ILLUSTRATION:

SOJIB ROY

Dear Readers,

We are proud to present the final instalment of our five-part special supplement series, marking The Daily Star’s 34th anniversary. This concluding edition explores the reform proposals introduced by various commissions under the interim government, aiming to rebuild Bangladesh in the spirit of the July 36 mass uprising.

The Proclamation of Independence of Bangladesh pledged to uphold equality, human dignity, and social justice. However, successive governments since independence have failed to fulfil this vision, culminating in over 15 years of autocratic rule marked by lawlessness, corruption, and the disempowerment of the people. The July 36 uprising has given us a historic opportunity to correct these failures and chart a new path forward. In this context, the reform proposals serve as a blueprint for change. With most proposals already submitted, the crucial phase of implementation has begun. The success of this stage depends on how well these proposals reflect the people’s aspirations and whether political parties can set aside differences to work towards a shared national goal. Achieving a broad consensus on the reform agenda is essential for ensuring its success and long-term sustainability.

This supplement highlights the key details of the reform proposals and the rationale behind them, aiming to raise public awareness, spark discussions, and encourage robust participation. Members of various commissions, alongside experts from relevant fields, provide their insights into these proposed reforms. We hope our readers will deeply engage with this rare opportunity to reshape Bangladesh’s future.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the contributors of this special issue for their invaluable insights. We also sincerely thank our readers and patrons, whose unwavering support over the past 34 years has continually inspired us to uphold our motto: Your Right to Know.

Mahfuz Anam

Editor & Publisher