Dr. Rafsan Mahmud :
The tragic deaths of students in recent protests have deeply shocked the nation, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms in Bangladesh. With the interim government led by Professor Dr. Mohammad Yunus, there is now an opportunity to reshape Bangladesh’s governance, political landscape, and electoral norms. Below are 24 crucial initiatives aimed at meeting the people’s expectations and ensuring their civic and constitutional rights.
1. Term Limits for Prime Minister and President:
Limit the terms of the Prime Minister and President to a maximum of ten years or two terms, allowing new, meritorious leaders to emerge. Similarly, the tenure of a political party’s chief or secretary should not exceed ten years, reducing the risk of authoritarianism.
2. Bicameral Parliament:
Introduce a two-house parliamentary system with a Lower House (elected by the public) and an Upper House (elected by Lower House members). This system would ensure a balance of power and enhance legislative scrutiny, similar to the UK’s House of Commons and House of Lords.
3. State Government System:
Implement a provincial or state government structure, dividing the country into 4 to 8 states. This would decentralize administration, making governance more efficient, akin to the systems in India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
4. Non-Political Local Governments:
Elect local government officials (Union Parishad members, Pourashova councilors) on a non-political basis to ensure grassroots leaders are chosen based on merit, not party affiliation.
5. Balanced Power Between PM and President:
Ensure a rational balance of power between the Prime Minister and President to strengthen the democratic system. The Prime Minister should be accountable to the President to some extent.
6. Separation of Political and Government Roles:
Political party leaders should resign from their party positions before joining the cabinet. This separation would prevent conflicts of interest and promote impartial governance.
7. Reform of Article 70 and Act 54:
Abolish Article 70, which restricts MPs from voting independently, to encourage democratic practice. Similarly, revise Act 54 to prevent its misuse by law enforcement and protect citizens’ rights.
8. Introduction of City Governments:
Establish city governments in divisional or provincial headquarters to manage urban issues like traffic, water, and roads more effectively, currently divided among various ministries.
9. Caretaker Government for Elections:
Revise the caretaker government structure to ensure fair elections. This government should last at least four months and oversee all local, state, and national elections.
10. Proportional Representation in Elections:
Introduce a proportional voting system where the percentage of votes a party receives corresponds to the percentage of parliamentary seats they secure. This would foster a more representative and inclusive government.
11. Ban on Political Sub-Parties:
Prohibit political parties from having sub-parties (e.g., Chhatra League, Jubo League). Political activities should be confined to the main party, with branches extending to the village level to promote female empowerment and grassroots involvement.
12. Non-Political Student Unions:
Ban student politics on university campuses, replacing it with non-political student unions elected annually. Similar structures could be applied to workers’ unions and professional bodies.
13. Independent Judiciary:
Ensure the judiciary’s independence by placing lower courts under the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction. Establish High Courts in different states to make judicial services more accessible.
14. Merit-Based Judicial Appointments:
Introduce a non-political recruitment process for High Court judges and election commissioners, ensuring candidates are selected based on merit, education, and experience.
15. National Education Commission:
Replace the University Grants Commission with a National Education Commission to oversee policy, evaluation, technical education, research, and grants. Focus on quality research and international collaboration to enhance higher education.
16. Transparent University Leadership:
Establish a search committee to select university Vice-Chancellors, Pro-Vice Chancellors, and Treasurers based on their academic qualifications, research output, and leadership skills.
17. Independent Police Commission:
Create an Independent Police Commission to oversee the police force, ensuring officers operate without political influence. Police stations should be led by Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) officers.
18. Non-Government Service Commission:
Form a Non-Government Service Commission to recruit teachers, doctors, engineers, and other professionals, ensuring fair and transparent hiring practices.
19. Strengthening Income Tax Department:
Decentralize the income tax department, establishing offices in every Upazila to increase tax collection efficiency. All government and non-government employees should pay a minimum annual tax.
20. Reform of Primary and Secondary Education:
Revise the current education curriculum to reduce pressure on students, parents, and teachers. The interim government should prioritize addressing these concerns.
21. Road Transport Commission:
Replace the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority with a Road Transport Commission. Introduce a Road Safety Law and digital monitoring systems to reduce road accidents and manage traffic effectively.
22. Streamlining Land Management:
Simplify land management by creating a specialized BCS (Land Cadre) to handle land-related administration, reducing corruption and inefficiency.
23. Equality in BCS Cadre Services:
Ensure equal promotion opportunities for all BCS cadres, regardless of their field. Ministry secretaries should be experts in their respective areas, such as health or education.
24. Independent Mass Media and Health Reforms:
End government censorship of news broadcasts and establish an Independent Mass Media Commission. Additionally, form a National Health Commission to oversee healthcare services, ensuring private clinics are properly registered and monitored.
These 24 initiatives offer a comprehensive roadmap to rebuild Bangladesh’s political, judicial, and educational systems, creating a more just and democratic society for all.
(The writer is a Professor, Bangladesh Open University Board Bazar, Gazipur.)