The heads of the six reform commissions set up by the interim government have reported that the state reform program has commenced in full swing.
The Chief Adviser of the interim government, Prof Muhammad Yunus, held a meeting yesterday with the heads of the reform commissions to discuss their progress. During the meeting, the commission chiefs provided updates on the work of their respective commissions.
The meeting was held at the Chief Adviser’s office in Tejgaon, Dhaka, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
The meeting was attended by Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, head of the Election Reform Commission; Abdul Mueed Chowdhury, head of the Public Administration Reform Commission; Safar Raz Hossain, Chief of the Police Reform Commission; Justice Shah Abu Naeem Mominur Rahman, Chief of the Judiciary Reform Commission; Dr Iftekharuzzaman, head of the Anti-Corruption Reform Commission; and Prof Ali Riaz, head of the Constitution Reform Commission.
Prof Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of the interim government on August 8 following a student uprising. In his national address on September 11, he announced the formation of six reform commissions to advance state reforms.
Public feedback collection via website
The public administration has begun collecting public feedback via its website. Commission members have visited district and upazila levels to gather opinions and engage with citizens.
Abdul Mueed Chowdhury, head of the Public Administration Reform Commission, reported that the commission’s work is fully underway.
He added that discussions with representatives from various public administration cadres have commenced and are ongoing. He was optimistic that the commission would submit its report within the designated timeline.
Progress on force use in crowd control
The Police Reform Commission has held 10 meetings so far, along with four additional meetings with stakeholders.
During yesterday’s meeting, Commission Chief Safar Raz Hossain stated that a questionnaire for public opinion has been posted on the website. Proposals to amend specific laws and regulations are under review, and measures to streamline certain processes are being developed.
Additionally, a proposal to revise force-use guidelines in crowd control is under consideration, including updates to specific sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1898.
Ensuring voting rights for expatriates
Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) and head of the Electoral System Reform Commission, said that steps are being taken to ensure voting rights for Bangladeshi expatriates. He also informed the Chief Adviser that the voter list is being synchronized with national identity cards.
The Election Reform Commission is prioritizing women’s participation in the electoral process and taking necessary actions in this regard. Additionally, efforts are underway to facilitate postal voting for absentee voters.
The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing reported that the Election Reform Commission is actively engaging stakeholders via digital platforms to gather their feedback.
The interim government has established 10 reform commissions to advance reform efforts in various sectors. Initially, gazettes were published for the Electoral Reform Commission, Police Reform Commission, Judiciary Reform Commission, Anti-Corruption Reform Commission, Public Administration Reform Commission, and Constitution Reform Commission.
Later, four additional commissions were established, including the Health Reform Commission led by National Prof Dr AK Azad Khan; the Media Reform Commission led by journalist Kamal Ahmed; the Labour Rights Reform Commission led by Syed Sultan Uddin; and the Women Affairs Commission led by Shirin Parveen Haq.
