Abu Jakir :
Several reform commissions established under the interim government of Professor Muhammad Yunus have submitted their recommendations, sparking debate about their feasibility and the challenges of implementation.
These proposals aim to introduce significant changes to Bangladesh’s political and institutional frameworks but face considerable hurdles in gaining acceptance and execution.
Among the 11 reform commissions formed, the Constitutional Reform Commission, led by Professor Ali Riaz, has put forward several key recommendations.
These include: restoring the foundational principles of the 1972 Constitution; transitioning from a unicameral to a bicameral Parliament; reducing the term of government and Parliament from five years to four; limiting the Prime Minister’s tenure to two terms; lowering the minimum age for parliamentary candidates to 21 years; appointing the Deputy Speaker from the opposition party; and prohibiting a Prime Minister from simultaneously serving as the party leader and the leader of Parliament.
These proposals aim to strengthen democratic governance and curb authoritarian tendencies. However, many of them require constitutional amendments, which demand a two-thirds parliamentary majority – an inherently challenging requirement.
The primary obstacle lies in obtaining approval from the next Parliament, as all actions taken by the interim government since 5 August must be ratified by the legislative body. This stipulation has raised concerns that the incoming Parliament may reject or significantly alter the proposals.
Political figures and analysts have expressed mixed reactions to the recommendations. Abdul Moyeen Khan, a member of the BNP’s National Standing Committee, commented, “The extent and nature of reforms will only be decided by the elected representatives and the Parliament.”
Similarly, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, who chaired the Anti-Corruption Commission reform body, noted, “The implementation of these reforms will largely depend on the political will of the parties and the role of civil-military bureaucracies.”
Reform efforts are not new to Bangladesh. Similar initiatives were undertaken during the military-backed caretaker government in 2007, but many proposals were not realised due to a lack of consensus among political parties. Even amendments to the 1972 Representation of People’s Order were criticised for insufficient enforcement in electoral processes.
The discussion around reforms has gained renewed momentum following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024 amid mass protests. The formation of reform commissions by the Yunus-led interim government reflects a strong commitment to structural change, but historical experience advises caution.
The recommendations – particularly those seeking to restore the principles of the 1972 Constitution and create a bicameral legislature-have ignited robust debate. Professor Rasheda Rawnak Khan, a political analyst and Dhaka University academic, observed, “The first challenge is achieving consensus among all political parties. Without it, these reforms may remain unfulfilled aspirations.”
Disputes have also arisen concerning administrative reforms. Comments made by the Public Administration Reform Commission chief at a recent press conference led to discord among administrative cadres, highlighting the sensitivity of the proposed changes.
BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal expressed scepticism, stating, “A two-thirds majority is required to amend the Constitution. The real question is whether these reforms will happen at all, and that will be decided by a Parliament elected by the people.”
Dr Iftekharuzzaman underscored the importance of fostering a shift in political and bureaucratic culture, cautioning, “Without a collective commitment to the vision of a new Bangladesh, these proposals may remain confined to paper.”
Reports from the Judiciary Reform Commission and Public Administration Reform Commission are expected by 31 January, with additional reports focusing on media, health, labour, women’s issues, and local government due by 17 February. The time available to implement these recommendations is limited.
The success of the Yunus government’s reform agenda will depend on building political consensus, securing legislative support, and galvanising public backing.
The reform proposals represent a critical juncture in Bangladesh’s political history. While they offer a pathway towards democratic consolidation, their implementation faces significant challenges. As debates continue, the fate of these reforms will ultimately hinge on the collective resolve of political leaders, institutions, and the public.
