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

[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

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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.

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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."​

 

[Saif]

Media commission suggests merging BSS, BTV, Bangladesh Betar

As part of this integration, the commission suggested incorporating BSS as the news division of the new entity, which would consist of three main divisions -- Television, Radio, and News

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Media commission suggests merging BSS, BTV, Bangladesh Betar

The Media Reform Commission has recommended merging Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar, and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) into a single entity, which could be named "Bangladesh Broadcasting Corporation" or "National Broadcasting Corporation."

As part of this integration, the commission suggested incorporating BSS as the news division of the new entity, which would consist of three main divisions -- Television, Radio, and News.

The commission head Kamal Ahmed and other members submitted its report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at state guest house Jamuna today.

Later, at a press briefing in front of Jamuna, Kamal Ahmed presented a summary of the report.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and other commission members were present, and journalists were also provided with copies of the report summary.

Currently, BTV, Bangladesh Betar, and BSS operate as separate entities. The commission noted that combining television and radio into a single organisation would allow for optimal use of resources, expertise, and creativity. Similar models exist in international broadcasters like BBC and Deutsche Welle.

The commission emphasised that this integration would be particularly effective for news and current affairs programming. It pointed out that separating audio from video formats is not a complex task, and many radio programmes are now streamed as video content on social media.

Bangladesh Betar already does this regularly through its Dhaka and regional centres. Given this reality, formalising institutional collaboration between BTV and Bangladesh Betar has become essential.

According to the commission, the newsrooms of BTV and Bangladesh Betar lack professionalism and primarily function as platforms for government bulletins, state ceremonies, and development news.

News divisions in these outlets are typically run by government information officers, and reporters who are recruited have no opportunity to work independently.

On the other hand, despite its shortcomings and inefficiencies, BSS operates a professional newsroom.

However, due to government control and political interference, BSS has failed to become a fully independent and a model news agency.

The First Press Commission had previously suggested that a state-owned news agency should not exist, as many countries around the world do not have one.

In this context, the commission believes that instead of keeping BSS as a separate entity, it should be integrated as the "News Division" of the new unified broadcasting organisation. The news produced by this central newsroom would be broadcast on both BTV and Bangladesh Betar.

The proposed organisation would have three main divisions -- Television, Radio, and News -- under the Bangladesh Broadcasting Corporation or National Broadcasting Corporation.

The News Division would continue providing services to its existing clients. Each division would be led by a director, while the unified broadcasting entity would be headed by a director general.

Additionally, the Media Reform Commission has proposed replacing both the Bangladesh Press Council and the planned Broadcast Commission with a single regulatory body -- Bangladesh Media Commission. The commission has also drafted a legal framework for establishing this new media oversight body.​

 

[Saif]

Media commission recommends 'one media, one house'

No single company, group, individual, family, or entrepreneur should own multiple media outlets, it said

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Media commission recommends 'one media, one house'

Photo: CA press wing

The Media Reform Commission has recommended that no single company, group, individual, family, or entrepreneur should own multiple media outlets.

The commission recommended a bar on cross-ownership (owner of a TV station may not be allowed to own a newspaper) and ownership of multiple outlets of the same nature (same owner of more than one news outlets in the same platform in the same language) to safeguard the commercial viability of the sector, which it terms 'one media, one house'.

In its report, the commission proposed a series of reforms under 21 key points and sub-clauses.

The commission's chairman, Kamal Ahmed, along with other members, submitted the report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna today.

The commission has also recommended bringing media outlets under the capital market.

As part of this, it suggested setting a deadline for medium and large media companies to go public by offering shares and getting listed on the stock exchange.

Among other recommendations, the commission stated that no journalist should be hired—whether on a temporary, permanent, or contractual basis—without an appointment letter, a photo ID, and a salary.

It also proposed that the probation period should not exceed one year.

Additionally, the commission recommended that the starting basic salary for permanently employed journalists should be equivalent to that of a first-class government gazetted officer.​

 

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Reform may result in weak govt system, says BNP

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday alleged that the reform proposals of the National Consensus Commission appeared to be an unreasonable attempt to appoint unelected persons to state positions in the future.

www.newagebd.net

Reform may result in weak govt system, says BNP
Staff Correspondent 22 March, 2025, 16:14

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addresses a press conference at the BNP chairperson’s office in the capital’s Gulshan area on Saturday. | UNB Photo.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday alleged that the reform proposals of the National Consensus Commission appeared to be an unreasonable attempt to appoint unelected persons to state positions in the future.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the allegation at an emergency press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office in the capital.

‘The democratic character of the state and the people’s ownership are reflected in the elected parliament. However, a review of the constitutional and electoral reform commission’s recommendations revealed that politicians are incompetent,’ he said.

Fakhrul said that the recommendations proposed new commissions, including a Constitutional Commission.

‘The description of the jurisdiction and activities of these commissions give ample reasons to believe that the aim is to undermine and disempower the legislative and executive branches as much as possible and it will result in a weak and almost ineffective government system,’ he said.

The BNP leader said that it was desirable that various reforms and constitutional amendments would be made with importance given to the democratic traditions, culture, and religious sentiments of the people.

Fakhrul said that there were similarities between the issues mentioned in the spreadsheet of the National Consensus Commission and the statements made by its members at different times, as well as those from certain political parties.

‘Theses may raise questions in the public’s mind about whether all the issues are part of a pre-determined action plan and whether they would truly serve the interests of democracy,’ he said.

Although highly important issues like the ‘preamble’ of the constitution were included in the reform commission’s recommendations, it was not mentioned in the spreadsheet, he said.

Though the spreadsheet listed about 70 proposals, the main report contained approximately 123 recommendations, he said.

He said that, similarly, although the main report of the Electoral Reform Commission had included around 150 recommendations, the spreadsheet had mentioned only 27 issues, most of which were related to constitutional reform.

‘Therefore, we believe that attaching our views on the main recommendations to the spreadsheet will avoid confusion,’ Fakhrul said.

BNP will submit its response and observations on the reform proposals to the NCC on Sunday.

The BNP leader once again alleged that some advisers of the interim government were directly and indirectly involved in the process of forming political parties while in power and the issue had created doubts in people’s minds.

He said that various signs and evidence of using the administrative machinery in this process gradually emerged. ‘It is not pleasant for the country and the democracy at all.’

‘There is no room for unnecessary debates such as “reforms before the election” or “election before reforms”. Since reform is an ongoing process, reforms and elections can proceed simultaneously,’ Fakhrul said.

He also mentioned that a reform charter could be prepared based on the consensus of political parties and the elected government would implement the reforms later.

In this situation, the main task of the interim government is to organise a free and fair national election quickly after implementing necessary reforms based on consensus, and then transfer responsibility to the elected government, Fakhrul said.

He mentioned that the elected government would complete the reforms desired by the people’s consensus.

BNP standing committee members Salahuddin Ahmed, Mirza Abbas, Selima Rahman and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku were also present.​

 

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REFORM DIALOGUE: Khelafat Majlis for all reforms before polls

Khelafat Majlis central leaders, while meeting the National Consensus Commission on Saturday, demanded implementation of all the reforms in the constitution, electoral system, judiciary, public administration, police and Anti-Corruption Commission before the next general election.

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REFORM DIALOGUE: Khelafat Majlis for all reforms before polls
Staff Correspondent 22 March, 2025, 23:57

Khelafat Majlis central leaders, while meeting the National Consensus Commission on Saturday, demanded implementation of all the reforms in the constitution, electoral system, judiciary, public administration, police and Anti-Corruption Commission before the next general election.

At the LD Hall of the national parliament building in Dhaka city, they sat with the commission members in the second dialogue for political parties’ consensus on the recommendations by the reform commissions in the six areas and institutions.

The vice president of the consensus commission, Professor Ali Riaz, chaired the dialogue in which Khelafat Majlish secretary general Ahmad Abdul Kader led an eight-member team.

After the meeting, Kader told journalists that necessary reforms in the six areas would be well possible in the next 10 months if the political parties were sincere.

He, however, said that his party did not feel the necessity of a constituent assembly to adopt reforms.

He said that his party disagreed with the constitution reform commission-proposed ‘pluralism’ and suggested that the consensus commission should uphold ‘having faith in Allah’ as the fundamental principle of the constitution.

Khelafat Majlis suggested that the constitution must prohibit laws that violate Islamic laws.

‘We recommend direct elections for the 400 seats of lower house, instead of keeping 100 seats reserved for women, as proposed by two reform commissions,’ Kader said.

Of the 166-point key recommendations sent to the political parties, Khelafat Majlis agreed with 140 points, partially disagreed with 10 points and disagreed with 15 points.

Khelafat Majlis delegation included naib-e-ameer Ahmad Ali Qasemi, joint secretary general Mostafizur Rahman Faisal, Md Abdul Jalil and ABM Sirajul Mamun

In a separate meeting, a 13-member delegation from the Bangladesh Labour Party, led by its chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, participated in a dialogue with the consensus commission.

The party vice chairman and its Dhaka Metropolitan unit president SM Yusuf Ali, lawyer Johra Khatun Jui, Sylhet Metropolitan unit president Mahbubur Rahman Khaled, Chittagong Metropolitan unit president Md Alauddin Ali and Hinduratna Ramkrishna Saha, among others, were present.

Apart from Professor Riaz, consensus commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Iftekharuzzaman and Badiul Alam Majumdar along with the chief adviser’s special assistant Monir Haidar were present during the two dialogues.

Formed on February 12, the consensus commission is assigned to draft a consensus-based ‘National Charter’ by July this year.

On March 5, the commission sent a 166-point questionnaire to 38 political parties, requesting their feedback by March 13.

Till Saturday, the commission received feedback from 16 political parties, according to a press release.

Today, the commission is scheduled to hold talks with the Rashtra Sangskar Andolan.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Communist Party of Bangladesh and newly floated National Citizen Party are expected to submit their opinions on reform to the commission today.​

 

[Saif]

BNP opposes equating July 2024 Uprising with 1971 Liberation War in constitution

BNP on Sunday submitted its proposal to the National Consensus Commission on reforms

en.prothomalo.com

Reform proposals
BNP opposes equating July 2024 Uprising with 1971 Liberation War in constitution
UNB
Dhaka
Published: 23 Mar 2025, 18: 59

BNP flag Prothom Alo illustration

BNP on Sunday submitted its proposal to the National Consensus Commission on reforms, strongly opposing the inclusion of the July 2024 Uprising with same importance of the 1971 Liberation War in the preamble of the constitution.

The party also opposed other proposals, including changing the name of the state, curbing the powers of the Election Commission, and the formation of a national constitution council.

While the BNP agreed with the proposal to introduce a bicameral parliament and increase the number of reserved seats for women, it expressed differing views on the procedural aspects of these changes.

A three-member BNP delegation, led by Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, handed over the party's proposals to commission's Vice-Chairman Prof Dr Ali Riaz.

The BNP submitted written proposals regarding reforms in the Constitution, public administration, the judiciary, the electoral process and the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Speaking to reporters later, Salahuddin Ahmed said the preamble of the constitution has not been explicitly mentioned in the commission’s proposal. The preamble is a vital part of the Constitution and the commission's suggestion to completely alter or revise it is essentially akin to rewriting it, he said.

The BNP leader specifically objected to the proposal to equate the events of the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising within the same context.

He said BNP considers this inappropriate and suggested that such matters should either be addressed separately or placed in the schedule section of the Constitution.

Salahuddin also said BNP supports the preamble as it existed prior to the 15th Amendment, rejecting the current proposal to change it.

Regarding the suggestion to alter the state’s name in the Constitution, he said the people of Bangladesh have long accepted the country's name through practice.

The BNP leader argued that changing the name would not bring any substantial benefits and thus the party remains firmly opposed to this alteration.

About the proposals on election-related reforms, Salahuddin said their party thinks the independence of the Election Commission (EC) will be hampered if some of the recommendations of the Election System Reform Commission are implemented.

He said BNP believes that the power to determine the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies and the national identity card service should remain in the hands of the Election Commission. "If the NID is handed over to a separate independent institution, then the Election Commission will have to rely on that institution repeatedly for all assistance related to the NID. We think it should remain under the Election Commission."

The BNP leader also said their party does not agree with the proposal to grant the parliamentary standing committee the power to hold the Election Commission accountable. "We do not think the Election Commission, as an independent constitutional institution, should be held accountable in that manner."

Salahuddin said their party feels the interim government should focus on the national election, not a referendum. "We think the national parliamentary election should be held now, not a referendum. If a political government is established democratically through national elections first, all discussions can take place, and decisions can be made in parliament."

He also said their party does not believe a constituent assembly is necessary for the extensive reform of the constitution. "A constituent assembly is formed with representatives from various professions when a new state requires a constitution… our state is not new, and we already have a constitution, although its democratic character has been destroyed," the BNP leader said.

Since a new structure and democratic framework of the state needs to be built, he said they proposed significant amendments to the constitution.

“Those demanding a constituent assembly have also suggested 69 amendments. We’ve proposed fewer, but through discussion, we can reach a broad consensus and create a revised constitution. If they want to call it a new constitution, we have no objection. There’s no need for a constituent assembly," Salahuddin said.

Regarding the Anti-Corruption Commission reforms, he said there were about 20 proposals in the spreadsheet. "Out of those 20, we directly agreed with 11, and with 7 or 8, we agreed in principle with some comments. We opposed only one proposal."

About public administration reform, Salahuddin said there were proposals on 26 issues. "We agreed on nearly half of them, and for the remaining half, we have our opinions and comments. Through detailed discussions, we can reach a consensus on these matters."

About the Judiciary Reform Commission's proposals, he said their party agreed with almost all of the commission's proposals.

"In our 31-point proposal, we recommended ensuring full independence of the judiciary, including transferring control of lower courts to the Supreme Court by amending Article 116 of the Constitution. We also support the proposal for an independent secretariat for the Supreme Court. Regarding financial management, we’ve suggested detailed discussions on future budget matters," the BNP leader said.

He said they have proposed establishing a lower judicial council based on the Supreme Judicial Council model to ensure accountability in lower courts.

Salahuddin said they opposed proposals, especially the formation of a National Constitutional Council with unelected individuals. "The core principle of the constitution is that the state should be governed by elected representatives, and this would harm that principle."​

 

[Saif]

Reforms to bring fundamental transformation in Bangladesh: Chief Adviser

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said that his interim government has initiated critical reforms to restore public trust in Bangladesh.

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Reforms to bring fundamental transformation in Bangladesh: Chief Adviser
BSS
Hainan, China
Updated: 27 Mar 2025, 13: 33

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus speaks at Boao Forum for Asia conference in Hainan on 27 March 2025 PID

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said that his interim government has initiated critical reforms to restore public trust in Bangladesh.

"Our youth and citizens demonstrated exceptional resolve and strength to redefine the future of Bangladesh. To restore public trust we have initiated critical reforms," he said while addressing the opening plenary of Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) conference in China Today, Thursday.

The theme of the conference is "Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future."

Professor Yunus said independent commissions have been launched to reform the electoral system, judiciary, civil administration, and law enforcement.

"These reforms, when implemented, will bring about fundamental transformation of our nation," he added.

The chief adviser said: "As we build a new Bangladesh, we face multiple challenges which are shared by other Asian countries."

In particular global financial market instability, political uncertainties, diplomatic tensions, and trade disruptions create volatility, he said.

He said rising interest rates and debt servicing costs are deepening Asia's debt crisis.

Professor Yunus said despite global commitments to the 2030 Agenda, progress is slow. Only 24 per cent of SDG have been met.

He mentioned that developing Asian countries face an SDG financing gap of 2.5 to 4 trillion US dollars annually.

Beyond SDG financing, Asia also needs large scale investments in infrastructure and economic diversification through responsible financing, he said.

The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh has been a victim of corruption and illicit financial flows, while these corrupt practices cost developing countries an estimated 1 trillion US dollar annually which is multiple times more than the total ODA they receive.

He said Asia should stand united to establish a multilateral mediation mechanism for asset recovery and return.

"Food security is under increasing pressure. Rising prices of essential commodities are straining household budgets, especially for low-income families," Professor Yunus said.

Climate change and natural disasters are exacerbating this crisis, he said, adding that strengthening food supply chains is essential.

He said energy security is critical, especially for net-importing developing countries, while energy supply disruptions drive inflation, economic instability, and debt distress.

"We must find sustainable energy solutions and scale up investments in renewables," he added.

The Chief Adviser stressed investing in health and education for human capital development. Countries that invest in universal healthcare see better economic productivity, he noted.

Digital education and vocational training must be expanded to equip our youth for the jobs in future, he asserted.

About global crisis, Professor Yunus said geopolitical tensions are rising; climate change is escalating; debt burdens are unsustainable; and humanitarian crises are growing.

Political will for development cooperation is weakening, while the world faces an alarming shortfall in collective action, he said.

The chief adviser observed that Asia, home to 60 per cent of the global population and 55 per cent of global GDP, was at the center of these changes.

He said emerging norms, regulations, and technologies are reshaping governance and economic policies.

"Assumptions that shaped policies a decade ago are no longer relevant. The need for regional and global cooperation has never been more pressing," Professor Yunus added.

Former UN Secretary-General and Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia Ban Ki-moon, Executive Vice Premiere of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Ding Xuexiang and Secretary General of Boao Forum for Asia Zhang Jun also spoke on the occasion.

Yunus for economic models prioritising people, planet

The chief adviser also stressed shifting toward sustainable economic models prioritising people and the planet over profits.

"We must shift toward sustainable economic models that prioritise people and the planet over profits," he said.

Professor Yunus said human civilisation is at risk as people continue to embrace self-destructive economic values.

The dominant economic model thrives on limitless consumption and it justifies over-extraction of resources and environmental degradation in the name of growth, he said.

Mentioning that the climate crisis poses an existential threat to humanity, the chief adviser said in Asia-pacific region, climate disaster-related economic losses are already enormous, which is equivalent to USS 65 billion.

He said climate vulnerable countries like Bangladesh are forced to divert resources toward disaster response, limiting investments in productive sectors.

"We need new, additional, accessible, non-ODA, non-debt-creating, grant-based climate finance, with an equitable distribution between adaptation and mitigation," he added.

Professor Yunus said universal access to life-saving medicines and technologies must be guaranteed.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call, highlighting deep inequities in global health systems. Asia should take a united stance in the ongoing negotiation of the Pandemic Treaty, he said.

Pointing out the advancement of technology, Professor Yunus said, Rapid strides in data driven technology, robotics, quantum computing and artificial intelligence, are shaping the world.

Lower capability, capacity, and resource mobilisation in Asia compared to advanced economies, could further widen digital divide, he observed.

Data sovereignty and security is a critical concern, he said, adding that, if technology evolves irresponsibly, it could pose existential risks.

Asia must close the digital divide and build regional capacity in technology, innovation and incubation, he added.​