A new chapter for the nation begins
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday said a new chapter has begun as the reform commissions have charted a course for a Bangladesh long aspired by its people.
He made the observation while receiving reports from the reform commissions on constitution, electoral, police, and anti-corruption commission at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon around 11:30am.
“Many reports are prepared, I receive them and do the formalities. Today’s [Wednesday’s] event goes beyond such formalities. This is not just a formality; it is a historic moment,” said Prof Yunus.
“Today’s event goes beyond formalities. It is a historic moment.”
“The vision of a new Bangladesh that we aspire to build rested on your shoulders [members of the commissions]. You have drafted the framework for the dream, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
“We will discuss this with everyone, assess whether it resonates with everyone and evaluate if we are on track to make good on the commitments we have made. Simultaneously, you have provided us with the foundation for our discussions, and you will lead the talks,” he added.
Prof Ali Riaz, chief of the Constitution Reform Commission; Badiul Alam Majumdar, chief of the Electoral Reform Commission, Iftekharuzzaman, chief of the ACC Reform Commission; and Safar Raj Hossain, chief of the Police Reform Commission; and other members of the commissions were present during hand-over of the reports.
After assuming office in August, the interim government formed at least 15 reform commissions to strengthen weak democratic institutions, and establish a state system grounded in public ownership, accountability, and welfare.
The first six commissions — for reforming the constitution, electoral system, police, judiciary, public administration, and the ACC — were formed on October 3. They were given 90 days to submit their reports.
Later, the deadline for the judiciary and the public administration reform commissions was extended to January 31, and that for the remaining four was stretched till January 15.
Prof Yunus said, “A devastated nation has suddenly risen again, standing tall with renewed vigour. History has been created from this resurgence. The question remains whether we can fulfill the commitments with which we have begun our work. We have confidence that we can.”
Commenting that the commission reports would create a charter for a mass uprising, he added this will be the charter of a new Bangladesh, built through consensus.
Elections will take place, everything will happen; but this charter will remain a part of history, he observed.
“This is not a partisan commitment. I hope all parties will sign it. This is the manifesto of Bangladesh, and we will move forward with it. We will implement as much of it as quickly as possible.
“The upcoming election will be based on this charter. A government on consensus will be formed based on this charter. We want continuity and implementation of our dreams. Without consensus, the charter will be lost. It is crucial for us to realise that.”
TALKS WITH PARTIES
The government may start formal discussions with the political parties in mid-February for a consensus about the reform initiatives, said Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan.
She was speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy after reports of the four commissions were submitted.
In view of the demands and expectations of the people and political parties, Rizwana said the government will be able to declare a roadmap over reforms in one month.
Responding to a question, the adviser said all political parties gave their opinions and the commission reports were prepared considering their opinions.
She added that the chief adviser has made it clear that the next commission would be the “Political Consensus Commission,” led by him.
At the press briefing, Law Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul said, “We expect we will be able to accomplish all these tasks [within our tenure]. But it depends mainly on the consensus of the political parties — how much reforms they want.”
He added that the International Crimes Tribunal would be able to complete at least the trial proceedings before the next polls.
LondonGBDESK//
Comments are closed.