BNP
Stop extortion at every level
It is no secret that many businesses in Bangladesh rely on extortion. This has been a terrible cycle of corruption in Bangladesh for a long time. Successive governments come and go; but the pattern of extortion remains the same. When various reforms are being carried out in the state after the popular July uprising, it was hoped that extortion would also decrease somewhat; but there is no sign of a decrease, in some cases it has even increased. A businessman in Dhaka recently told the media, “Earlier, extortion had to be paid to one person, now it has to be paid to four or five people.”
Fresh notes must be issued even if not for Eid
On March 10, 2025, Bangladesh Bank issued a circular instructing all its offices to refrain from distributing fresh notes to the public for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr and to conduct all transactions using recirculated notes. The same directive also applied to transactions among Bangladesh Bank officials and employees. This means that no fresh notes will be issued during the upcoming Eid. However, just a few days earlier, Bangladesh Bank had issued another circular stating that fresh notes would be issued from March 19. The contradiction between these two circulars suggests that Bangladesh Bank was forced to abandon its initial plan.
Reform commission's proposals must ensure fair election
To ensure free and fair elections, the Reform Commission has recommended reinstating the caretaker government system and the provision for a referendum. The Constitutional Reform Commission has also made similar recommendations. Recently, the possibility of the caretaker government system returning automatically has emerged following a High Court ruling. However, the system cannot be implemented until a review petition on the Appellate Division’s order that annulled the Thirteenth Amendment—through which the caretaker system was introduced—is resolved.
Al Jazeera reports on Teesta campaign
In demand for a fair share of water, a massive crowd gathered at the banks of the Teesta River on Tuesday (February 18). The campaign, demanding a fair share of Teesta water and the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan, began on Monday with a 48-hour program. On the previous day, sit-in protests were held simultaneously at 11 locations across five districts surrounding the Teesta River. Along with BNP leaders and activists, thousands of local residents participated in the program. Central leaders of the BNP also joined the demonstration.
Lack of consensus may derail reform efforts
The interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the Chief Adviser, took office during a crisis moment. However, it received strong support from students, the general public, and major political parties. The expectations from this government were high, which made fulfilling them inherently challenging. Although some inefficiency and weakness were evident in the administration, the primary reason the interim government was unable to meet these expectations was the widespread corruption, mismanagement, and the tendency of the previous government to cripple key state institutions
Reforms to restore voting rights
The chief advisor of the interim government had announced the formation of six reform commissions, one of which was the Electoral Reform Commission. On October 3, 2024, an eight-member commission was formed, led by Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, with the goal of ensuring fair, impartial, and participatory elections to establish a representative democracy. The full report of the commission has already been published on the cabinet division's website. The chief advisor has emphasized the importance of reforms, stating that a key focus of these reforms is to establish a fair electoral system and good governance. The chief advisor has called on every citizen of the country to actively and joyfully engage in this great reform movement. He has also urged the public to come forward for the implementation of the commission's recommendations.
Interim government is deficient in fulfilling people's aspirations: BNP
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to give up power after 15 and a half years in the face of a mass movement by students on this day just six months ago (August 5). She left for India.
Eliminate ambiguity around reforms for public
As time passes, the public's doubts about the reforms continue to grow more obscure. Many people still have no clear idea about what reforms will take place and when. While reports from four reform commissions have been submitted to the Chief Adviser, they lack a clear outline, and some of the recommendations have already sparked criticism. Although there are some positive aspects in the reform commission reports, certain issues are seen as problematic by the country's civil society. Out of 11 reform commissions, the reports of seven more are still pending, and it is uncertain when these will be submitted to the Chief Adviser.
Anti-discrimination student movement redefines political dynamics
In the recent political landscape of Bangladesh, the anti-discrimination student movement is adding a new dimension. The organization, which led the July uprising, is set to soon emerge as a new political party. The move to form this party has already heated up the political arena of the country. Although it may appear to be a student movement at first glance, its political intentions have become increasingly clear.
Conflict looms without consensus on elections
It was agreed that the interim government would run the country based on discussions and consensus with various political parties and relevant stakeholders; however, as time passes, disagreements between the government and different political parties are increasing. Even on the crucial issue of state reforms, consensus has not been established. Several commissions formed for reform have submitted their proposals, but there seems to be little interest in them within the political arena. Some political parties have even raised the demand for national elections to be held by July-August. This has created a sense of hesitation within the government as well. After assuming office, the interim government strongly stated that elections would only be held after the necessary reforms, but given the changed situation, the government appears to be becoming more flexible about holding elections.
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