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Talks with parties necessary before placing reports
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He urged the reform commissions to ensure public engagement in the process.
“Reform commissions will hold discussions with the government, which will take time. In our view, the more the time passes, the bigger the problems grow,” he said.
“Who will implement these proposals?” Fakhrul asked, alleging that the administration and government machinery are still not free from fascism.
“If the foundation isn’t strong, imposing changes from the top won’t lead to quick progress. We need to fix the system and strengthen institutions. Only by building institutions that support democracy can we make it successful,” he said.
Fakhrul clarified it is a misconception that his party is solely focused on elections and not on reforms.
“We have been sincere about reforms from the very beginning. Unfortunately, we’re now hearing statements that the BNP does not want reforms, but only elections. This is not correct.”
Fakhrul said the BNP is committed to participating in elections only after necessary reforms to ensure a free, fair and credible voting process.
“We keep talking about elections because it’s the main gateway to democracy and the democratic process,” he said.
Fakhrul also said people must keep in mind the ongoing struggle for democracy since the Liberation War. “We must not forget 1971,” he remarked.
Fakhrul said BNP leaders and activists endured a lot of oppression in their fight against fascism and continued their movement, trying to remain vocal for a long time.
“At that time, we didn’t see many people by our side. Now, we see many, and it feels very good. We are becoming even more inspired,” he added.
Economist Debapriya Bhattacharya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said reforms are a “grand dream, but unity is essential”.
“We must move towards elections. But before that, people need relief. Don’t mislead people favouring reforms. Attention must be given to these issues. Don’t just focus on superficial discussions while neglecting people’s livelihoods and security,” he urged.
He also said that the extent of looting during the Awami League regime was unimaginable for the public until research revealed an inherited dire economic situation which needs to be fixed.
Stressing the importance of universal human rights, Debapriya said, “We must ensure the rights of those who are marginalised, affected by river erosion, indigenous communities, Dalits, and those facing discrimination based on gender, religion, or sexual identity.
“Their rights to live, speak, assemble, and earn a livelihood must be guaranteed. We need to build a united Bangladesh where this is assured. We must come to a consensus on a minimum common ground.”
He added, “… If there’s a robbery at 11:00pm in the most affluent neighbourhoods, if we don’t have security, how long should we wait for reforms? If this is the state of law and order inside the Secretariat, what will happen to general citizens? Whom should we turn to?”
Hossain Zillur Rahman, former adviser to a caretaker government, said aspirations for justice and dignity came to the forefront after the July uprising.
He pointed out three uncertainties regarding Bangladesh’s future. “The first is the dire economic situation and illegal land grabbing. The second is whether we can change the prevailing political culture. The third is the capability of the interim government to tackle the existing challenges”.
To address these issues, he suggested three measures: the effective functioning of the government, meaningful reforms, and a political transformation.
Badiul Alam Majumdar, head of the Electoral Reform Commission, said, “We are the beneficiaries of the mass uprising. We owe a debt to the martyrs and the injured who brought us to this point. To repay this debt, we need to carry out reforms and hold fair elections.”
He said that people urged him to reform the electoral system to prevent corrupt individuals from becoming lawmakers.
Highlighting the use of money as a primary cause of electoral irregularities, he called on young people and politicians to take action and put an end to this practice.
Writer and professor Salimullah Khan remarked, “There should be a consensus on minimum reforms for our future. However, we must ensure these reforms do not take too long.”
He emphasised the need to define the minimum reforms necessary for holding elections.
“For reforms to be effective, they must focus on improving the living standards of ordinary people,” he added.
He also urged political parties to disclose their funding and its sources and establish internal democracy within their organisations.
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said forging unity is challenging, but stressed that it must be achieved through incorporating everyone’s opinions. She also emphasised the need for a national consensus on reforms.
“If we hesitate about reforms this time, there will be no stability in the country again,” she warned.
Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said fascist collaborators have been given different positions over the last 15 years and they cannot be removed in a day or two, or even in four months.
People should put pressure on the government and support efforts to remove them, he added.
Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said, “I want to send a message to the chief adviser: reform proposals may be submitted by December. Once they are submitted, they should be reviewed, and another public dialogue should be held focusing on the common reform proposals from the political parties and other stakeholders. This could pave the way for national consensus.”
He said that minimum reforms required for a fair general election must be implemented. “Jamaat-e-Islami is ready to support the interim government for as long as necessary to achieve this.”
Nasiruddin Patwari, convenor of Jatiya Nagorik Committee, said they want a Bangladesh where political parties would be held accountable to the people rather than to any individual or family.
“In the future, politics will no long center on any individual or family. In the new political settlement, there will be no room for ‘Mujibism or Hasina’.
Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Junaid Saki said a consensus among political parties on key issues like reforms and elections is crucial for a bright future.
“This consensus would help the country move forward,” he added.
Basudeb Dhar, president of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, said a conspiracy is afoot to undermine national unity.
“The fire at the Secretariat and the attacks on religious minorities are part of this conspiracy.”
Tania Rab, senior vice president of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, pointed out that people had two key expectations -- control over the prices of essentials and security -- and these expectations should be met.
Nurul Haque Nur, president of a faction of Gono Odhikar Parishad, called upon political parties to address election-related issues through mutual discussions rather than creating controversies.
Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor Mamun Ahmed said the reform process lacked focus on education, a key sector.
He stressed the need for a reform commission on education.
Eminent photographer Shahidul Alam said reforms should be inclusive and focused on the ordinary people. Reforms should ensure the betterment of everyone, including workers and day labourers.
Business leader Fazlul Haque expressed concern that the economy had been overlooked in the reform process over the last few months. He called for the unity among the business community, excluding the oligarchs, to ensure economic stability.
Brig Gen (retd) Hasan Nasir, a member of the commission on reinvestigation of the 2009 BDR mutiny, and journalist Mushfiq Fazal Ansari also spoke at the event, among others.