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

[Saif]

Tension mounts among govt officers over reform

Administration cadre officials and other cadres are now facing off over the public administration reforms aimed at freeing the civil service from political influence and inter-cadre discrimination and making it more service-oriented.

www.newagebd.net

Tension mounts among govt officers over reform
Sadiqur Rahman 25 December, 2024, 23:54

Bangladesh Administrative Service Association and the BCS Administration Welfare Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited hold a meeting, protesting at the reform of public administration, at the BIAM Foundation Auditorium in Dhaka on Wednesday. | New Age photo

Administration cadre officials and other cadres are now facing off over the public administration reforms aimed at freeing the civil service from political influence and inter-cadre discrimination and making it more service-oriented.

Officials belonging to 25 Bangladesh Civil Service cadres other than the administration cadre have long been pressing for eliminating the discrimination against them regarding promotions and in-service facilities.

The administration cadre officials, meanwhile on Wednesday, announced that they would submit a memorandum to the public administration reform commission today, intensifying the tension in the civil service over its reform as officials of other cadres are scheduled to hold human chains across the country, protesting at what they termed as dominance of the administration cadre in the civil service jobs.

Since the Public Administration Reform Commission disclosed its draft recommendations on December 17, civil servants under the administration cadre and the rest 25 cadres have faced off against each other, claiming their fair shares in the administrative services.

Public administration teacher at Dhaka University, Professor Ferdous Afrina Osman, called the ongoing tension in the civil service as frustrating and observed that dominance of a single cadre was discriminatory.

Saying that promotion in the civil service must be free from political influences, she told New Age that the only way to keep promotion free from political influence was a proper evaluation of the candidates.

‘Only the deserving civil service officials irrespective of the cadre should get promotion,’ she added.

On December 17, the reform commission said for promotion to the rank of deputy secretary it would recommend 50 per cent quota allocation for the administration cadre and 50 per cent for the rest of the 25 cadres.

Currently, for promotion to this rank, the administration cadre enjoys 75 per cent quota and the rest 25 cadres get 25 per cent quota.

The disclosure of the draft recommendations have stirred up discontent among both the administration and other cadres, leading to increased tension among the administration cadre officials and those of other cadres. The administration cadre officials fear that the recommendations, if accepted, will reduce their promotion quota, while officials under the rest 25 cadres think that the recommendations fail to reflect their demand for a merit-based administrative service.

On Wednesday, several hundred present and former officials of the administrative cadre assembled at the BIAM Foundation Auditorium in the capital in a meeting in protest at the commission’s reform proposal. It was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association and the BCS (Administration) Welfare Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited.

After the meeting, the officials announced that they would submit a memorandum to the public administration reform commission today, administrative service association member secretary Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the matter.

Speakers at the meeting complained that narrowing representation from the administration cadre was a conspiracy to destabilise the country by misdirecting public administration reforms.

Some of the speakers also demanded the resignation of the reform commission chief within 48 hours starting from Wednesday afternoon.

They said that narrowing the administration cadre’s representation would be a violation of a government circular, published on February 10, 1998, which was endorsed by the High Court as legal on February 13, 2002.

Moreover, they termed the application of the quota system in promotion to the deputy secretary rank as a discriminatory practice.

Dhaka district deputy commissioner Tanvir Ahmed told New Age that the administration cadre officials now demanded that the reform commission should recommend the abolition of the quota system and establish the Bangladesh Administrative Service exclusively with the administration cadre officials.

Asked how the civil servants from other cadres would get their promotion of the other cadre officials, Tanvir Ahmed said, ‘Their ranks must be upgraded as per the respective departmental promotion ladders.’

Earlier, on Sunday also, a significant number of administration cadre officials gathered at the Secretariat to press their demand.

On Tuesday, members of the Inter-Cadre Council to Eliminate Discrimination, a platform representing officials from 25 BCS cadres other than administration, staged a protest through a one-hour ‘pen-down strike’ to protest against the administration cadre’s dominance.

The council’s coordinator, Mohammad Mofizur Rahman, told New Age that officials of the 25 cadres would hold a human chain in front of their offices today.

The council is also scheduled to hold a rally in Dhaka on January 4 and has also announced further programmes, Mofizur said.​

 

[Saif]

Labourer sector reform: Informal workers seek recognition

The informal sector labourers, accounting for an overwhelming 85 per cent of the country’s labour force, keep their hopes high that the interim government would fulfil their...

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Labourer sector reform: Informal workers seek recognition
Sadiqur Rahman 25 December, 2024, 23:56

The informal sector labourers, accounting for an overwhelming 85 per cent of the country’s labour force, keep their hopes high that the interim government would fulfil their longstanding demand for inclusion in the formal sector as part of its labour reform initiative.

Labour rights activists believe that the inclusion would usher a watershed moment in the country’s labour rights campaign as it would mark the first step towards ensuring labour rights of the thousands of workers counted so far as informal sector labourers.

The interim government, which replaced the now ousted Sheikh Hasina regime from August 8, has launched a reform campaign in several sectors, labour sector one among them. It has tasked a 10-member labour reform commission, formed on November 18, with submitting its recommendations to the chief adviser within 90 days.

According to the Bangladesh Labour Force Survey 2022, around six crore or 84.9 per cent of the total working population in the country are engaged in informal employment that includes a highly varied range of work.

Most familiar of the informal sector jobs include agriculture labourers, domestic workers, construction and utility sector wage labourers, self-employed workers, including street vendors, hawkers and rickshaw pullers. Informal sector workers sell their cheap labour without any formal contracts with the employers and without any regular benefits.

Rights activists for domestic workers and municipality cleaners, while saying that they are marginalised among the informal workers, demand that the reform commission recommends their due recognition.

‘We eke out a living by selling our labour but we are not valued as workers. We hope that the interim government will recognise our due status,’ said Zakia Sultana, president of Grihakarmi Jatiya Forum, a platform for domestic workers.

The country’s massive 96.6 per cent of 2.48 crore employed women are engaged in informal employment.

Zakia added that informal workers’ long-due demand for recognition remained unheeded because the previous governments did not create any mediums to facilitate the discussion.

‘The labour reform commission is supposed to work as the much-expected media,’ she said.

She further said that domestic workers often avoided being pregnant, fearing job loss. ‘They are not given maternity leave. So when someone gets pregnant and gives birth to babies her plights become endless. In absence of day-care facilities at the slums where they live, mothers of newborns or small children face extreme challenges as they are not allowed to take her children to the employers’ house.’

Domestic workers, particularly those who work as live-in helps, do not have fixed work hours, weekends and standard wages.

Although the Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy was enacted in 2015, it brought hardly any positive impact on the domestic workers’ rights situation as it was not translated into a law.

Municipality cleaners, doing a critical service to keep the environment of cities and municipality towns, also face an increasing level of job insecurity.

Gajan Lal, senior vice president of Bangladesh Harijan Oikya Parishad, a platform of the Dalit community from which many earn livelihood as cleaners of cities and municipality towns, has said that most of the cleaners work on an ad hoc basis, and so can neither bargain on their wage nor demand increment.

‘Moreover, newcomers, mostly from the Muslim community, have made the temporary cleaning jobs more competitive,’ Gajan Lal said.

While talking about increasing livelihood insecurity of vendors and hawkers, Bangladesh Hawkers Union vice president Monzur Moin has said that they are in a constant risk of eviction.

While the authorities regularly run eviction drives, they do not provide alternative livelihood sources to the hawkers, says Moin. Moreover, as their occupation is not formalised, they cannot take their demands to the government in a systematic way.

‘The hawkers as informal sector workers do not have the right to trade union. We expect that the labour sector reform will recognise all engaged in the informal sector to ensure their legal protection,’ the hawker leader said.

Socialist Labour Front president Rajekuzzaman Ratan commended the formation of the labour reform commission as a reflection of the informal workers’ long-due expectations.

‘For the first time in the history of Bangladesh, a reform commission has been formed to address the discrimination in the labour sector. We hope for the best,’ Ratan said.

Recently, the interim government has added 15 new industrial sectors to the existing list of 42 sectors under wage regulations.

The newly included sectors are private clinics, hospitals and diagnostic centres; fertiliser factories; brickfields; private airlines; electric and electronic goods manufacture; ceramics; cement; batteries; poultry; commercial amusement parks; dry fish manufacture;, stone crushing; IT parks; colour and chemical factories; and milk products and dairy farms.

Labour rights activists allege that while some industries, such as type foundry industry, which no longer exist or have become insignificant in the changing economic scenario, are still in the wage regulations list, many new sectors involving significant numbers of workers have yet to find their place in it.

Chief of the labour reform commission, Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, observes that informal sector workers remain deprived of fundamental rights and social dignity.

‘The commission will highlight all the discriminations that the informal workers are facing. Steps must be taken to ensure their social dignity, security, and humane and sustainable livelihood,’ Sultan said.​

 

[Saif]

Tension mounts among govt officers over reform

Administration cadre officials and other cadres are now facing off over the public administration reforms aimed at freeing the civil service from political influence and inter-cadre discrimination and making it more service-oriented.

www.newagebd.net

Tension mounts among govt officers over reform
Sadiqur Rahman 25 December, 2024, 23:54

Bangladesh Administrative Service Association and the BCS Administration Welfare Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited hold a meeting, protesting at the reform of public administration, at the BIAM Foundation Auditorium in Dhaka on Wednesday. | New Age photo

Administration cadre officials and other cadres are now facing off over the public administration reforms aimed at freeing the civil service from political influence and inter-cadre discrimination and making it more service-oriented.

Officials belonging to 25 Bangladesh Civil Service cadres other than the administration cadre have long been pressing for eliminating the discrimination against them regarding promotions and in-service facilities.

The administration cadre officials, meanwhile on Wednesday, announced that they would submit a memorandum to the public administration reform commission today, intensifying the tension in the civil service over its reform as officials of other cadres are scheduled to hold human chains across the country, protesting at what they termed as dominance of the administration cadre in the civil service jobs.

Since the Public Administration Reform Commission disclosed its draft recommendations on December 17, civil servants under the administration cadre and the rest 25 cadres have faced off against each other, claiming their fair shares in the administrative services.

Public administration teacher at Dhaka University, Professor Ferdous Afrina Osman, called the ongoing tension in the civil service as frustrating and observed that dominance of a single cadre was discriminatory.

Saying that promotion in the civil service must be free from political influences, she told New Age that the only way to keep promotion free from political influence was a proper evaluation of the candidates.

‘Only the deserving civil service officials irrespective of the cadre should get promotion,’ she added.

On December 17, the reform commission said for promotion to the rank of deputy secretary it would recommend 50 per cent quota allocation for the administration cadre and 50 per cent for the rest of the 25 cadres.

Currently, for promotion to this rank, the administration cadre enjoys 75 per cent quota and the rest 25 cadres get 25 per cent quota.

The disclosure of the draft recommendations have stirred up discontent among both the administration and other cadres, leading to increased tension among the administration cadre officials and those of other cadres. The administration cadre officials fear that the recommendations, if accepted, will reduce their promotion quota, while officials under the rest 25 cadres think that the recommendations fail to reflect their demand for a merit-based administrative service.

On Wednesday, several hundred present and former officials of the administrative cadre assembled at the BIAM Foundation Auditorium in the capital in a meeting in protest at the commission’s reform proposal. It was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association and the BCS (Administration) Welfare Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited.

After the meeting, the officials announced that they would submit a memorandum to the public administration reform commission today, administrative service association member secretary Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the matter.

Speakers at the meeting complained that narrowing representation from the administration cadre was a conspiracy to destabilise the country by misdirecting public administration reforms.

Some of the speakers also demanded the resignation of the reform commission chief within 48 hours starting from Wednesday afternoon.

They said that narrowing the administration cadre’s representation would be a violation of a government circular, published on February 10, 1998, which was endorsed by the High Court as legal on February 13, 2002.

Moreover, they termed the application of the quota system in promotion to the deputy secretary rank as a discriminatory practice.

Dhaka district deputy commissioner Tanvir Ahmed told New Age that the administration cadre officials now demanded that the reform commission should recommend the abolition of the quota system and establish the Bangladesh Administrative Service exclusively with the administration cadre officials.

Asked how the civil servants from other cadres would get their promotion of the other cadre officials, Tanvir Ahmed said, ‘Their ranks must be upgraded as per the respective departmental promotion ladders.’

Earlier, on Sunday also, a significant number of administration cadre officials gathered at the Secretariat to press their demand.

On Tuesday, members of the Inter-Cadre Council to Eliminate Discrimination, a platform representing officials from 25 BCS cadres other than administration, staged a protest through a one-hour ‘pen-down strike’ to protest against the administration cadre’s dominance.

The council’s coordinator, Mohammad Mofizur Rahman, told New Age that officials of the 25 cadres would hold a human chain in front of their offices today.

The council is also scheduled to hold a rally in Dhaka on January 4 and has also announced further programmes, Mofizur said.​

 

[Saif]

Govt to consult with all parties before reforms

The interim government will not make unilateral decisions on the reform commissions’ reports but will finalise decisions through consultations with all political parties, said Adviser Mahfuj Alam yesterday.

www.thedailystar.net

Govt to consult with all parties before reforms
Advisers tell dialogue

Photo: Collected

The foundation of the state relies on its institutions. Without robust institutions, the unity of the state is meaningless. If we cannot reform institutions like the Election Commission to serve the people, our efforts will be futile.— Mahfuj Alam

The interim government will not make unilateral decisions on the reform commissions' reports but will finalise decisions through consultations with all political parties, said Adviser Mahfuj Alam yesterday.

"We have been engaging in consistent discussions with political parties. Once the commissions begin presenting their proposals, which we expect from January, broader consultations will occur involving all stakeholders," Mahfuj said at the concluding session of a dialogue organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka.

He explained that the consultations would determine the extent of feasible reforms.

Mahfuj said reforms proposed by the political parties' had been largely integrated into the government's initiatives. "The political parties must now sit with us to finalise what reforms are achievable and necessary."

He emphasised the importance of strengthening state institutions. "The foundation of the state relies on its institutions. Without robust institutions, the unity of the state is meaningless. If we cannot reform institutions like the Election Commission to serve the people, our efforts will be futile."

The adviser stressed that reforms must be consensual.

"We need agreement on how much reform is possible and whether a legal framework can ensure that future governments continue these initiatives. Political parties must commit to upholding reforms when in power."

Photo: Collected

The absence of a democratic transition process led to the recent popular uprising that ousted the previous government. People have shed blood repeatedly, yet this issue remains unresolved.— Nahid Islam

Meanwhile, Nahid Islam, adviser to the information and ICT ministries, underscored the need for democratic power transitions to prevent the recurrence of political unrest.

"The absence of a democratic transition process led to the recent popular uprising that ousted the previous government. The people of Bangladesh have shed blood repeatedly, yet this issue remains unresolved."

He called for a framework to institutionalise peaceful and democratic power transitions.

"Our primary agenda is to prevent the return of vindictive politics. This must be addressed before the elections."

Responding to a query about the government's performance, Nahid said, "The public or those outside power can judge better. We are working within limitations, seeking assistance to advance our goals."

Nahid criticised the bureaucracy's misuse under previous governments.

"Bureaucrats gained undue power under the past regime, which was used to establish fascism. This legacy challenges our administrative effectiveness."

He commended the unity achieved during the mass uprising, saying, "This national unity persists on key issues."

He also called for embedding the essence of the July uprising into a new constitution, warning of future disruptions if this is not achieved.

On foreign policy, Nahid stressed the need for consistency.

"Bangladesh's foreign policy has historically shifted with changes in government. We need consensus on economic and trade policies to secure the nation's future."

At the event, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna dismissed debates over "reforms first or elections first" as irrelevant.

"Reforms will always be ongoing, but an interim government is temporary. The focus must be on conducting a free and fair election."

Amar Bangladesh Party Member Secretary Mojibur Rahman Monju said they aim to build a "New Bangladesh" with the help of the youth.

Private University Students Alliance representative Tanjil Mahmud called for engaging students in the reform process.

Supreme Court lawyer Dilruba Shormin urged unity, invoking the sacrifices of the uprising's martyrs.

Gono Odhikar Parishad's Rashed Khan, Jamaat-e-Islami's Hamidur Rahman Azad, Chattogram Hill Tracts representative Ilira Dewan, BNP's Mahidi Amin, and others echoed the need for reform and consensus.

Political scientist Navine Murshid stressed institutional accountability to ensure sustainable change.

The dialogue concluded with a consensus on the importance of inclusive reforms to strengthen democratic governance and national institutions.​

 

[Saif]

Failure to meet expectations will lead to political instability: Rizwana

Emphasising the importance of building a national consensus on reforms, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that public participation is crucial to achieving this goal

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Failure to meet expectations will lead to political instability: Rizwana

Emphasising the importance of building a national consensus on reforms, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that public participation is crucial to achieving this goal.

"If we fail to align with the people's expectations, we will constantly find ourselves in political discomfort and complications," she said.

She was speaking at the first session of the National Dialogue 2024, held under the theme "Unity, Reform, Elections" and titled "Which Path to Unity," at the Krishibid Institution Auditorium in Dhaka yesterday.

The adviser also said that achieving national consensus may require some compromises, and we must be prepared to make them.

She said that unity is essential in various areas, including communal harmony, political reform, and ensuring the inclusion of the younger generation's aspirations in governance.

The adviser remarked that agreement on reforms should not result in treating one another as adversaries. Decisions on what reforms are necessary, who will implement them, how they will be carried out, and within what timeframe must be made.

She stressed that backing down from reforms is not an option, as broad cooperation is needed to ensure public opinion is reflected in these changes. Failure to meet public expectations will lead to repeated political instability and complications.

Addressing the broader responsibility for change, she noted that it is not just the task of an interim government but a collective obligation. Merely drafting reforms on paper will not suffice; these changes must be practised to benefit the public.

Leadership changes alone are not enough without a shift in mindset. We must internalize that leadership is about responsibility, not power, and commit to fulfilling these responsibilities.

She also underscored the importance of public engagement in governance, noting that although the need for reform is widely acknowledged, the path forward remains challenging.

She warned that breaking away from entrenched political norms or eliminating inequalities will not happen overnight. Patience and persistence will be essential.

Rizwana said, "I remain optimistic and hopeful about the youth. Major changes are likely to come from them because they bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. However, change is a process that cannot be achieved solely through new laws. Training ourselves to sustain this process is vital, and both youth and experienced individuals have roles to play."

She concluded by expressing confidence in the government's initiatives and reform commissions, stating that public engagement would follow once commission reports are received.

The chief adviser has also proposed forming a commission to build consensus.

She added that effective reforms would benefit current and future political leaders by clarifying public expectations and ensuring responsive governance. Although the road to unity is challenging, the ultimate goal is to reflect the aspirations of the people.​

 

[Saif]

Those prioritising reforms over polls have evil intentions: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi yesterday alleged that those who prioritise reforms over elections and democracy have evil intentions

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Those prioritising reforms over polls have evil intentions: Rizvi

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. File photo

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi yesterday alleged that those who prioritise reforms over elections and democracy have evil intentions.

"You're separating politics, elections, and democracy while prioritising reforms. That's why it seems to us there's some evil intention behind it. It can't happen," he said at a reunion.

The 1988 SSC batch from across the country arranged the programme at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh.

The BNP leader said that both elections and reforms can go together. "If we talk about elections, the current interim government gets angry and upset. They say they will arrange the election after the reforms."

He said when the government only talks about reforms, it reminds the nation of the rule of Moyeenuddin-Fakhruddin. "They also talked about reforms. As a result, we got a dangerous monster who destroyed Bangladesh and all its democratic institutions over the last 15 years."

Rizvi said an attempt is underway to divide those who have been continuously struggling for democracy and make them opponents of each other. "The interim government, whether knowingly or unknowingly, is going to become an opponent," he said.

He said the interim government and those who advocate for reforms before the election are creating narratives by considering major political parties, who have carried out the struggle for democracy, as their opponents.

"Someone is telling us whether the movement occurred and so many sacrifices were made only for the election. But elections are an integral part of democracy. So, why are you excluding it? Reforms and elections should go together," he said.

Rizvi said the government will present reform proposals, and those who form the government through a free and fair election will implement them. "Instead of doing that, you're creating opponents. You're making elections the opponent of reforms."

The BNP leader said it seems the interim government wants to hold back the election and democracy under the pretext of reform. "Even the Chief Adviser is talking like this. The other advisers are saying, 'We'll reform because you (politicians) couldn't do anything over the last 53 years. Who are you (to do that)?"

Rizvi criticised those advocating for the introduction of a proportional representation system, saying that people will not accept it.

"Those who fear direct popular vote and direct competition, and those who want to fish in troubled water are bringing up this issue," he said.

The BNP leader said people of the country are worried as the fallen anti-democratic forces and their allies are conspiring in various ways, causing one untoward incident after another.

Rizvi spoke about the deadly fire that broke out at the Secretariat, destroying numerous files and documents. "Among them, the file of the most controversial, corrupt former cabinet secretary, who is under investigation, was also burned. It's mysterious. People all over the country are doubting this."

He said the fire incident occurred after the government sought some files related to people close to Sheikh Hasina. "So, this is not an isolated incident. People's doubts are natural."

Rizvi accused the government of failing to overhaul the administration by upholding the spirit of the mass revolution.

He said the DCs, SPs, OCs, and others who joined their offices wearing Mujib coats still remain in their positions. "Why should they help you? They'll try to undermine the interim government through various ploys."​

 

[Saif]

Saboteurs can never be patriotic: Religious adviser

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain today said those engaged in acts of sabotage cannot be considered patriots..“Since the interim government assumed office, it has faced a series of challenges, including efforts to obstruct its journey through conflicts and acts of sabotage,”

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Saboteurs can never be patriotic: Religious adviser

Photo: UNB

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain today said those engaged in acts of sabotage cannot be considered patriots.

"Since the interim government assumed office, it has faced a series of challenges, including efforts to obstruct its journey through conflicts and acts of sabotage," he said while speaking at a memorial event for the late Dr Jamal Nazrul Islam, held at the Jamiatul Ulum Madrasa ground in Chattogram's Lalkhan Bazar.

The adviser noted that nearly five months have passed since the government took charge and during this time, incidents of sabotage have occurred almost every month, including blockades around the Secretariat, incitement of communal tensions and attempts to provoke conflict between hill communities and Bengalis.

He said that even arson was reported at the Secretariat, the nerve center of the administration.

Issuing a stern warning, he emphasised that saboteurs will face no leniency. "A high-profile investigation committee has already been formed to probe the arson at the Secretariat. Strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty," he said.

Recalling the contributions of Dr Jamal Nazrul Islam, the adviser described him as a humble, virtuous, and straightforward individual who was deeply devoted to the madrasa.

"He donated 30 acres of land to establish Jamiatul Ulum Lalkhan Bazar Madrasa, a contribution that will be remembered forever," he said.

Highlighting Jamal Nazrul Islam's patriotism, he noted that the late scholar left a high-paying job at Cambridge University to return to Bangladesh, accepting a modest salary as a mathematics professor at Chattogram University.

The event was presided over by Mufti Muhammad Izharul Islam Chowdhury, founder and director-general of Jamiatul Ulum Madrasa while Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain inaugurated the program.

Special guests included Syed Reza Mir Mohammadi, cultural counselor at the Iranian Embassy and Dr Mohammad Yahia Akhtar, vice-chancellor of Chattogram University.​

 

[Saif]

Massive reform, unity stressed for fair polls

Speakers at a dialogue on Saturday stressed national unity among the political parties and organising of fair elections after bringing about massive reforms upholding the spirit of the War of Independence and student-mass uprising.

www.newagebd.net

Massive reform, unity stressed for fair polls
Staff Correspondent 29 December, 2024, 00:49

Forum for Bangladesh Studies holds a national dialogue titled Responsibility for Reform and Election Roadmap at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday. | New Age photo

Speakers at a dialogue on Saturday stressed national unity among the political parties and organising of fair elections after bringing about massive reforms upholding the spirit of the War of Independence and student-mass uprising.

Some of them, however, gave opinions for laying only the base of the reforms before the elections, leaving the rest of the reforms to be completed by the elected political government.

Their remarks came at a national dialogue on ‘Responsibility for reforms and election roadmap’ hosted by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka city.

Adviser to the Ministry of Shipping retired brigadier general M Sakhawat Hossain said that if the state could not be reformed now, it would never happen.

‘We tried once in 2007. We carried out some tasks. But the tasks were not completed because of the ruling political parties. If we cannot do it now it will be an injustice to those who gave their blood in the July uprising. I am not saying that we will stay in power for four or five years. Reforms are possible within a year,’ he said.

Commenting on encouraging young people to form political parties, he said, ‘It is not right to discourage them. We think new blood is needed.’

Sakhawat urged political parties to be patient, saying ‘we have to face difficult situations.’

Calling on the political parties, he said, ‘We want our country to be stable. We are facing challenges. You, they (the future rulers), will also face big challenges.’

‘A big, very big challenge awaits us. It is not just internal; the biggest challenge will come from outside the country. Our new neighbour is being created. It is not normal; it is a different neighbour. Arakan is now a new reality. Now we have to think about the matter.’

Sakhawat said that there must be a bicameral parliamentary system to ensure representations of varied communities living in the country.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said, ‘Many said in this dialogue that a crack has been created in the unity that was formed among the political parties to topple the Awami League regime, but I believe it is not right.’

‘We have differences of opinion on various issues. This is necessary for a democracy to work in sound health,’ he added.

‘Now is the time for cooperation. No political party or social organisation can do everything alone,’ he said.

Gono Forum co-chairman Subrata Chowdhury warned against a serious danger situation might surface if the canvas of reforms was widened. He urged for an election after minimum reforms.

New Age editor Nurul Kabir said that the student-led mass uprising had an aspiration for reform, and there was also a historical responsibility for democratic reforms in the constitution.

He suggested changing the name of Bangladesh to Jonogonotantrik Bangladesh instead of Gonoprojatontri Bangladesh in the constitution.

The editor also stressed reforms in the education sector to build a uniform education system for all.

He also suggested the recognition of basic necessities of food, clothing, education, shelter, and medical care as fundamental rights in the constitution and formulation of a legal mechanism to hold the state accountable if it failed to ensure those rights.

Suggesting the abolition of state religion, he said making Islam the state religion did neither help Islam nor the state.

He further said that most of the population is Muslim and Bangalee who were in both ways the first majority and so the country does not need to award them any special constitutional protections.

The non-Bengali and non-Muslim communities of the country, however, needed special protection in the constitution, he further argued.

Dhaka University professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said that the greatest change would happen in 2025. Change would come from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, but there was no leader who could lead in the current situation in the Bay of Bengal region.

‘We may have new neighbour. New states may emerge. Therefore, a situation should be created where Bangladesh will lead internationally and geopolitically in South Asia,’ he said.

Rashed also said that the reforms and elections should not be seen as opposites, but should move towards minimum unity to hold the elections.

Ganosamhati Andolan executive coordinator Abul Hasan Rubel said that a new political settlement was imperative for democratic transition. He suggested changes in the constitution through forming a constituent assembly.

Gazi Ataur Rahman, a leader of Islami Andolan Bangladesh suggested organising a bicameral legislature and a proportional representation system for national elections for an effective parliament.

He also stressed minimum reforms to hold elections.

Sarwar Tushar, a leader of Jatiya Nagorik Committee, proposed formation of a constituent assembly for formulating a fresh constitution.

‘A legal framework must be created to change the constitution and a constituent assembly must be formed to write the constitution anew,’ he said.

The constituent assembly could later become the legislative assembly or the national parliament, and if necessary, a referendum could be held, he added.

Opposing Tuesher’s proposal, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal research cell Habibur Rahman said that such a constituent assembly would lack people’s participation.​

 

[Saif]

Reforms will never be done if not now, says Advisor Sakhawat

The time for crucial state reforms is now, as failing to implement them at this moment will make them impossible in the future, Labour and Employment Advisor Sakhawat Hussain has said. Speaking at a national dialogue on "Unity, Reform, and Elections" organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies,

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Reforms will never be done if not now, says Advisor Sakhawat
Published :
Dec 28, 2024 22:13
Updated :
Dec 28, 2024 22:13

The time for crucial state reforms is now, as failing to implement them at this moment will make them impossible in the future, Labour and Employment Advisor Sakhawat Hussain has said.

Speaking at a national dialogue on "Unity, Reform, and Elections" organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies, or FBS, at the Krishibid Institution of Bangladesh in Dhaka’s Farmgate on Saturday, he explained the current political situation as a unique moment for reforms.

Sakhawat said, "The youth of Bangladesh, over 2,000 of them have sacrificed their lives in the streets, and more than 2,000 remain in hospitals.”

“At the [Combined Military Hospital], there are between 36 and 37 critically injured, and a few more martyrs are being added daily."

He continued, "In the early 21st century, such a large revolution has surely never happened in the subcontinent, and I don’t think anything of this scale has occurred anywhere else in the world.

“This context is why we are now discussing reforms and elections.”

The advisor recalled the reforms attempted in 2007, saying: "We made some progress back then, but they were undone due to the political parties in power.”

“I am not suggesting we should stay for five or six years; reforms can be made at any time. It might take a year, and then elections can follow.

“What is necessary now is a mutual understanding between the political parties."

The former election commissioner also emphasised the need for electoral system reforms, reports bdnews24.com.

“There have been many discussions about the election process. We have also talked about it extensively.”

“My view is that it should be based on a mix of partial proportional representation and majority system. Both seem logical to me."

Sakhawat also stressed the importance of introducing a bicameral parliament in Bangladesh.

"A bicameral system is essential for the country. If it is established, I believe it will bring in diverse people who can create a guideline.”

“This might eliminate the need for a caretaker government before elections."

He also remarked that the "Political Party Act" is crucial. "Without the law, the duties and responsibilities of political parties remain unclear.”

The advisor pointed out the issues with political involvement, saying: "Currently, we see people from the military or civil services, after retirement, seeking to become MPs, while businesspeople with no background in politics enter the field just by spending large sums of money for nominations.

“This practice, known as nomination trade, must be stopped."

Sakhawat said there was a three-year moratorium to stop this practice, but it has now been lifted.

"It was proposed that an individual must be a primary member of a political party for at least three years, and this should be verified to ensure that they have spent that time within the political party," he added.​

 

[Bilal9]

Don't worry about reforms, we will implement them: BNP's Amir Khosru

BNP leader Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stressed the need for political unity to support the interim government in ensuring a democratic transition of power. There is no need for others to worry about state reforms as the BNP is committed to implementing them, he said at the seventh national confer

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Don't worry about reforms, we will implement them: BNP's Amir Khosru
Published :
Nov 30, 2024 13:43
Updated :
Nov 30, 2024 13:43

View attachment 11220

BNP leader Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stressed the need for political unity to support the interim government in ensuring a democratic transition of power.

There is no need for others to worry about state reforms as the BNP is committed to implementing them, he said at the seventh national conference of Gono Forum at the Engineers Institution Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday.

The BNP leader accused those aligned with authoritarian powers of trying to destabilise the country through various means, reports bdnews24.com.

"Once authoritarian forces seize power by stripping the people of their autonomy and voting rights, they take away other rights as well," he said.

He referred to a string of recent events, including the Ansar revolts, incidents involving minorities, and unrest linked to autorickshaw drivers, that he alleged were aimed at creating instability.

"These activities are attempts to disrupt stability. Today, as we dream of building a new Bangladesh, political parties and the united populace must share a singular vision for the nation's future," Khosru added.

"We have removed the autocratic forces, but to fulfil the people’s expectations and aspirations, we must return to democratic norms collectively."

Khosru also addressed recent events that have stoked communal tensions, saying: "Incidents in the name of religion need to be analysed deeply. While I won’t claim communal issues don’t exist in Bangladesh, efforts to exaggerate and create instability must be thwarted. The destructive reactions seen abroad, such as attacks on Bangladesh's consulate in Kolkata, do not reflect the sentiments of the Bangladeshi people."

"We must ensure that external influences do not hinder our aspirations to build the Bangladesh of tomorrow. The only path forward is a peaceful, democratic process for transferring power, and everyone must unite behind this mission."

Khosru outlined his party's goal of restoring the people's democratic rights through elections.

"We presented a 31-point reform plan a year ago, which encompasses our vision for Bangladesh. It is this agenda that we pledge to implement as a national government after the elections."

"There’s no need to worry about reforms. We agree to make the necessary electoral and governance reforms based on a consensus of national unity. These changes can be implemented swiftly, ensuring power is returned to the people through elections."

Emphasising reforms to fulfil national aspirations, he added: "The upcoming national government will implement the 31-point agenda. This is a promise to the nation, and we are fully committed to realising it."​

Khosru Shaheb is the epitome of confidence.

The students however may not relinquish control before the "reforms" - as they see it.

 

[Saif]

Khosru Shaheb is the epitome of confidence.

The students however may not relinquish control before the "reforms" - as they see it.

Your Khosru Shaheb was responsible for antagonizing China by making attempts to establish diplomatic relation with Taiwan. People in the know say that he took $1 million as a bribe from Taiwan for the job. Khaleda Zia sacked him from Commerce Ministry to calm the situation.

 

[Saif]

Six reform commissions get extended deadlines

The interim government extended the tenure of six reform commissions tasked with submitting reform proposals on Bangladesh constitution, police, judiciary, Election Commission, public administration and Anti-Corruption Commission.

www.newagebd.net

Six reform commissions get extended deadlines
Staff Correspondent 03 January, 2025, 15:15

Representational image | UNB Photo

The interim government extended the tenure of six reform commissions tasked with submitting reform proposals on Bangladesh constitution, police, judiciary, Election Commission, public administration and Anti-Corruption Commission.

A Cabinet Division notice issued on Thursday said that the proposal submission deadline of the public administration reform commission, police reform commission, electoral reform commission, constitution reform commission, and ACC reform commission was extended until January 15.

The judiciary reform commission’s deadline, however, was extended until January 31, said Mahmudul Hussain Khan, secretary (coordination and reforms) at the Cabinet Division.

After the fall of Sheikh Hasina-led regime on August 5 last year, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government on October 3 formed five reform commissions on public administration, judiciary, police, election commission, and Anti-Corruption Commission. The Constitution Reform Commission was formed on October 7.

The first five reform commissions and the constitution reform commission were asked to submit their reform proposals to the chief adviser by December 31 and January 7 respectively.

Although the commissions’ chiefs earlier told New Age that they wanted to stick to the deadlines, none of them submitted their reports in due time.

‘The extensions aim to provide the necessary time for the commissions to complete their tasks and submit their final reform proposals,’ said Mahmudul.

Earlier, despite setting for submitting reports, none of the six reform commissions—on the constitution, election, judiciary, anti-corruption commission, police and public administration—had submitted their reports on Tuesday.

On that day, the cabinet division said that the commissions had extended their deadlines.​

 

[Bilal9]

Your Khosru Shaheb was responsible for antagonizing China by making attempts to establish diplomatic relation with Taiwan. People in the know say that he took $1 million as a bribe from Taiwan for the job. Khaleda Zia sacked him from Commerce Ministry to calm the situation.

My comment about Khosru shaheb was made in sarcasm.

Low-level underclass sowdagar.

 

[Saif]

Before preaching democracy, political parties must lead by example

Their lack of internal democracy casts doubt on the future of state reform drive

www.thedailystar.net

Before preaching democracy, political parties must lead by example
Their lack of internal democracy casts doubt on the future of state reform drive

VISUAL: STAR

As it is becoming increasingly clear, it is not enough to just plan state reforms and get some of them executed before the next election. To ensure the momentum is not lost post-election, political parties that will eventually take the reins of reform implementation must credibly demonstrate that they can deliver the reforms as promised. However, there remains a huge trust deficit in this regard, thanks in part to our experience with the reform drive under the last caretaker government that fizzled out soon after the 2008 election, when Awami League came to power. One way to prevent a repeat of that scenario is to ensure internal reforms within our political parties.

The argument is simple: if political parties cannot exercise democracy within their internal activities and decisions, how can they uphold democracy at the national level? A party that is run on the principles of accountability and transparency and in line with its own constitution is more likely to stick with the state reform agenda. Without these qualities, political parties, once elected to power, risk falling back into the same patterns of patronage, corruption, and authoritarian tendencies that have plagued Bangladesh for so long.

Sadly, as a report by this daily once again reminds us, most parties still function as highly centralised entities, with little regard for internal accountability or democratic practices. Our analysis of 25 parties reveals that party constitutions promising regular leadership elections and grassroots-driven MP nomination processes are routinely set aside. Party leaders also hold on to power for years, even decades, only to relinquish control in the event of ill health, legal troubles, or death.

For example, Awami League's Sheikh Hasina has been unopposed as party president for 43 years, while BNP's Khaleda Zia has held her position for 40 years. Although almost all party constitutions stipulate a council, every three or four years, to elect their office bearers, in reality, councils are rarely held and have rather morphed into mere formalities, rubber-stamping decisions made by party heads. Also, despite some parties introducing term limits or other reforms, such provisions are seldom enforced. The reliance on dynastic politics further entrenches these issues.

These practices have hollowed out the democratic essence of our political parties. Accountability for crimes or any breach of code of conduct by party members is another casualty under such circumstances. Since the political changeover on August 5, we have seen many instances where unruly members and supporters of some parties, notably BNP, have filled the void left by their fallen Awami League counterparts in various sectors, thus continuing corrupt practices of the past. It is precisely because of this trend that many have doubts about the continuity of the reform drive under a political government, which is unfortunate considering the huge sacrifices that went into bringing us this historic opportunity for change.

We urge political parties to critically review their internal practices and take corrective steps so that citizens can be confident of their ability and sincerity to sustain the reform drive post-election. They must honour their own constitutions, and regularly hold and enable their councils to become genuine platforms for electing leaders and shaping policies. They must lead the change that they want to see in the state.​