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India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
Bangladesh polls, political reforms can run together: Consensus panel vice-chief
Ali Riaz, a leading political analyst and academic, now serves as vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission in post-Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh. The body is tasked with forging broad-based political agreement under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim a wide-ranging interview with INDIA TODAY, Riaz reflects on the commission's ongoing negotiations with 33 political parties, highlighting that while consensus has been reached on several key reforms, entrenched resistance—particularly from the larger parties—remains a significant obstacle on 12 major contends that the path to reform need not be linear. Contrary to the prevailing binary, he asserts that the processes of democratic reform and preparations for general elections can proceed in You were entrusted with two of the most critical responsibilities in post-uprising Bangladesh. While the task of the Constitutional Reform Commission has been completed, you now serve as vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission. Where do things stand currently?A. Leading the National Consensus Commission is, without doubt, a significantly more complex undertaking (laughs). Nonetheless, we are already midway through the process. Between March 20 and May 19, we held meetings with all 33 registered political parties across 45 sessions. Some of these engagements extended beyond a single day. For instance, our dialogue with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) continued for three consecutive days. We also engaged with the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party over two days have managed to reach full agreement on several issues, while partial consensus has been achieved on others. On some matters, no agreement could be reached at all, and certain proposals were rejected Q. Could you categorise these issues for us?A. To begin with, there is unanimous agreement in principle that Bangladesh should adopt a bicameral system of government and that general elections must be conducted under a caretaker government. However, the specifics, such as structure, size and composition—remain under deliberation. A key issue under debate is the method by which members of the Upper House will be elected, as well as the procedure for forming the caretaker is consensus on the need to establish the post of a deputy speaker, with the agreement that it should be held by a member of the Opposition. Similarly, all parties support the idea that major parliamentary standing committees should be chaired by Opposition has been conclusively agreed that the chief justice of the Supreme Court should be appointed based on seniority. However, whether the appointment should be automatic for the seniormost judge or selected from a panel of three remains a matter of of bribery within the private sector has been agreed upon. The debate lies in determining the extent of state power in enforcing such legislation. All parties concurred that a comprehensive election commission law is essential. Partial agreement exists on reserving 100 seats for women in the Lower House, as well as on revising Article 70 of the Constitution, which currently enforces draconian disciplinary measures against parliamentarians who cross the floor or vote according to existing Article 70 is excessively rigid; it allows for penal action even if a member is simply absent during a vote. Presently, there is general agreement that floor-crossing will continue to be prohibited for finance bills, no-confidence motions and constitutional amendments. The debate is now about relaxing its application beyond those such as establishing a public attorney service to prevent governments from appointing politically affiliated individuals as additional attorneys general have found partial support. The same holds true for the expansion of civil rights, though the legal enforceability of such rights remains contentious.Q. Which of the issues are completely deadlocked?A. One of the principal points of contention is the imposition of a term limit on the office of the prime minister. Our commission proposed a two-term cap for any individual. While many parties were amenable to this, one party in particular has raised objections.Q. Is that party the BNP?A. Indeed, it is. Their proposal is that after serving two consecutive terms, an individual should be allowed to return for a third term following a break of one full term—provided they are re-elected. Further disagreements persist regarding the structure and mandate of the caretaker government. Also, we proposed that the president of the country should be elected by the Upper House and that local government figures, such as chairs and vice-chairs of city corporations and district councils, should be granted voting rights in the process. These proposals remain under debate. Another area of contention is whether constitutional amendments should require a public You mentioned that some proposals were 'thrown out'.A. We had proposed federalising the structure of government by dividing Bangladesh into four provinces. This met with strong Opposition from most political parties. Similarly, our proposal to decentralise the judiciary by establishing high courts in each of the country's seven divisions was rejected. At present, the sole high court is located in Dhaka. We believed that multiple high courts would expedite the delivery of justice. Opponents argued that the Constitution already empowers the chief justice to establish temporary benches in other regions as needed. Our counter-argument is that this currently depends entirely on the discretion of an individual, rather than on the systemic needs of the Would you say it is the larger parties that tend to offer the greatest resistance?A. Yes, the larger parties are generally more resistant to several ideas. Their rationale is that they are reluctant to commit to proposals they may not be able to adhere to in future, as this would open them up to public scrutiny and criticism. Their stakes are significantly present, there are 12 major issues that remain under active debate. Nevertheless, I am optimistic. Once the second round of discussions commences, likely in the first week of June, there will be greater flexibility from all parties, regardless of size or ideology. Every party we met acknowledged the need for reform. Not a single one was categorically opposed. While the degree of commitment may vary, there is a common understanding that the existing governmental structure has the potential to evolve into autocracy if left unaltered.Q. What are your thoughts on elections—arguably the most contentious issue in Bangladesh at present?A. There are currently three distinct perspectives on this matter. One group believes that substantial reforms must be enacted before any elections are held. Another believes elections should take place first, with the understanding that parties will be bound to implement reforms thereafter, especially since reforms are seen as the moral foundation of the July 2024 uprising. A third perspective echoes the first but demands more extensive reforms before the Commission's point of view, we believe reforms and elections need not be treated as mutually exclusive or sequential processes. They can and should proceed in parallel. Preparations for elections can take place simultaneously with the reform process.Q. Bangladesh army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman's remarks on elections have sparked controversy. Do you believe such statements undermine the work of the Commission?A. I do not think so. Moreover, I do not see the military and the government as entirely distinct entities—the army is, after all, part of the state apparatus. The army chief expressed his views, and his statement should be regarded as one of many opinions.Q. There has been resistance to your proposal to formally declare Bangladesh a 'pluralist' state in the revised Constitution.A. The resistance came from several parties. Their concern was that the term 'pluralism' might be perceived as contradictory to the monotheistic philosophy of Islam, thereby conveying an incorrect message to the broader public. After extensive deliberation, we proposed the following wording for inclusion in the Constitution: 'Bangladesh ekti bohutyavaadi, bohu-jaati, bohu-dhormee, bohu-bhashee o bohu-sangskritir desh jekhane sokol somprodaayer sohabosthaan o jothartho morjada nischit kora hobe.' (Bangladesh is a pluralist, multi-community, multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-cultural country, where the coexistence and appropriate dignity of all communities will be ensured.)Q. Finally, by when do you expect the work of the National Consensus Commission to be completed?A. We began on February 15 and were given a deadline of six months (August 15). However, I am determined to complete our mandate by July. This will allow us to commemorate the first anniversary of the July uprising by presenting the nation with a new national charter—one that outlines a visionary and inclusive path is vital that the people of Bangladesh are made aware of the issues on which we achieved consensus and those that remain unresolved. This transparency will enable the public to hold future governments accountable. Should these parties genuinely desire reform, they will have the opportunity to pursue it themselves. And if not, the people will compel them—either through elections or by other democratic to India Today Magazine
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India.com
a day ago
- Business
- India.com
New Bangladesh Currency Notes With Images Of Hindu, Buddhist Temples; Founding Father Mujibur Rehmans Pic Replaced
New Delhi: In one of the most significant and sweeping changes under the regime of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of Bangladesh, currency notes in the neighbouring country will no longer bear the photographs of the 'father of the nation' late Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, whose daughter Sheikh Hasina had an unceremonious exit from the country last year after stepping down as prime minister. According to reports, Bangladesh has recently started issuing newly designed banknotes which do not feature the photograph of the founder of the country, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, popularly also referred to as 'Bangabandhu'. It has been learnt that the authorities in Bangladesh, just ahead of Sunday (June 1), reportedly issued a new series of currency notes which, for a historic first time, do not feature Mujibur Rahman's photograph. Sources in the know of the development believe that the new bank notes were issued on Sunday to do away with the currency's previous design. Reports citing a senior official of Bangladesh's central bank suggested the newly designed currency series "no longer features the portrait of any human figure". The new bank notes now feature natural landscapes, historical landmarks, etc., showcasing the cultural heritage of Bangladesh. The new currency notes also includes images of Hindu temples and Buddhist places of worship. Sources submitted that out of the nine denominations, three have been issued till now while the rest of the denominations likely to be introduced later. A source said that the current and existing banknotes and coins, however, will continue to be in circulation. Notably, the recent change in the design of banknotes is not the first time that political developments have had an influence on the appearance of 'Taka' -- the Bangladeshi currency. Also, it is pertinent to mention that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's photograph for the design of the bank notes in Bangladesh was introduced much later as the initial series of notes which were issued after Independence featured the country's map.
India.com
3 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Anti-India Yunus makes another big move against Sheikh Hasina as Bangladeshi crimes tribunal to..., state-run TV will...
(File) In another major move by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim regime targeting Sheikh Hasina, the International Crimes Tribunal Bangladesh (ICT-BD) will formally hear a slew of charges against the deposed Prime Minister on Sunday, and the proceedings will be broadcasted live on the state-run BTV, in a first in the country's history. A first in Bangladesh's judicial history Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power and forced to flee to India on August 5 last year after a massive student-led agitation, is facing multiple cases, including that of murder, corruption, and war crimes, in Bangladesh courts that have so far debarred photography or telecast of trial proceedings against her. However, the decision of the International Crimes Tribunal Bangladesh (ICT-BD) to allow live telecast of the trial proceedings against Hasina, who could face a death sentence if convicted of the serious charges against her, is poised to set a new precedent in Bangladesh's judicial history. Earlier in February, the three-judge ICT-BD had ordered the investigation against Sheikh Hasina to be completed by April. 'The prosecution will submit formal charges against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina at the ICT-BD tomorrow in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising,' the state-run BSS said, according to news agency PTI. Tribunal to hear charges against other Awami League leaders In a statement, ICT-BD prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told the media that proceedings would start at 9.30 am local time, and will be broadcasted live on Bangladesh Television (BTV)– the country's national broadcaster. 'The entire nation will witness the submission of the first formal charges to the tribunal against influential figures of the ousted Awami League government, including Sheikh Hasina,' Gazi said, adding that the move would 'ensure transparency in the judicial process'. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said the ICT-BD would simultaneously hear charges against former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, both in jail to stand trial. What is the International Crimes Tribunal-Bangladesh? The International Crimes Tribunal Bangladesh (ICT-BD) was original formed to prosecute Bangladeshi leaders, civil servants, army officials, and others, who had collaborated with the Pakistan Army during the 1971 Liberation War. Notably, six top leaders of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and one leader of the former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were hanged to death after they were convicted by the tribunal. Earlier, the tribunal had issued an arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina, while interim government in Dhaka has sought her repatriation from India in a diplomatic note. New Delhi has only acknowledged receipt with no further comment. The fall of Sheikh Hasina On August 5 2024, the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League regime was ousted from power after mass student protests led by the Students against Discrimination (SAD). Three days later, an Interim Government came to power in Dhaka with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus at his helm as Chief Advisor. Hasina fled to India, while most leaders and officials of her Awami League party and government, were arrested to face serious charges like mass murder, genocide, corruption, among others, primarily to calm the protests who demanded strict action against the Hasina regime for allegedly killing hundreds, including civilians during the protest. According to a UN rights office report some 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 last year as violence continued even after the fall of the past regime. (With PTI inputs)
India.com
3 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Pakistan's friend Turkey to make weapons in Bangladesh? Yunus regime in talks with Ankara to..., concern for India because...
(File) Bangladesh Turkey relations: In a concerning development for India, Turkey, which openly supported Pakistan, and even supplied the enemy forces with advanced military drones during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, is in talks with the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh to build defence industrial complexes in Chittagong and Narayanganj. BIDA chief visits Turkey, discusses defence cooperation According to media reports, the proposed defence cooperation between Ankara and Dhaka was discussed at length during the recent five-day visit of Bangladesh Industrial Development Authority chief Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun to Turkey, that also included a trip to the Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi)– a state-owned arms industry located in Kirikkale in Turkey's Central Anatolia region. As per reports in the Bangladeshi media, Harun's visit was aimed developing deeper strategic Bangladesh-Turkey defence relations, discuss co-production of weapons, technology transfer, and capacity building. The Bangladeshi official and his colleagues reportedly received classified briefings on the MKE manufacturing floor, testing site and artillery systems, energy and small arms manufacturing. Notably, Bangladesh purchased 18 MKE Boran 105 mm howitzer units last year, and plans to acquire an additional 200 units of the Turkish-made artillery gun in the near future. Additionally, Dhaka is also mulling to purchase the Otokar Tulpar light tanks from Turkey. Bangladesh-Turkey defence relations Bangladesh-Turkey defence ties strengthened under the Sheikh Hasina regime in 2018 when Dhaka procured 15 different types of military hardware, including Bayraktar TB2 drones, from Ankara. Dhaka's latest engagement with the Turkish arms industry is aimed at boosting the defence cooperation between the two nations to a whole new level, that includes industrial integration and technology transfer for Bangladesh. Reports claim that formal talks to set to begin to materialise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), besides institutionalizing a defence industrial working group, between the two countries. The development comes at a time when India-Pakistan tensions are at a fever pitch post Operation Sindoor, which was conducted by Indian Armed Forces to avenge last month's barbaric Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians in Kashmir valley. Experts have noted that the entry of Turkey, which has emerged as an anti-India force after supporting Pakistan in the recent conflict– in India's eastern neighbourhood, is a matter of major concern for New Delhi, especially during the current situation.
India Today
27-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Yunus govt facing protests across Bangladesh, teachers now halt work
The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, which is under mounting pressure from the army and political parties, now faces a fresh challenge – protests across Bangladesh. It has already been besieged by protesting civil servants since Saturday. Now, thousands of primary school teachers, under the banner of the Primary Assistant Teachers' Unity Council, have started an indefinite strike across teachers have been demanding a hike in wages, reported the Dhaka-based Prothom had been partially abstaining from work since May 5 but began a complete work halt on Monday, reported the Daily Star. The nationwide strike by primary teachers is being observed unevenly across cities and districts in Bangladesh, reported the Dhaka-based newspaper, NewAgeBD, on Dhaka, pockets like Sutrapur, Demra, and Gulshan saw partial participation, with many teachers conducting classes but refraining from administrative tasks. In contrast, the strike was more widespread in the eastern cities of Chattogram and Rangamati, where teachers abstained from all teaching duties. While Rajshahi and Rangpur witnessed a mix of full-day and partial strikes, Barishal remained largely unaffected, reported the three-point demands include setting their starting salary at the 11th grade on the national pay scale, resolving issues related to obtaining higher grades after 10 and 16 years of service, and ensuring faster promotions, including promoting assistant teachers to fill all headteacher development comes at a time when Yunus' fragile regime is facing protests from all sides, just days after he reportedly hinted at resigning, following pushback from Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman on several fronts, including the warning about early elections and the Rakhine SURROUND YUNUS GOVERNMENTThousands of primary school teachers in Bangladesh joined civil servants, who had been protesting since Saturday, May 24, against the Yunus government's draft ordinance which allowed their dismissal for misconduct within 14 days without due ordinance, which was approved by the interim government on Monday night, sparked outrage across the bureaucracy, which branded it "repressive" and demanded its immediate Tuesday, protesting civil servants threatened to expand their agitation to government offices nationwide if their demands are not met, reported Prothom Alo. Nurul Islam, the co-chairman of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers-Employees Unity Forum, said that the protests would become more intense in the interim government, until Sunday, had been facing protests from National Board of Revenue employees as a result of an order to dissolve the tax body and split it into two divisions under the finance ministry. However, after the order was withdrawn on Sunday, the strike was called ROCK BANGLADESH AMID POLITICAL UNCERTAINTYadvertisementFor the last few weeks, the Yunus government has been grappling with intense political turmoil and widespread protests, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).The interim government's head, Yunus, threatened to resign on May 23, citing a lack of support from political parties for crucial followed a stern warning from Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, who demanded elections by December 2025, aligning with the BNP's push for a clear electoral BNP, led by Khaleda Zia, staged large-scale protests in Dhaka, accusing the government of delaying polls to cling to power. Tensions escalated after Zaman criticised the unilateral decisions, including the controversial Rakhine corridor plan, which sparked fears of a civil-military supporters, backed by the student-led National Citizen's Party and Islamists, planned a "March for Yunus" on May interim government warned of "public-backed action" against obstructions, while the BNP alleged a conspiracy to delay held marathon talks with multiple parties for two days over the weekend to bring them on common ground and agree to a mutually accepted the Awami League banned and public unrest growing, Bangladesh is facing deepening uncertainty as stakeholders are clashing over the path to InMust Watch
