the foreign adviser welcomed the EU’s support and assured efforts to create a better business environment to strengthen trade and investment relations.

Describing Bangladesh-EU relations as vibrant and important, Touhid Hossain requested EU assistance in the health and education sectors, with a particular focus on improving technical and vocational training institutes.

He also stressed the need for support in recovering stolen assets deposited abroad by some Bangladeshi nationals, to which the EU ambassador offered technical assistance.

Miller informed the adviser about the European Investment Bank’s ongoing 900 million investment in Bangladesh’s rail, energy, water, and health sectors. He expressed the EIB’s readiness to increase its investment portfolio in the country.

Both the adviser and the ambassador welcomed the forthcoming discussion on a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which aims to elevate Bangladesh-EU relations to new heights.

The EU ambassador reaffirmed the EU’s continued assistance for the Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar.

Both parties agreed that the return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar, with rights and safety guaranteed, remained the only sustainable solution to the ongoing crisis.​

 

[Saif]

Reforms require unity among our politicians

Bangladesh’s political standards are now at their lowest point, with integrity in governance and honesty in leadership almost non-existent.

www.thedailystar.net

Reforms require unity among our politicians
People yearn for leaders capable of rooting out corruption, challenging harmful traditions, and fostering unity for the betterment of Bangladesh

VISUAL: ANWAR SOHEL

In a recent interview with Prothom Alo, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus urged the nation, "Unite for reforms. We must not hold the election without carrying out reforms. That is my appeal to everyone. Do not lose this opportunity." His appeal captures a sentiment shared by millions: emphasising that reforms must precede elections if democracy is to thrive in Bangladesh. For too long, elections have been treated as rituals to renew power, not as opportunities for meaningful change. Since independence, no government in Bangladesh has fully lived up to the expectations of its people. Despite repeated promises, successive administrations have failed to deliver on their commitments. This persistent failure has fuelled widespread disillusionment, with many citizens now seeing politics as a self-serving enterprise rather than a means of public service. The growing mistrust reflects a deeper crisis within the political system, raising a crucial question: what do the people of Bangladesh truly expect from their leaders?

The people of Bangladesh expect politicians to be honest, accountable, and dedicated to public service. They want leaders to create a safe and fair environment where they can live and work without fear of bribery or extortion. People also expect politicians to focus on important matters like economic growth, healthcare, and education. Sadly, most politicians seem more interested in criticising opponents, using harsh words and weak arguments. People also hope for fair prices of essential goods and reliable access to basic services such as water, electricity, and gas, so people from all income levels can live with dignity. They want freedom of speech to be protected, allowing them to speak out without fear of retaliation. Citizens are tired of promises made during election campaigns that are never kept—they expect politicians to deliver on their commitments through fair and responsible leadership that upholds the law and ensures institutions serve everyone equally. Unfortunately, there is a wide gap between these expectations and the political reality in Bangladesh.

For the past three decades, Bangladesh's political landscape has been dominated by two major players: the Awami League (AL) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Despite their longstanding dominance, these parties have failed to reach a consensus on any matter of national, political, social or economic importance that could genuinely benefit the country. Their ideological divisions are stark, but ironically, their main goal remains the same—winning elections and holding on to power—at any cost. Both parties have followed the same playbook when they were in opposition: boycotting parliament, inciting violent protests, and damaging public and private property, all in the name of democratic rights. They claim to uphold democracy, but their actions suggest otherwise. Their internal structures remain highly autocratic, and most decisions are made based on the personal preferences of the party president/chairperson. There is little room for new ideas or input from others, which stifles political progress and power stays within a small circle of individuals.

Politics in Bangladesh, once considered a noble calling, has now become a fast track to wealth and power. For some, it serves as a family legacy; for others, it is a shortcut to personal enrichment. While corruption has always existed in politics, the current scale and openness of it are alarming. Many politicians control local territories, rig public contracts, and engage in various illegal activities, including land grabbing, sand mining, extortion from street vendors and the transport sector, and running drugs and gambling operations. A Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) report reveals that corruption in the Roads and Highways Department alone has cost the nation nearly Tk 50,835 crore over the past 15 years. Another TIB report estimates that Tk 2,000 crore is extorted every year by transport owners' and workers' associations. This money is shared among influential figures, including politicians, police, bureaucrats, contractors, and engineers.

Political leaders have built a patronage system that extends into nearly every sector, including student groups, labour unions, lawyers, teachers, doctors, and business leaders. These groups are often offered financial incentives, business opportunities, or influential positions in exchange for suppressing dissent from the public or opposition parties. This system has enabled successive regimes to cling to power through a mix of violence and rewards, alienating ordinary citizens and causing unnecessary suffering. What is particularly concerning is how politicians exploit the poor and manipulate the youth for their political interests. It has become customary for political parties to use young people as picketers during protests. Some of these picketers are street children, while others are students. Under the guise of political movements, they engage in street violence, often fighting fiercely on behalf of their political mentors and, in the process, become victims of violence themselves. These young people are treated as expendable foot soldiers by all political parties.

There is no doubt that Bangladesh's political standards are now at their lowest point, with integrity in governance and honesty in leadership almost non-existent. Bangladesh's politics had a glorious past, marked by a proud history of struggle and supreme sacrifices for national causes, including the Language Movement of 1952, the Mass Uprising of 1969, and the Liberation War of 1971. In those days, the most well-educated, honest, and socially conscious individuals with high moral values engaged in politics. Unfortunately, over time, things have deteriorated. While even a clerical job now requires a college degree, there is no minimum educational qualification requirement to become an MP—an important position with responsibility for making laws.

Professor Yunus rightly argued that holding elections without meaningful reforms would be a grave mistake. Rebuilding political institutions and fostering a healthier political culture are monumental tasks—especially for an interim government with limited time. Yet, key reforms are essential not only to ensure free and fair elections but also to curb the misuse of state resources and dismantle the cycles of patronage and political violence that have plagued the nation for decades. People are exhausted by these "self-serving netas;" they yearn for leaders capable of rooting out corruption, challenging harmful traditions, and, most importantly, fostering unity for the betterment of Bangladesh. However, these aspirations demand more than empty promises—they require genuine action. Unless politicians address these critical issues, the gap between public expectations and political realities will continue to widen. The question now is whether political leaders will rise to meet the people's expectations—or allow yet another opportunity for meaningful change to slip away.

Abu Afsarul Haider is an entrepreneur.​