THE recent meeting of the National Consensus Commission, chaired by chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, represents a crucial step towards political reform in Bangladesh. This meeting convened leaders from six reform commissions alongside approximately 100 representatives from 27 political parties and alliances, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nagorik Committee, LDP, Islami Andolon, and Nagorik Oikya. The interim government鈥檚 decision to establish 11 reform commissions underscores its dedication to reshaping the country鈥檚 political, administrative, and electoral frameworks. Significantly, the six commissions鈥� reports discussed during the meeting encountered no substantial opposition from the participating political entities.
Perhaps the most encouraging outcome of this meeting was the apparent consensus among political parties regarding the necessity of reforms. This unanimity signals a shared understanding that the prevailing political and administrative structures 鈥� long weakened by years of autocratic misrule 鈥� urgently require restructuring. The chief adviser acknowledged that the interim government鈥檚 six-month tenure is divided into two distinct phases. The first phase, focused on preparation, has now concluded, giving way to a second phase centred on implementation and political engagement. Engaging in dialogue with political parties will be instrumental in shaping the final reform decisions, ensuring a participatory and inclusive process.
Reform is an ongoing endeavour, leaving no room for stagnation or complacency. The previous autocratic regime bequeathed a deeply flawed political system, which includes a compromised constitution, a politicised administration, a biased judiciary, a weakened Election Commission and an ineffective anti-corruption mechanism. Addressing these issues is paramount to upholding democracy, ensuring voting rights, fostering good governance, protecting human rights, and promoting justice and accountability. Without substantive reforms, the prospect of a free, fair, and credible election remains unattainable.
A crucial debate in this process is the extent to which reforms should be enacted before elections. Some advocate for a 鈥榬eforms first, then elections鈥� approach, while others argue for prioritising elections without excessive preconditions. However, taking an extreme stance on either side is neither pragmatic nor sustainable. Delaying elections in pursuit of extensive reforms could breed political instability and governance paralysis. Conversely, rushing into elections without implementing essential reforms risks undermining their credibility. A balanced approach 鈥� where urgent reforms are implemented before elections while broader structural reforms continue post-election 鈥� is the most prudent course of action.
Notably, key political parties have exhibited a degree of flexibility. BNP, despite its insistence on early elections, has not dismissed the importance of reforms. It has emphasised that elections should be conducted on the basis of a consensus regarding necessary reforms. Similarly, Jamaat-e-Islami supports elections but insists on a prior agreement on reforms. The willingness of these two major parties to negotiate suggests that a middle ground can be reached. Other participating parties have also expressed support for both reforms and timely elections, indicating a potential pathway forward.
Despite the broad consensus, some disagreements persist among political parties. One contentious issue is the sequencing of national and local government elections. BNP contends that the national election should take precedence, whereas Jamaat-e-Islami believes that local government elections should be held first. While opinions diverge, many analysts argue that prioritising the national election is more practical, as local elections could create administrative and security complications that might impact the credibility of the general election.
Another debate centres on the voting system. BNP supports the existing electoral model, whereas Jamaat advocates for a proportional representation system. Observers suggest that, given the current political landscape, maintaining the existing system is preferable. A shift to proportional representation could enable remnants of the autocratic regime to secure parliamentary seats, contradicting the spirit of the July Revolution and the broader objectives of democratic consolidation. However, this assertion by BNP warrants scrutiny. A proportional representation system has the potential to foster greater political inclusivity and safeguard the electorate鈥檚 will by ensuring broader representation in governance.
The meeting also highlighted calls for banning the Awami League. According to media reports, Hasnat Abdullah, the convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, claimed that all parties verbally agreed to revoking the party鈥檚 registration. If accurate, this development could radically alter the political landscape. However, such drastic measures require careful legal and political consideration to avoid deepening divisions and exacerbating unrest.
While political consensus on reforms and elections has been reaffirmed, significant challenges persist. Despite six months in power, the interim government has yet to establish full control over key sectors, including the administration, police, and economic structures. Many figures associated with the previous regime continue to wield substantial influence and economic power remains concentrated in the hands of oligarchic business elites. The continued rise in commodity prices, market syndicates, governance inefficiencies and deteriorating public security are eroding the government鈥檚 credibility. If decisive action is not taken, public dissatisfaction could escalate, further weakening the government鈥檚 authority.
The chief adviser has iterated that the national election could be held by December this year. However, this raises critical questions: Is the government adequately prepared for such a significant undertaking? Can the Election Commission complete the necessary preparations within the allotted timeframe? The second phase of the interim government鈥檚 tenure has begun, but ensuring its successful execution remains a formidable challenge.
In conclusion, the recent meeting of the National Consensus Commission has reinforced the urgency of both reforms and elections, yet the road to democratic stability remains fraught with complexities. The government must strike a delicate balance between implementing critical reforms and preparing for elections while strengthening governance mechanisms. Political parties, for their part, must engage with the government in good faith to facilitate a free, fair, and credible electoral process. Only through collaborative effort can Bangladesh navigate this transitional phase and lay the groundwork for lasting democratic progress.
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Md Momtazur Rahman is a professor of English at the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology.
