BNP forms panels to assess its stance on state reform initiatives

The BNP has formed six committees to determine the party's position on the interim government's state reform initiatives.

These committees will engage with stakeholders to discuss the reforms and develop the party's strategy, which will subsequently be presented to the nation.

A meeting of the BNP Standing Committee, the party's highest policymaking body, held on Tuesday (1 October) night, finalised six committees to formulate a set of recommendations regarding state reforms.

The reform committees that have been formed focus on constitutional amendments, the judiciary, the police department, administration, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Election Commission.

As the interim government prepares to initiate talks with major political parties on Saturday, the BNP will concentrate on the government's proposed roadmap for state reforms and the upcoming election during the discussions, said a party standing committee member.

 "Our meeting discussed the country's latest political situation, state reforms, and the national election," he said.

The BNP leader said they are worried about the slow pace of the government's efforts toward state reforms. 

"We want to engage with the interim government to understand their exact thoughts on the reforms and the election. We will also seek clarity on the interim government's reform initiatives, particularly regarding the roadmap and timeline for these reforms," he added.

He said many members of their Standing Committee believe that the government is unnecessarily delaying the reforms.

BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed recently urged the interim government to announce an election roadmap alongside reforms.

He said there should be no problem in announcing an election roadmap while simultaneously carrying out election-oriented reform activities.

"The interim government has formed six commissions for state reforms. I hope they will carry out their responsibilities effectively. The BNP will also present specific recommendations on this reform process," Salahuddin said.

In an addressed to the nation on 11 September, Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus announced the decision to form six commissions as initial steps for state reform. Six distinguished citizens with relevant expertise have been assigned the responsibility of leading these commissions.

Another BNP standing committee member said their six committees will primarily focus on developing the party's strategy based on the reform activities of the government-formed commissions, as well as formulating relevant actions.

These committees will also prepare to present the BNP's recommendations during talks with other political parties regarding the reforms.

With the government's first meeting with political parties on reforms scheduled for Saturday, a BNP delegation will participate in that meeting, where the party is expected to present some initial proposals on various issues.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said the main task of the BNP's reform committees will be to determine the party's position on reforms and to carry out related activities.

He also said that the BNP is open to detailed discussions about state reforms if the government is willing to engage.

Among the six committees, Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain has been appointed as the convener of the proposed Constitutional Reform Committee.

The other members of the committee include Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, BNP leaders Barrister Nawshad Jamir, Barrister Kaisar Kamal, Barrister Ruhul Kuddus Kajol, Prof Borhan Uddin, Prof Dr Mahfuzul Haque Swapan and Prof Dr Najmul Zaman Bhuiyan Imon.

Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar has been made the convener of the Judicial Reform Committee. The other members of the committee are Advocate Zainul Abedin, Justice Miftah Uddin Chowdhury, Justice Mohammad Rais Uddin, Barrister Kaisar Kamal, Iqtidar Hossain, Barrister Ruhul Kuddus Kajol, Barrister Nawshad Jamir, and Barrister Nasir Uddin Asim.

The Police Reform Committee was formed with BNP Standing Committee member Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed as its convener. The other members include former Home Secretary Zahirul Islam, former IGP Abdul Kaiyum, former DIG Khoda Boksh, and former DIG Khan Sayeed Hasan.

The Administration Reform Committee was constituted with BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed as its convener. The other members include former Cabinet Secretary Abdul Halim, Ismail Jabiuallah, and former Secretary Moniruzzaman Khan.

The Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Committee was formed comprising former Justice Miftah Uddin Chowdhury, Justice Sharifuddin Chaklader, Justice AFM Abdur Rahman, Barrister Badruddoza Badal, and former Secretary Abdur Rashid.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan was made the convener of the Election Commission Reform Committee. The other members include Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed, along with Ismail Jabiuallah and former Secretary Abdur Rashid.