50% of short-term recommendations from 6 reform commissions can be implemented within a month: Asif Nazrul

Half of the short-term and immediate actions recommended by the six reform commissions can be implemented within a month, said Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul today (8 February).

"The commissions gave recommendations in three phases, short-term, medium-term, and long-term. At least 50% of the short-term and immediate actions can be implemented within a month, in my personal opinion," he said at a press briefing in the Foreign Service Academy in the capital regarding the urgent issues recommended by these commissions.

"A lot of these reforms have already been done. The immediate actions generally take about six months to implement," he added.

Reports of 6 reform commissions made publicly available

The interim government today made the reports of the six reform commissions it had formed after taking over following the ouster of the Awami League government last year.

The full reports of the Electoral Reform Commission, Police Reform Commission, Judiciary Reform Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission, Public Administration Reform Commission, and Constitution Reform Commission (Part One) were published on the website of the Cabinet Division -- cabinet.gov.bd -- today.

At the briefing, Asif said the Constitution Reform Commission has not recommended any immediate actions to take. 

Will quit after election following basic reforms: Asif Nazrul

"The recommendations made require political consensus. On the other hand, there are many immediate actions needed by the judicial commission — about 100 or so. These include establishing a data centre, creating separate arrangements for women and children, using technology to record signatures for government purposes," he said.

"These are non-negotiable and we will implement them very soon," stressed the adviser.

On ways to address criminal cases, the adviser noted that there are numerous adjournments. 

"Hearings get postponed and timelines are extended. We want to set limits here to reduce people's suffering. In this regard, everyone in Bangladesh will agree. If further discussions are needed, we will have them."

Asif Nazrul said over the past 55-56 years, political parties have made many reforms. Every party has its own ideas about reform. 

"If political parties no longer have doubts that these reforms are being made to prolong their stay in power, many things will be implemented."

Regarding the government's tenure, he said, "I want to make it clear that this government has no intention of wasting time or prolonging its stay in power. We want to ensure free and fair elections and fulfill the fundamental conditions for state repairs through political consensus. Along with making the urgent reforms needed for this, we want to transition through the election process. There is no room for any doubt or confusion regarding this."