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

[Saif]

Information commission needs independence

As Bangladesh faces escalating demands for greater accountability in governance, the prolonged dysfunctioning of its information commission signals a troubling disregard for the nation's commitment to transparency. Six months after the 2024 political changeover, the commission remains non-functiona

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Information commission needs independence
FE
Published :
Mar 08, 2025 22:59
Updated :
Mar 08, 2025 22:59

As Bangladesh faces escalating demands for greater accountability in governance, the prolonged dysfunctioning of its information commission signals a troubling disregard for the nation's commitment to transparency. Six months after the 2024 political changeover, the commission remains non-functional, its leadership positions vacant despite discussions with the interim government. This alarming development, brought to light by the Information Rights Forum (IRF) recently at a press conference, highlights a significant lapse in governance. The IRF has justifiably called for the information commission to be established as an independent constitutional body-a move that would enhance its autonomy and safeguard it from political interference. Without such independence, the commission risks repeating past failures, such as the appointment of politically aligned leaders, which eroded public trust.

The IRF has proposed several amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Act to enhance its effectiveness. These include expanding the Act's scope to cover private organisations operating with government licences or contracts, revising information delivery timelines, designating union-level offices as information-providing units, and increasing penalties for non-compliance. These proposals have merit. Not only would they strengthen the RTI framework, but they would also transform it from a mere legal right into a practical tool for citizens. During the previous autocratic regime, the commission-despite being the primary regulatory body for enforcing the RTI Act-was compromised by political allegiances within its leadership. Positions meant for impartial oversight were instead filled through political appointments, undermining its credibility and preventing it from functioning as a truly independent watchdog. As a result, the commission remained vulnerable to political interference, and its lack of autonomy routinely sidelined citizens' right to information when it mattered most.

For the RTI Act to serve its intended purpose, it must be fully implemented without obstruction. The current state of affairs, characterized by prolonged inactivity and apparent government indifference, is unacceptable. The government must recognise the information commission's crucial role in fostering transparency and accountability -- both essential pillars of a healthy democracy. It should prioritise granting the information commission constitutional status to guarantee its operational and financial independence. The proposed amendments to the RTI Act, as presented by the IRF, provide a clear roadmap for strengthening the commission and ensuring its effectiveness. The government should engage in constructive dialogue with the IRF and other stakeholders to expedite the amendment process and address any concerns. The appointment of commissioners must be conducted with utmost transparency, impartiality and urgency, ensuring that individuals of high integrity and competence are selected. Additionally, the government should allocate sufficient resources to the commission, enabling it to perform its duties effectively. Establishing clear operational rules and procedures for the commission and clear performance metrics for commissioners, particularly regarding information disclosure and appeals, is also crucial.

A functional information commission is the bedrock of participatory democracy that enables citizens to hold power to account. The interim government, tasked with implementing critical reforms to pave the way for future democratic processes, cannot remain passive while a cornerstone of transparency crumbles. A democracy thrives when its citizens are well-informed, and ensuring an efficient, independent information commission is vital for building an open and accountable governance system. The time to act is now, to ensure that the Right to Information Act becomes a powerful instrument for promoting good governance and empowering citizens.​

 

[Saif]

Guterres expresses solidarity with Bangladesh’s reform, transition

Visiting United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) Antonio Guterres has expressed his solidarity with Bangladesh’s reform and transition process.

en.prothomalo.com

Guterres expresses solidarity with Bangladesh’s reform, transition
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 14 Mar 2025, 17: 28

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain called on him at Hotel InterContinental on 14 March, 2025. BSS

Visiting United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) Antonio Guterres has expressed his solidarity with Bangladesh’s reform and transition process.

The UNSG made the remarks when Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain called on him at Hotel InterContinental in the morning on Friday.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General and the Foreign Adviser discussed Bangladesh’s ongoing transition and reform efforts, according to a readout issued by UN after the meeting.

“The Secretary-General expressed his solidarity with Bangladesh’s reform and transition process,” said the readout.

The UN Chief expressed appreciation for the close cooperation between the United Nations and Bangladesh as well as for Bangladesh’s generosity towards Rohingyas.

The Secretary-General also thanked Bangladesh for its strong commitment to UN peacekeeping.

After the foreign adviser, High Representative of Chief Advisor on Rohingya Issue and Priority Matters Dr Khalilur Rahman also called on the UN secretary general at the same venue and discussed the issues related to the Rohingya crisis.

“The Secretary-General and the High Representative discussed the situation in Rakhine state and the upcoming High-Level Conference on Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar,” said the UN readout.

Later, the UN Secretary General met with Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus at the Chief Adviser’s Office.

Antonio Guterres arrived in Bangladesh yesterday on a 4-day visit at the invitation of the Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

During the visit the UNSG will visit the Rohingya camp together with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus later today and join an iftar with one lakh Rohinbgyas there.

The UN Secretary-General is expected to "issue a call" to the international community to step up their humanitarian assistance for distressed Rohingyas.​

 

[Saif]

Govt fostering consensus on sustainable reforms in labour sector: Sakhawat

Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain highlighted this commitment during the 353rd Governing Body Session of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) held yesterday

www.thedailystar.net

Govt fostering consensus on sustainable reforms in labour sector: Sakhawat

The interim government is fostering national consensus on sustainable reforms in all sectors, including labour, through active stakeholder participation.

Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain highlighted this commitment during the 353rd Governing Body Session of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) held yesterday.

Sakhawat, accompanied by chief adviser's envoy for international affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, presented a progress report on Bangladesh's labour reforms amid existing complaints lodged against the nation.

In his speech, Sakhawat noted that the government has dismissed most politically motivated cases against trade union leaders and workers while ensuring genuine worker and employer representation in democratic tri-partite committees.

He also highlighted consensus on simplifying documentation for trade union registration, reducing mandatory meeting requirements, and allowing up to five unions within a single establishment.

Representatives from developing nations across Asia and Africa lauded Bangladesh's efforts in advancing workers' rights and fostering decent working environments.

Development partners welcomed the government's initiatives and pledged continued support.

The session concluded with a decision to defer the next discussion on the case from November 2025 to March 2026, reflecting positive steps taken by Bangladesh.

In his closing remarks, Sakhawat urged global stakeholders to support the swift resolution of the ongoing case against Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

Reform process facing internal, external resistance

Both internal and external forces are attempting to obstruct the reform process, National Consensus Commission (NCC) Vice-President Prof Ali Riaz said yesterday.

www.thedailystar.net

Reform process facing internal, external resistance
Prof Ali Riaz tells roundtable discussion

Both internal and external forces are attempting to obstruct the reform process, National Consensus Commission (NCC) Vice-President Prof Ali Riaz said yesterday.

He described the reform process as the first major opportunity since the 1971 Liberation War to transform the state into an accountable institution.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion titled "Political Consensus and Citizens' Thinking in State Reform" at the capital's CIRDAP auditorium yesterday, he emphasised the need for public participation in the process. The event was organised by Shujan—Citizens for Good Governance.

"Moving forward is impossible without the participation, pressure, and inclusion of citizens," he said. "While political parties represent a large segment of people, they do not represent everyone. Citizens' opinions will be incorporated in parallel with discussions with parties."

Prof Riaz said that Bangladesh's institutions had been severely weakened over the past 16 years due to one-person-centric rule.

"The judiciary has been practically destroyed, and other institutions have been deliberately dismantled. Without establishing an accountable state system, including electoral reforms, the situation will remain unchanged," he said.

While political parties represent a large segment of people, they do not represent everyone. Citizens' opinions will be incorporated in parallel with discussions with parties.— Prof Ali Riaz Vice President, National Consensus Commission

He warned that the current structural system would be unable to prevent future autocratic rule.

Addressing queries about constitutional amendments, he defended the proposal to replace secularism with pluralism while retaining the term "state religion".

"Secularism has become the principle of a single political party, which the people have already rejected," he said. "Pluralism is a broader concept that includes all religions and castes under one umbrella."

He acknowledged that the provision for a state religion clause remained a divisive issue. "Multiple governments have upheld this provision since its inclusion. There is a political reality behind it," he said.

Over 40 percent of 190 countries globally have similar provisions, he added.

Shujan Secretary and NCC member Badiul Alam Majumdar outlined the interim government's three key responsibilities: preventing the return of autocracy, prosecuting crimes against humanity, and transferring power to elected political parties.

"These tasks can proceed simultaneously. Some reforms must be implemented before elections, while others can follow. The Election Commission must be independent and accountable, and a neutral government is essential during elections," he said.

Another NCC member Justice Emdadul Haque reiterated that judicial reform was a critical issue, noting that commissions had already submitted reports.

"Reforms are an ongoing process that will be enriched further by citizens' opinions," he said.

Former Jahangirnagar University Professor Dilara Chowdhury stressed that over 90 percent of people support state reforms, and political parties are aligning with this demand.

"Though parties have their flaws, a country cannot function without them. Reforms must begin within the parties themselves, and necessary changes should be implemented before elections," she said.

Journalist Abu Saeed Khan argued against removing secularism while retaining "state religion", calling the proposal illogical.

"Secularism was not just an Awami League concern; it was a collective movement," he said. He also warned that the constitution should be amended, not rewritten, as the 1972 version was created through national consensus.

Dilip Kumar Sarker, central coordinator of Shujan, presented the keynote paper.

"Following the people's uprising, there is hope that authoritarian or fascist rule will not return and that democracy will be institutionalised," he said. "The ultimate goal is a society based on equality, human dignity, and justice. To achieve this, state reform and a change in political culture are essential."​