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

[Saif]

Implement only essential reforms

Government should prioritise reform recommendations that help with holding the election in time.

www.thedailystar.net

Implement only essential reforms
Govt should prioritise key reforms aligned with election timeline

VISUAL: STAR

Given the current political situation, wherein the call for an election roadmap has become louder than ever, it is important that the interim government only carry out some essential and practical reforms that can be backed by political consensus.

Since taking office on August 8 last year, the interim government has formed 11 commissions to reform the constitution, judiciary, election commission, police, public administration, local government, anti-corruption, health, women's affairs, mass media, and labour. All of them have submitted their reports, with many proposing more than 100 recommendations. Since March 20, the National Consensus Commission (NCC) has been holding talks with various political parties and other stakeholders to reach a common ground on the recommendations. While it is understandable that an agreement will not be reached on every single recommendation, some can be left behind for consideration at a later time by an elected government. In fact, during their dialogue with NCC members on May 25, civil society members urged the interim government to refrain from amending the constitution and leave the task to elected representatives. There are other such reform recommendations that are best addressed by a parliament rather than an interim administration, since such action may be viewed as crossing a constitutional boundary.

The interim government should also consider, while selecting recommendations, what is feasible within its tenure. For example, the police commission's report urges immediate implementation of a Supreme Court directive regarding arrests, searches, and questioning. This kind of recommendation can easily be implemented in the short term. Therefore, the government should carry out such reforms if doing so helps with holding a free and fair election. When the NCC was formed on February 12, its tenure was fixed for six months; in other words, we can expect the NCC to complete the discussions and deliver a summary of agreed-upon recommendations by August/September. If the election is going to be held anytime between December 2025 and June 2026, there may not be sufficient time left to implement even all the agreed-upon recommendations.

With that in mind, the interim government should prioritise recommendations that will make the return to democracy and a parliamentary system smoother. As such, the focus should be on the reports of the election, police, judiciary, public administration, and local government reform commissions. However, the government must be careful not to leave out key stakeholders in their attempt to implement the reforms. While the consensus of political parties is crucial, there are groups who will be impacted by the reforms, and they must be consulted as well. Ultimately, we hope all stakeholders will rise above their individual concerns and prioritise greater national and democratic interests in reaching an agreement on the necessary reforms.​

 

[Saif]

‘Revolutionary student-people’ rally before secretariat, demands removal of anti-reform bureaucrats

The rally began shortly after 12:30 pm in front of the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on the opposite of the secretariat’s main entrance.

en.prothomalo.com

‘Revolutionary student-people’ rally before secretariat, demands removal of anti-reform bureaucrats
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 27 May 2025, 18: 42

A mass rally of the 'July revolutionary student-people' at the secretariat on 27 May 2025. Dipu Malakar

The ‘July Revolutionary Student-People’ held a mass rally in front of the secretariat on Tuesday, demanding the removal of bureaucrats opposing the interim government's reform initiatives and the trial of individuals they described as fascist accomplices.

The rally began shortly after 12:30 pm in front of the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on the opposite of the secretariat’s main entrance.

Participants chanted various slogans against the evil activities by the bureaucrats and allies of the ousted fascist regime.

The demonstrators called for the removal of secretaries and other bureaucrats who, they alleged, are opposing reform efforts and maintaining ties with the fascist party.

The rally was led by Arif Sohel, central member secretary of the anti-discrimination student movement.|

Participants chanted various slogans against the evil activities by the bureaucrats and allies of the ousted fascist regime.

Participants chanted various slogans against the evil activities by the bureaucrats and allies of the ousted fascist regime. Dipu Malakar

Addressing the rally, Arif Sohel said, “We demand the removal of secretaries and bureaucrats inside the secretariat who are obstructing reform and trying to put the government in danger. Also, the government must take action against officials and employees at the secretariat who have been engaged in the movement over service rules.”

He added, “Bureaucrats allied with the fascism must be removed, and held on trial.”

Meanwhile, employees inside the secretariat continued their protest for the fourth consecutive day on Tuesday, demanding the withdrawal of the Govt Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. Law enforcement agencies took high security measures outside the secretariat.

Around 12:00 pm, a five-member delegation from movement – including ‘Julai Mancha’ convener Arif Talukder and spokesperson Shakib Hossain – entered the Secretariat to hold discussions with the protesting government employees.​

 

[Saif]

Reform versus reality: Bangladesh perspective

"Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced," John Keats wrote in his letter to his younger brother George and sister-in-law Georgiana Keats. By the quotation, the English poet means that one doesn't truly understand or fully grasp the reality something until he or she personally goes...

en.prothomalo.com

Reform versus reality: Bangladesh perspective

Rabiul Islam Dhaka
Journalist at Prothom Alo
Updated: 27 May 2025, 22: 12

The Health Sector Reform Commission, led by National Professor AK Azad Khan, submits the report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on 5 May 2025 PID

"Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced," John Keats wrote in his letter to his younger brother George and sister-in-law Georgiana Keats. By the quotation, the English poet means that one doesn't truly understand or fully grasp the reality something until he or she personally goes through it. This quotation from the English poet matches with some initiatives by the interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus who is globally acclaimed for his ingenuity.

After the fall of autocrat Sheikh Hasina-led government amid the student-people's uprising on 5 August 2024, Professor Muhammad Yunus assumed office on 8 August hailed by most of the political parties except Hasina-led Awami League. After the 15 years of autocratic rule, it was expected at that time that the country would return to democracy. But after over 9 months of his rule, the road seems to be bumpy for Mr Yunus who recently planned to resign out of frustration. Mr Yunus is pioneer in microcredit but not experienced in politics. The 84-year old gentleman faces difficulty in navigating the country towards democracy.

While briefing newsmen on Monday over the proposals of five reform commissions covering the constitution, electoral process, judiciary, public administration, and the Anti-Corruption Commission, Professor Ali Riaz said consensus has not yet been reached on several important constitutional reform issues.

All in good faith, the Yunus-led interim government undertook some initiatives for state reforms. His government formed various commissions for reforms. Some commissions have submitted their reports. The interim government formed the Bangladesh National Consensus Commission led by Muhammad Yunus. Professor Ali Riaz is the vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission. He held meetings with the political parties over the recommendations submitted by the various reform commissions.

While briefing newsmen on Monday over the proposals of five reform commissions covering the constitution, electoral process, judiciary, public administration, and the Anti-Corruption Commission, Professor Ali Riaz said consensus has not yet been reached on several important constitutional reform issues. As per the Daily Star report on 26 May 2025, the disagreement includes term limit for the prime minister, appointment process and tenure of the caretaker government, composition and power of the National Constitutional Council, inclusion of pluralism as a basic principle of the constitution, number of posts party leaders can hold simultaneously (prime minister, party chief and leader of the house), method of electing the president and process for amending the constitution.

Given the country's prevailing situation, it seems that it would be difficult for the interim government to reach a consensus among the political parties. Meanwhile, the government was compelled to backtrack from its decisions whether these are good or bad for the country. On 12 May, the government issued an ordinance dissolving the NBR and the Internal Resources Division (IRD) and announced the formation of two new divisions: Revenue Policy and Revenue Administration. Amid the protest by the NBR officials halting the services at all offices, customs houses and ports, the finance ministry stepped in and issued a press statement assuring a suspension of the ordinance as part of a reconciliation effort.

Moreover, following the approval of the draft of the ‘Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025’, government officials and employees launched protest at the secretariat and the administration hub comes to a standstill. The protestors postponed their agitation as the secretaries assured that they would present their demands to the cabinet secretary tomorrow, Wednesday. Several more professional bodies including primary school teachers have also taken to the streets for various demands.

Political parties including Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the National Citizen Party have been also raising various demands and taking to the streets. BNP has been demanding a specific election road map after carrying out important reforms while Jamaat--Islami and NCP has been demanding election after reforms. The interim government repeatedly announced that the election will be held between December 2025 and June 2026. However, the BNP insists that the election must be held by December 2025.

Under such a circumstance, the interim government should sort out important reforms and take initiatives to reach consensus on those by meeting the political parties and announcing a specific roadmap demanded both by BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami to hold a free and fair election.

BNP at a press conference on Tuesday expressed its disappointment over the government’s failure to make any clear announcement regarding the national election. The party also called for the immediate announcement of a specific roadmap to form a national parliament through a free and fair election by December.

Under such a circumstance, the interim government should sort out important reforms and take initiatives to reach consensus on those by meeting the political parties and announcing a specific roadmap demanded both by BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami to hold a free and fair election. Ultimately, the political parties will run the country. They must be accountable to the people. Any deviation from democratic norms, the people won't spare them. All must learn from the past. Ignorance won't be spared!

*Rabiul Islam is a journalist at Prothom Alo.​

 

[Saif]

The reform drive must continue apace

The first round of reform talks produced a wide range of agreements and disagreements

www.thedailystar.net

The reform drive must continue apace
The first round of reform talks produced a wide range of agreements and disagreements

VISUAL: STAR

It is reassuring to see the conclusion of the first round of talks between the National Consensus Commission (NCC) and political parties over reforms meant to lay the groundwork for a more accountable and transparent system of governance. In a country where political deadlock is more common than consensus, the achievement of common ground across a wide spectrum of issues marks a departure worth noting. The first round—which covered 166 key reform proposals over 45 sessions—produced agreements in several major areas, but also disagreements in others, setting the stage for the second round of talks expected to begin within days. While this process goes on, the NCC plans to engage the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics to conduct a survey to gather public feedback on key proposals and finalise a "National Charter" based on broader consensus by July.

Thanks to the structured and publicly accessible manner in which the discussions were held, we now know the areas where the parties agreed, partially agreed, or disagreed. For instance, all parties agreed to reinstate the non-partisan caretaker government system to oversee elections, but disputes remain over its formation, tenure, and the mechanism for appointing a chief adviser. Similarly, while there is support for a bicameral legislature and empowering the opposition through the deputy speaker's post, disagreements remain over how members of the proposed upper house should be elected. Another crucial sticking point is the proposal to limit the prime minister's authority—particularly preventing one from simultaneously holding the posts of PM, party chief, and leader of the House. Proposals to impose term limits on PM and reform the process of electing the president have also proven divisive. Sharp divisions remain over the proposed formation of a National Constitutional Council to oversee key appointments and uphold legal standards.

That said, the areas of consensus are significant in their own right. Parties have collectively endorsed vital judicial reforms, including the creation of a separate Supreme Court Secretariat, curbing executive control over judicial appointments, and introducing accountability mechanisms to discipline judges exhibiting political bias. There is also agreement on placing key parliamentary committees—such as those on public accounts, estimates, and government undertakings—under opposition control. On anti-corruption, all parties supported granting the Anti-Corruption Commission constitutional status, and ensuring its independence and accountability. Electoral reforms have also made notable progress. In public administration, there is strong support for automating public services, revising outdated laws such as the Official Secrets Act, and modernising the Right to Information Act.

While full consensus on all unresolved issues is unlikely, as Prof Ali Riaz, co-chair of the NCC, has also acknowledged, we hope that political parties will engage sincerely in the remaining talks. Otherwise, the push for critical reforms may stall. At the same time, we must keep in mind the challenges of implementing reforms. The protests following the dissolution of the National Board of Revenue and the introduction of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 show that real change will depend on our collective resolve to follow through despite the resistance these changes may provoke. All stakeholders must, therefore, rise above partisan or group interests, and act from a place of national responsibility.​

 

[Saif]

EU urges democratic reforms in Bangladesh’s political transition

The European Union (EU) has said the regional grouping has consistently supported Bangladesh’s political transition, calling for it to be underpinned by the rule of law, fundamental rights and lead to democratic elections. “This is a pivotal moment,” said the EU Embassy in Dhaka

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EU urges democratic reforms in Bangladesh’s political transition

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jun 06, 2025 23:46
Updated :
Jun 07, 2025 00:35

The European Union (EU) has said the regional grouping has consistently supported Bangladesh’s political transition, calling for it to be underpinned by the rule of law, fundamental rights and lead to democratic elections.

“This is a pivotal moment,” said the EU Embassy in Dhaka as Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, in a televised address to the nation, announced a timeline leading to elections.

The EU Delegation called on all stakeholders to engage constructively in this process and to take forward work to define an ambitious reform agenda that will lead to a more stable, more prosperous and democratic Bangladesh, according to a UNB report.

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus on Friday announced that the next national election will be held sometime in the first half of April 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to reform, justice, and democratic progress.

“After reviewing the ongoing reforms in justice, governance and the electoral process, I am announcing today that the next national election will be held in the first half of April 2026,” he said in a televised address to the nation in the evening.

Based on this announcement, Prof Yunus, the Election Commission, will provide a detailed roadmap for the election at an appropriate time.

He said they want an election that will satisfy the souls of the martyrs of the uprising and bring peace to their souls.​

 

[Saif]

Reforms are heard of everywhere, but nothing to be seen

Instead of undertaking necessary reforms, the government is making decisions that show no sign of initiating change. The consequences are seen in economy, politics, society.

en.prothomalo.com

Reforms are heard of everywhere, but nothing to be seen
We had hoped that the current government would focus on enhancing national capacity. But to do that, changes in budget allocations and policy frameworks are essential. No such changes appear to have been initiated. The government could have started by scrapping the environmentally destructive projects, but we are witnessing the opposite.

Reforms were our biggest expectation from the post-uprising government. The government and persons associated with the government continually talk about carrying out reforms. But what do we actually see?

Till now they haven't made it clear what exactly are the reforms they want to carry out in the areas of politics and the economy. Many of the reform commission have submitted those reports, but we see no tangible action about even the implementable recommendations in those reports. In fact, we see a continuance of lot of past trends.

Reforms are in the offing, we hear, but the matter remains hazy. The issue of reforms is being discussed, true, but the people have no idea how these reforms are going to be implemented.Which areas should be prioritised for reforms by the government which we got through the mass uprising? Education, healthcare, and employment for unemployed workers along with their safety in the industrial zones. But so far, we have not seen any sign of change in the education and health sectors.

In fact, the allocations for education and health were already inadequate in the last budget, and in the revised budget these been reduced further. There has long been a demand in Bangladesh that the allocation for education should be increased to 6 per cent or 7 per cent of the GDP. But we have consistently seen it remain within the range of 1 to 2 per cent. The current budget shows no change in this regard either.

It wasn't just about increasing the amount of funding. There was also a demand for qualitative improvements. To ensure that education and healthcare fall within the scope of citizens' rights, institutional capacity and other qualitative reforms were essential, but no such initiatives have begun in the past ten months.

We had hoped that the current government would focus on enhancing national capacity. But to do that, changes in budget allocations and policy frameworks are essential. No such changes appear to have been initiated
Workers still have to protest to claim their unpaid wages. The government signed an 18-point agreement with workers, but it has not been implemented. The most alarming issue is that, due to the government's announcement of the closure of many factories, nearly a hundred thousand workers have lost their jobs. Those who were employed have lost their employment, and no new job opportunities have been created. Based on this, it can be said that unemployment has increased over the past ten months.

Due to inflation, a new class of poor has emerged. Hundreds of thousands more have fallen below the poverty line.

All this is happening because there is no focus on what the focus of reforms should be. Priority hasn't been given where due. Then there is the matter of institutional capacity. During the last government's rule we saw that all the institutions were run on orders, not by increasing the institutional capacity. In other words, the orders were impose from above and that was how the institutions would run. The inherent dynamism and strength of the institutions were destroyed.

During the time of the now ousted fascist government, this weakness had developed across all institutions - universities, the judiciary, the police, the administration, and both public and private sectors. This was made possible due to a few submissive and spineless groups. There were expectations from this government. There was significant scope for reforms, to enhance the institutional activity of these institutions, to build their capabilities and bring transparency to processes ranging from recruitment to other areas. But even in these aspects, we are seeing no change. What we are seeing instead is people being forcibly appointed or removed.

The judicial system, too, is carrying on as before. The same sorts of cases are being filed. Indiscriminate arrests and remand orders are being made. Some are being given bail, some not. We are also seeing the process of proving war criminals to be innocent. Overall, the problems that existed in the institutional powers, independence and capacity of judicial system, the administration, and in the universities, still persist.

Enhancing the institutional capacity of the energy and power sectors was another major expectation of the people. We have always said that if national capacity in these sectors is strengthened, then subsidies would not be necessary. We will be able to get gas at a much lower cost. We will get renewable energy at a much lower cost. We will get electricity at a much lower cost. And the environment will not be harmed. This transformation is certainly possible if national capacity is developed.

We are witnessing the rise of hate-driven, discriminatory groups, which gives the impression that a new fascist force is gradually gaining strength.

The previous government did not do that. Instead, they made foreign loans, foreign projects, and import dependency the core of their policy. Certain groups were given undue advantages.

We had hoped that the current government would focus on enhancing national capacity. But to do that, changes in budget allocations and policy frameworks are essential. No such changes appear to have been initiated. The government could have started by scrapping the environmentally destructive projects, but we are witnessing the opposite.

Rather than building national capacity, the government is moving toward handing over the management of Chattogram Port and the exploration of oil and gas to foreign companies. This means the same trend continues: dependency on imports, foreign investment, foreign companies, and foreign loans.

In the social sphere, too, we are witnessing several problems. For example, persecution of minority communities and ethnic groups has not stopped. This is deeply painful for us. Many members of the Bom ethnic group have been detained. Among them are women and children. None of them are being granted bail. A Bom man suffering from cancer was granted bail only a day before his death. He had become just skin and bone, but he was still denied bail. He received no proper medical treatment in custody, and he died in pain.

At the same time, we still see attempts to silence women who are becoming vocal in society or who were active during mass uprisings. Certain groups continue their efforts, through threats, intimidation, and smear campaigns, to suppress them. We’ve seen such incidents in the case of college teacher Nadira Yasmin in Narsingdi and in various other places.

The government’s indifference to these issues is a matter of serious concern. There ostensibly is a silent endorsement of those groups. Even now, incidents of attacks, vandalism, coercion, and mob violence are taking place in various parts of the country. We are witnessing the rise of hate-driven, discriminatory groups, which gives the impression that a new fascist force is gradually gaining strength.

Instead of undertaking the necessary reforms, the government is making decisions and adopting policies that show no sign of initiating real change. And we are seeing the consequences of this not only in the economy but also in politics and society.

That is why, for those who have dreamed of a Bangladesh free of inequality, it remains absolutely vital to stay alert, vigilant, and active.

* Anu Muhammad is an economist, editor of Sarbajankatha, and member of the Committee for Democratic Rights

** This column appeared in the print an online edition of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten for the English edition by Ayesha Kabir​