Nat’l election schedule depends on July charter: Press secy

NN Online:

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said the timing of the next national election—whether it will be held at the end of this year or by June next year—will depend on the provisions of the July charter.

He shared the key recommendations from the Judicial and Public Administration Reform Commissions at a press briefing on Wednesday at the state guest house Jamuna after their reports were submitted to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.

Responding to a question on whether the government will take steps to implement these recommendations while political parties continue to call for elections, Shafiqul Alam said the chief adviser said the six major reform commissions’ recommendations would be reviewed by a consensus commission.

The chief adviser himself will head this commission, Prof Dr Ali Riaz will be vice chairman and the heads of the six commissions and its members, he said.

“After reviewing all reports, the consensus commission will hold discussions with political parties and civil society. A decision will then be made on which reforms need immediate action and which require constitutional amendments.

“Political parties will sign on the mutually agreed recommendations, forming the July Charter. Some recommendations will be implemented by the current government while others by the next. The election date-whether in December this year or by June next year-will depend on its implementation,” the press secretary added.

Judiciary to be fully independent

The reform commission has recommended full independence for the judiciary, he said.

“Previous governments claimed the judiciary was independent, but in reality, it never was. The new report suggested comprehensive measures to ensure its full and effective independence,” he said.

The 351-page report also suggested constitutional amendments to ensure transparency in appointments in the judiciary, he added.

The recommendations include a new framework for appointing judges.

Permanent attorney service proposed

The Judiciary Reform Commission has also proposed establishing a permanent attorney service.

“This is a crucial reform. Many countries have permanent attorney services whereas in Bangladesh, nearly 4,000 public prosecutors are politically appointed. The new system would eliminate this practice,” he said.

Independent investigation agency

Another key recommendation is the formation of an independent investigation agency, said the press secretary.

“In Bangladesh, police investigate most crimes, but political interference often affects the outcomes. Many high-profile cases have been manipulated due to this. The new agency would ensure impartial investigations,” he added.

Supreme Court bench expansion

He said the report also recommended setting up permanent Supreme Court benches in divisional cities to address the growing case backlog.

The report suggested extending magistrate courts to all upazilas and increasing legal aid for underprivileged people, said Shafiqul Alam.