Reform Commissions of Bangladesh
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Establishing inclusive and democratic governance
- Abolishing fascist regimes
- Ensuring the rule of law
- Strengthening and activating all state institutions
 | |
| Founder | Government of Bangladesh |
|---|---|
| Type | Reform Commission |
| Purpose |
|
| Origins | Bangladesh |
Main organ | 11 commissions |
It was based on the aspirations of the July Uprising and to establish universal consensus, the Chief Adviser of the Interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, formally announced on September 11, 2024, the formation of several reform commissions aimed at rebuilding in Bangladesh.[1][2][3][4][5]
Subsequently, a total of 11 commissions were formed, including those for reforms in the Public administration, Anti-corruption, Judiciary, Police, Constitution, Electoral system, Local government, Women's affairs, Labour rights, Mass media and Healthcare.[6][7][8][9] Among them, four commissions submitted their reports to Yunus on January 15, 2025.[10][11][12][13] Additionally, a six-member task force, led by Ahsan H. Mansur, governor of Bangladesh Bank, was formed to reform the Banking sector.[14]
In June 2024, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh invalidated a 2018 government circular that had abolished the freedom fighter quota. In response, fresh protests erupted across the country, led by the group Students Against Discrimination, demanding reforms to the quota system. The government's crackdown on the movement turned violent, resulting in the deaths of 2,000 protesters.[citation needed] This brutal response triggered a nationwide non-cooperation movement, which ultimately led to the fall of the Hasina-led government. Following the situation, at the request of student leaders, Muhammad Yunus agreed to lead an interim government. With the success of the movement to overthrow the government, reform commissions were formed with the aim of establishing a new framework for governance based on an anti-authoritarian and anti-fascist political system.
Details
Public Administration Reform Commission
The commission was formed on October 3, 2024, through a notification to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public service by proposing necessary reforms in administrative structures and governance practices.[15] This commission, was led by Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, former chairman of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, is working towards preparing proposals for public administration reforms.[16]
Anti-Corruption Reform Commission
The commission was formed on October 3, 2024, through a notification to eliminate systemic corruption, reform institutions, and restore transparency in governance.[17] The commission, led by Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), is working towards preparing proposals for anti-corruption reforms.[18][19]
Judicial Reform Commission
The commission was formed on October 3, 2024, through a notification to propose necessary reforms aimed at making the judiciary independent, impartial, and effective.[20] The commission, led by Shah Abu Nayeem Mominur Rahman, former Justice of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, is working towards preparing proposals for judicial reforms.[21]
Electoral System Reform Commission
The commission was formed on October 3, 2024, to establish a representative and effective democracy in Bangladesh by ensuring free, fair, and participatory elections through the reform of the existing electoral system, to prepare a report with necessary recommendations for electoral reform.[22] The commission is headed by Badiul Alam Majumdar, through a gazette notification issued by the Cabinet Division. The Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs is providing secretarial support to the commission, while the Election Commission Secretariat is assisting the commission for operational convenience.[23]
Constitutional Reform Commission
The commission was formed in September 2024, with a purpose to prepare a report on the reasons behind the past constitutional failures and to create a roadmap for holding a constituent assembly election to draft and adopt a new, inclusive, democratic constitution, ensuring the inviolability of human dignity.[24][25][26][27]
Women's Affairs Reform Commission
The commission was formed in November 2024, with a purpose to prepare a report on the reasons behind the Women's equal rights, restoring their dignity & respect in society and reducing the discrimination.[28][29][30]