The transitional government in Bangladesh — formed after the ouster of the Awmi League government through the mass uprisings — is going to make reforms in economic, political and other sectors. According to multiple sources including the ANN and South Asian Times, the interim government will form six reform commissions including the Constitution Reform Commission, Judicial Reform Commission and Election Reform Commission to carry out reforms, needed and demanded by the uprising students and mass, political parties and others. This is definitely a praiseworthy move and has the potential to help address challenges and bring positive outcomes in economic, social, political and other terms in Bangladesh, which has improved its economic and other conditions but has various flaws that hinder its intended progress.
It is pertinent to say that there are economic, electoral, corruption-oriented and other problems and challenges in Bangladesh that require reforms in diverse areas. Reformations are needed in the financial sector, trade promotion, attracting foreign investment, the electoral system (with the aim to make the Election Commission effectively and credibly functional), the culture of cadre politics and the promotion of intra-party political freedom (including reforming article 70 of the National Constitution of Bangladesh). Additionally, reformations are needed to reduce political influence in the judiciary and anti-corruption commission, address judicial procedural complexity, strengthen institutional capacity for the independent functioning of the judiciary and reduce corruption in government institutions. Among other areas, reformations are needed to protect human rights and provide freedom of speech.
But reformation initiatives do not always result in better reforms because of focus-based, political and other reasons. A lack of political will, resistance to change from stakeholders, inadequate consultations and a disconnect between reform makers and affected stakeholders are some crucial barriers. Notably, a lack of political support hinders major reforms not only during elected governments but also in the interim governments. Additionally, and importantly, reform measures are often short-term (immediate need-based) and reactive to certain problems, rather than both long-term (visionary) and immediate need-based, leading to short-term outcomes and a failure to bring both short-term and long-term outcomes. Among others, limited funding and resource allocations to support reform efforts lead to a compromise in making reforms.
Given the strong willingness of the transitional government and support from different stakeholders including various political parties and civil society, it has turned out to be easier for Bangladesh this time to make major reforms and address various challenges — probably without major resistance from stakeholders on many aspects. But steps are crucial to successfully address challenges and make reforms that are beneficial for all in the short and long run (rather than merely in the short run), which can facilitate the human development of all. Generating political support and trust from political parties is also vital for major reformations, including constitutional reforms.
Major reformations definitely take time. This is more relevant to the present reform steps of Bangladesh. Given that the interim government has the responsibility of holding elections to place an elected government in power, it needs to realize the importance of elections, along with making reforms. But the opportunity for major reforms does not always come because of political and other causes. Political parties also need to provide the needed time for reforms. The good intentions of all the parties involved can make Bangladesh more developed and prosperous for all.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine