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

[Saif]

Reform dialogue must deliver consensus

Talks with political parties scheduled in mid-February

www.thedailystar.net

Reform dialogue must deliver consensus
Talks with political parties scheduled in mid-February

VISUAL: STAR

It's reassuring to know that the interim government is moving ahead as per the timeline set for the reform drive, with talks with political parties slated to begin in mid-February. According to Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, the date of the first meeting will be fixed in consultation with the parties and stakeholders of the July uprising. Six reform commissions have already submitted their reports, while the remaining ones are expected to submit theirs by this month. Dialogue on their recommendations forms the second—and perhaps most crucial—phase of the drive, as it will determine not just the reforms that can eventually be pursued but also the consensus necessary for their continuation post-elections.

A timely and proper completion of this process has grown in significance of late. This is partly due to the unfortunate debate that has surfaced around "elections versus reforms"—exposing growing distrust between political parties like the BNP and student movement leaders—and partly due to continued public suffering caused by the suspended stage in which the nation finds itself, pending reforms in key sectors. Expediting consensus-building on the reform proposals is, therefore, paramount. However, this will be anything but easy, as evidenced by recent comments and gestures by key stakeholders.

The fact is, while the next election is crucial for restoring people's right to vote, it is the elections after that which will be the true test of the durability of the current reform process. After all, so many people did not die in the uprising just for a temporary democratic transition. As well as free elections, it is equally important that all other impending state reforms are faithfully implemented in the long run. For that, consensus is vital.

The BNP, for example, has announced a plan to launch "a movement" aimed at "correcting some government mistakes" and "clearing the way" for an elected political government. Earlier, its secretary general suggested that if the interim government loses its neutrality in conducting elections, it should be replaced by a "neutral government"—a comment that drew fierce reactions from student representatives in the government. Such confrontational exchanges weaken the government's position as a mediator in the reform drive. They also raise questions about whether the stakeholders can see eye to eye on the more radical reform proposals surrounding the constitution, electoral structure, judiciary, and public administration.

This is where Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, also head of the National Consensus Commission, must play a critical role. At the heart of the reform discussions will be the challenge of reconciling differing priorities. He and other commission members must therefore show extreme foresight and patience to navigate the political minefield and convince stakeholders to move beyond entrenched positions. They must also ensure that the process does not lose legitimacy or stall under pressure, which would result in further political instability, setting back both the reform agenda and the prospect of a smooth democratic transition. Given the stakes, the participating parties must also approach the upcoming dialogue with a spirit of compromise.

The fact is, while the next election is crucial for restoring people's right to vote, it is the elections after that which will be the true test of the durability of the current reform process. After all, so many people did not die in the uprising just for a temporary democratic transition. As well as free elections, it is equally important that all other impending state reforms are faithfully implemented in the long run. For that, consensus is vital, so all stakeholders must put their differences aside and engage in the dialogue with sincerity.​

 

[Saif]

Lack of unity poses a significant challenge to govt’s reform efforts: Nahid

Despite the obstacles, Nahid Islam expressed confidence that with continued dialogue, cooperation, and political goodwill, the six-month-old government that came to power on 8 August last year through a mass uprising, could achieve the change the nation so desperately sought.

en.prothomalo.com

Lack of unity poses a significant challenge to govt’s reform efforts: Nahid
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 07 Feb 2025, 21: 50

Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md. Nahid IslamFile photo

Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md. Nahid Islam Friday reaffirmed the interim government’s firm commitment to fulfilling people’s aspirations despite facing multifaceted challenges, including economic struggles and an ever-evolving political environment.

“Along with its continuous efforts to maintain stability, foster unity, and addressing the pressing concerns, the government remains committed to realise people’s aspirations emerged through the mass uprising amid political situation and an ever evolving national landscape,” he told BSS in an exclusive interview on completion of six months of the interim government.

Nahid, who played a leading role as an Anti-Discrimination Students Movement leader during the July-August uprising, said, “We are steadfast in overcoming political challenges and shaping a future that reflects the will of the people of the country.”

The government’s journey in the last six months has been through multi-dimensional experiences including encountering internal and external conspiracies, managing more than 100 movements, facing continuous political pressure along with economic hardship and broken state structure, said the adviser.

Despite the obstacles, Nahid Islam expressed confidence that with continued dialogue, cooperation, and political goodwill, the six-month-old government that came to power on 8 August last year through a mass uprising, could achieve the change the nation so desperately sought.

“The road ahead will not be so smooth, but with the right support, the interim government hopes to lay the foundation for a more stable and prosperous future for the country,” added Nahid, who is also entrusted with the portfolios of post and telecommunication and ICT ministry as its adviser.

Nahid said a major area of public concern has been the government’s handling of economic issues like rising prices of essentials, improving law and order situation and ensuring trial of murderers as the country people have placed enormous expectations on the government that came to power through a mass uprising.

He admitted that the government has faced significant economic challenges saying, “When we took over the administration was in disarray. The bureaucracy and law enforcement agencies were in a state of chaos, and we had to rebuild those from there. It was not an easy task.”

“The previous administration’s practices, particularly the widespread extortion and corruption, had created long-standing problems that would not disappear overnight,” said Nahid.

On political matters, Nahid talked about the divisions that have emerged within the forces of the mass uprising.

“Although the uprising brought together diverse groups, united with a desire for reform, many had begun to pursue their self interests rather than the national good,” he said.

Expressing frustration, he said this fragmentation had hindered progress on critical issues, particularly in terms of political unity. “The unity that once existed has been diluted,” he said, acknowledging that this lack of cohesion posed a significant challenge to the government’s reform efforts.

However, Nahid remains hopeful that these divisions are not insurmountable. “I do not believe unity has been entirely lost. We are continuing to engage in discussions to resolve disagreements and avoid returning to the divisive practices of the past.”

The adviser said the true test of the government’s ability to foster unity would come through its success in implementing meaningful reforms.

“The biggest challenge for us is how unified we can be on the issue of reform. The coming months will show how much progress we can make,” he added.

Nahid emphasised that political goodwill is crucial for bringing any meaningful change, and expressed hope that both political parties and the people would work together to eliminate the systemic issues.

“There are elements within the political sphere, who are still involved in extortion, and some of the individuals who participated in the uprising are now engaged in such activities,” he said, adding, “Without cooperation, it will be difficult to meet the expectations of the people,” he added.

The issue of reform versus elections has also been a contentious subject. The BNP is calling for early elections, Nahid said, adding that the government does not view reform and elections as mutually exclusive but rather as complementary objectives.

“The reform commissions are working to bring necessary changes to the electoral and governance systems. These reforms must be implemented before elections...otherwise, the mistakes of the past will be repeated,” he said.

Commenting on media freedom, Islam categorically said that the government has not interfered with the media’s right to freely criticise its policies. “So far, no pressure has been given on the media for criticising the government,” Nahid said.

However, he pointed out that when the government supports the concept of free media, it has asked the press to be mindful when reporting on sensitive issues like banned student organisations and individuals involved in criminal activities.

Islam acknowledged that some media outlets had become targets of social pressure and protests, but he stressed that law enforcement agencies and the government had intervened to ensure their safety.

Despite these challenges, Nahid emphasised the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a free and open media environment.

“The government encourages constructive criticism and has already implemented changes based on media feedback. We welcome logical criticism, and we will continue to make adjustments to our policies,” he said.

He also said that the role of the media has sometimes been compromised by political alignments in the past, with some outlets failing to maintain objectivity. Islam urged journalists to clarify the pressures they have faced, which, in his view, would help rebuild trust among the people.​