State reforms and implementation of the July National Charter have become hostage to power politics and bureaucratic interests, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said on Friday, marking one year since the charter was signed.
In a statement, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the interim government failed to lay a strong foundation for reforms due to a lack of strategic planning, political courage and compromises with bureaucratic resistance.
He said the ruling alliance’s refusal to take an oath as members of the proposed Constitution Reform Council had created uncertainty over implementation, while the opposition was pursuing partisan interests instead of supporting reforms in the public interest.
Of 133 ordinances issued by the interim government, the current government enacted many that strengthened executive powers while repealing or suspending others intended to ensure accountability, he said.
Iftekharuzzaman urged all political parties to work together to implement the charter, strengthen democracy and social justice, ensure accountable governance and prevent a return to authoritarian rule.