Reform progress talks fall short of expectations
Abu Jakir :
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Mohammad Yunus, is set to meet with political parties tomorrow (Saturday) to provide updates on the progress of its state reform initiatives.
The dialogue is intended to inform party representatives about the ongoing work of the newly formed reform commissions.
However, the initiative has been met with dissatisfaction, especially from major political parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who are critical of the government’s approach to the talks.
Political insiders reveal that the primary issue is the government’s “go-it-alone” strategy in appointing the heads and members of the Reform Commissions.
Political parties argue that their input was neither sought nor considered, deepening the rift between them and the interim government.
Many party leaders see this unilateral approach as a delaying tactic, allowing the government to maintain control without addressing the need for meaningful reforms.
The reform commissions, which were announced by Dr. Yunus in his September 11 national address, were designed to overhaul key institutions such as the electoral system, judiciary, police, Anti-Corruption Commission, public administration, and the constitution.
Although the commissions were supposed to start work on October 1, no appointments have been made yet, fueling frustration among opposition leaders.
BNP leaders raised their concerns during a standing committee meeting last Tuesday.
While the idea of dialogue with the interim government was welcomed, BNP policymakers noted that there is a significant gap between the government’s words and actions, which undermines the credibility of the talks.
Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of BNP’s standing committee, shared his concerns when contacted. “A dialogue does not establish an agenda.
The interim government may present the progress of the Reform Commission’s work and discuss the law and order situation, but the BNP also has its own stance and many issues to address. We will certainly present and discuss those issues,” Ahmed stated.
Other political leaders have voiced similar frustrations about the dialogue’s narrow focus. Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, remarked, “The dialogue is merely a formality.
I don’t believe the kind of dialogue we proposed in the previous meeting will happen.
This time, issues like the election are not being discussed. Each party has been allocated only half an hour, during which the government has set two specific agendas. It’s impossible for any party to fully present its position in such a short time.”
The BNP has also been vocal in emphasising the need for timely elections and meaningful reforms.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recently called for a swift return to an elected government, stressing that “delaying elections in the name of reforms is unacceptable.”
Alamgir reiterated that reforms must involve public participation and cannot occur in isolation.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman echoed similar sentiments, warning that delays in the election could lead to disorder and the rise of “unwanted elements.”
He urged the interim government to develop a clear roadmap for reforms and elections, involving all stakeholders in the process.
The interim government, formed on August 8, has already conducted two rounds of dialogue with political parties.
The third round, scheduled for Saturday, will see Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir lead the BNP delegation, though the full list of representatives has not yet been finalised.
Sources indicate that the BNP will confirm its delegation members later today.
In addition to BNP, the interim government will hold discussions with the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) and Bam Ganatantrik Jot (leftist democratic alliance) on the same day.
CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain confirmed that his party has been invited to participate in the talks at 4:00 PM on Saturday.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that the upcoming dialogues will focus on current issues, particularly the progress of the reform commissions and the country’s law and order situation.
Despite the scheduled discussions, the gap between government actions and opposition expectations remains a key challenge.