Reforms first or Elections now?: Unity key to resolving political crisis, experts stress

Abu Jakir :

Forum for Bangladesh Studies (FBS) organised a national dialogue titled “Unity in Which Way” on Friday at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in Dhaka’s Farmgate area.

The two-day event brought together prominent figures, including Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus and key political leaders, to discuss the themes of “Unity, Reform, and Election.”

In a video message played during the dialogue, Dr. Yunus stressed the shared responsibility of citizens, political parties, and communities in actively participating in the reform process.

He assured that both reform efforts and election preparations would proceed simultaneously under the supervision of the Election Commission, which is responsible for arranging the polls.

He urged citizens to focus on contributing to the reform process until an election schedule is announced.

Following the fall of the fascist Sheikh Hasina regime on August 5, which

came after a month-long student-led uprising, Bangladesh finds itself at a crucial crossroads in its political journey. The nation now faces a pressing need for greater unity among various stakeholders.

Since assuming office, interim government head Dr. Muhammad Yunus has held a series of meetings with political leaders, civil society members, religious leaders, and other key figures. However, despite these efforts, achieving unity remains a challenge.

The interim government, along with its allies, is committed to implementing comprehensive reforms across all sectors before holding the much-anticipated general elections.

In contrast, major political parties demand the swift holding of elections, with only the most essential reforms to ensure a credible electoral process.

This conflict has sparked a heated debate over whether reforms or elections should take precedence in restoring peace and stability in the country.

Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, head of the committee drafting a white paper on the nation’s economy, highlighted the interdependence between unity, reforms, and elections.

“Reforms are a grand vision that requires unity to bring to fruition. At the same time, elections cannot be delayed. Above all, we must prioritise easing the lives of ordinary people,” he stated.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir reiterated his party’s support for reforms, provided they are followed by elections within a short timeframe. “It is not correct to claim that BNP opposes reforms but supports elections.

We have consistently demanded elections after completing the minimum necessary reforms. Elections are the gateway to a democratic system,” he said.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, emphasised the need for consensus on reforms.

She warned that political stability would remain out of reach unless there was strong commitment to reforms, stressing that all parties should view each other as partners in the process, not adversaries.

Economist Mushtaq Husain Khan cautioned against dividing reforms and elections, arguing that such an approach could harm the nation. “Bangladesh’s core problem lies in the centralisation of power.

The previous regime manipulated laws and empowered itself to violate them, which led to many of the country’s problems,” he explained.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Dr. Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram expressed doubt over resolving issues without an elected government.

“Unless an elected government is in power, problems will persist. If future governments follow Sheikh Hasina’s policies, the situation will not improve,” he warned.

He also criticised the inefficiency of administrative bodies, stating, “The police and administration are in place but fail to perform their duties. Those in power are being ignored.”

As the nation grapples with these challenges, the debate over whether to prioritise reforms or elections remains central.

The national dialogue has emphasised the need to balance both objectives to restore peace, stability, and democratic governance. For now, Bangladesh’s leaders and citizens must rise above divisions and work collectively to secure the future of the country.