United News of Bangladesh

Law Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said the Constitution Reform Commission did not provide any reform proposals to implement immediately in its final report as any decision regarding the Constitution would be taken based on a political consensus. “It completely depends on the consensus to be built through negotiations of all political parties,” he told reporters at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Saturday evening, referring to recommendations made by the Constitution Reform Commission. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the briefing. Will quit after election following basic reforms: Asif Nazrul The Law Adviser said any decision regarding reforms will be taken based on a consensus engaging with each political party. The six commissions - the Electoral System Reform Commission headed by Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, the Police Administration Reform Commission headed by Sarfaraz Hossain, the Judiciary Reform Commission headed by Justice Shah Abu Naeem Mominur Rahman, Anti-Corruption Reform Commission headed by TIB’s Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Public Administration Reform Commission headed by Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury and Constitution Reform Commission headed by Distinguished Prof at Illinois State University Dr Ali Riaz – submitted their complete reports to the government on Saturday. . Some of the immediate to-do list may require discussion with the political parties, said the Law Adviser, adding that there are some things that are so trivial that it can be done through an administrative order. Indian media involved in AL’s “orchestrated campaign” against Dr Yunus: Press Secretary   The full reports of the six reform commissions were published on the website of the Cabinet Division (https://cabinet.gov.bd/) on Saturday. On February 6, the Law Adviser said the national consensus-building commission, led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, will hold its first dialogue with all political parties and forces in favour of the July Uprising over the reform initiatives in mid-February. The Chief Adviser will chair the meeting, to be held at the Foreign Service Academy, where heads of the six reform commissions will remain present, Asif Nazrul said.

Chairman of the Election Reform Commission Badiul Alam Majumdar has called for political consensus on the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), citing ongoing concerns over their reliability and potential for misuse. Speaking at a press briefing at the Election Commission headquarters on Saturday, Majumdar referred to EVMs as ‘flawed and controversial devices,’ highlighting the contentious debate surrounding their role in the electoral process. “No need to change electoral system”: Former CEC Abu Hena The Election Reform Commission has so far held 21 meetings to address weaknesses in electoral laws, regulations and processes. Based on deliberations in the meetings, the commission has formulated several recommendations aimed at ensuring a more transparent and efficient electoral system. “Our members have also engaged in consultations with diverse stakeholders.  We are also gathering feedback through our website, emails, and social media platforms. So far, we have received 364 emails and messages providing valuable insights,” Majumdar said. Reaffirming the commission’s impartiality, he said, “We have no hidden agenda. Our work is unbiased and not aligned with any political party. We are determined to ensure that past mistakes are not repeated.” Majumdar condemned the alleged role of intelligence agencies in previous elections, accusing them of unlawful harassment of voters and candidates. “Those responsible for such actions should be held accountable. Such irregularities have no place in a democratic electoral process,” he asserted. Challenges with EVM USE The challenges associated with EVMs extend beyond technical issues, encompassing operational inefficiencies and a lack of transparency. The sudden announcement of voting centres, followed by logistical complications, has further eroded public confidence in the electoral process. Some 60,000 to 70,000 malfunctioning EVMs are currently stored at the Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory Limited (BMTF), incurring ongoing warehouse expenses that were not included in the initial project budget. The Election Reform Commission’s recommendations are expected to contribute significantly to making the electoral process more transparent and inclusive, as stakeholders remain hopeful that these efforts will strengthen the democ*ratic framework of the country.

A decision regarding President Mohammed Shahabuddin can be reached through political discussion and national unity, rather than following legal or constitutional means, said Nahid Islam, Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, on Wednesday. The adviser also called for everyone to remain calm and be aware about this issue. He said this in response to a question while talking to reporters at the Secretariat on Wednesday. He further stated, "We have received the message from the people, and the interim government is consulting all stakeholders. A decision may be forthcoming after these discussions." Nation doesn’t expect a constitutional or political crisis: BNP "Whether the president stays in office is not a legal or constitutional matter at this time; it is a political decision," he stated. "In making the decision regarding the president, we are prioritising stability, security, and discipline within the state," he added. "There is no need for demonstrations in front of Bangabhaban or elsewhere. We have heard the people's message, and a decision must be reached through discussion," he emphasized. Nahid also mentioned that there are conspiracies both at home and abroad, urging student protesters to remain vigilant and calm in this context. No decision yet over President issue: Interim govt In response to another question, the adviser stated, "The students have issued an ultimatum. We are currently engaged in discussions on our end, though there is no specific timeline for this process. We will continue our efforts and once we reach a logical decision, we will inform everyone.” Nahid stressed that the decision must prioritize the state and its citizens.