United News of Bangladesh

Referring to six reform commissions’ recommendations, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday said there are some recommendations that do not require political dialogue to implement. Briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, Alam said these specific recommendations can be implemented by the ministries concerned. Magura girl’s condition deteriorated further:  Shafiqul Alam As there is no financial involvement for taking these administrative and policy decisions, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus directed them to take the decision quickly, the Press Secretary said. Alam said a document is being prepared in this regard and these decisions will be given to each relevant ministry and they will implement those in their own way. The six reform commissions - Constitution, Judiciary, Electoral System, Public Administration, Police and Anti-Corruption Commission - have submitted a good number of recommendations to the interim government. The Press Secretary said some 560 model mosques were built during the “dictatorship” (Sheikh Hasina regime) and it cost about one billion dollars. He said many irregularities have been reported and the Ministry of Religious Affairs has formed a committee to investigate these allegations. Govt focused on price stability, essential commodity supply: Shafiqul Alam The Press Secretary said the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations will provide US$ 4 million to Bangladesh for preserving fruits. Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were present at the briefing. Wealth linked to Hasina, family found in UK and US: CA's press secretary The briefing was held after the meeting of the Council of Advisers, chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Yunus.  

The interim government will start formal talks with political parties in February next for reaching a consensus over the reform initiatives. Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said this at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy after the submission of the reports of the four reform commissions. "I think the talks with political parties could be opened in the middle of February next," said Rizwana Hasan. However, Asif Nazrul said if the coordination works can be finished quickly, the formal talks with political parties can be opened in the first week of February. Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam also spoke. Earlier, the chiefs of four commissions -- Constitutional Reform Commission, Electoral Reform Commission, Police Administration Reform Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Reform Commission-- submitted their reports to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at his office. At the briefing, the advisers said the reform commissions have been given one more month to coordinate regarding overlapping issues and carry out related works. Bangladesh's ties with major powers not govt-specific: Foreign Adviser However, the full reports of six reform commissions-these four commissions, the Judiciary Reform Commission and the Public Administration Reform Commission- will be made public by January 31 next. About the reform plan, Asif Nazrul said there are four phases of the government reform work plan –-- preparation of the reform reports by the commissions, holding talks with political parties to reach consensus over reform proposals made by the commissions,  formation of necessary laws and policies on the basis of consensus and implementation of agreed reform proposals.     He said a national consensus commission has been formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus for holding talks with the stakeholders. “We hope and wish that we will be able to complete the entire tasks. However, this depends mainly on the consensus of the political parties --how much they can agree on reforms,” said the law adviser. July mass killing trial could be completed before election: Asif Nazrul Referring to the announcement made by the Chief Adviser in his national address on December 16 last over election time, he said if political parties agree for minimum reform, the election would be held this year and if they want more desired reforms, the election would be held by June, 2026. During the talks, the government will identify the minimum reform issues and there is political consensus on the issues. Besides, the government will also identify other desired reform issues, he said. “If they (the chiefs of the six commissions) can finish the work early, it (talks with political parties) could start in the first week of February,” said Asif Nazrul. Talking about the coordination works of the commissions, Rizwana said the government will extend the working time for the six commissions by one month through a notification on Thursday. She said the government will be able to give a roadmap on what reforms should be done instantly and what should be done later. “We think we will be able to give you a roadmap within a month,” she said. Asif Mahmud said people have aspirations for reform and the reform commissions have addressed the public aspirations. “We believe that the aspirations of the July Uprising and the aspirations for a structural reform of Bangladesh will be implemented,” he said. CA Dr Yunus receives reports of 4 reform commissions   The government will be able to bring reforms in every sector of the state system on the basis of consensus and talks will be held with all stakeholders including political parties and civil society over the reports of the reform commissions, said the LGRD adviser. “Following consensus among all, our government will take the responsibility of implementing it (reforms). In this regard, we expect cooperation from all,” he said.

The Local Government Reform Commission is poised to recommend significant changes to expand the participation of competent individuals and improve services in local government bodies. The proposed reforms would allow full-time employees of government services, councils, or other local authorities to serve as public representatives, except in top positions like chairman or mayor. Under the new recommendations, individuals holding a full-time office of profit in the Republic or any council or local authority—who are also local voters—could become members or councillors in local government bodies. But they would be barred from serving as chairmen or mayors, which are deemed full-time roles. 6 reform commissions not submitting their reports today, new submission dates set The reform aims to attract socially accepted and skilled individuals to serve as public representatives to enhance grassroots services. Presently, existing laws prevent anyone holding a full-time office of profit in the service of the Republic, council, or local authority (e.g., government employees or teachers) from contesting local body elections. Dr Tofail Ahmed, head of the commission, emphasised that the role of members and councillors in local government bodies such as Union Parishads, Municipalities, Upazila Parishads, Zila Parishads, and City Corporations is considered part-time work, warranting the removal of current restrictions. “This system exists in other countries. Members and councillors’ roles are part-time, unlike the full-time roles of chairmen or mayors,” he said. Proposals to Improve Local Government Services To better serve local communities, the commission will also recommend increasing the number of wards in Union Parishads with large populations. Currently, each Union Parishad has nine fixed wards, as stipulated by the Local Government (Union Parishad) Act 2009. A Union Parishad consists of 13 members: one chairman, nine general ward members, and three women members from reserved seats. In another move, the commission plans to propose holding local government elections in a non-partisan manner, removing the use of political party symbols in mayoral and chairman races. This change aims to attract credible candidates and reduce political polarisation in local governance. Since 2015, political party symbols have been used in local body elections following amendments to relevant laws. Dr Ahmed highlighted that opinions from various stakeholders strongly support the removal of party symbols. “Almost a consensus has been reached over this matter,” he noted. The commission also plans to recommend higher salaries for chairmen and mayors, given their full-time responsibilities. Health reforms based on commission's recommendations: Adviser Challenges Facing Local Government Despite its crucial role in addressing grassroots problems and fostering community development, Bangladesh’s local government system faces numerous challenges, including limited resources, bureaucratic hurdles, corruption, and a lack of accountability and capacity. Financial dependence on the central government remains a significant issue, with insufficient funding and human resources impeding the effective delivery of services. Allegations of corruption and political interference further exacerbate these problems. Govt extends tenure of 6 reform commissions A Historical Perspective Local governance in Bangladesh has its roots in the British colonial period (1757–1947). The enactment of the Bengal Local Self-Government Act of 1885 laid the groundwork for decentralised administration. After independence in 1971, the Union Parishad became the primary rural administrative unit, with direct elections introduced in 1973. The Upazila Parishad system evolved from the 1982 recommendations of the Committee for Administrative Reform and Reorganisation (CARR) and was reintroduced in 1998 after being abolished in 1991. City Corporations like Dhaka and Chittagong were elevated to their status in 1990, followed by the establishment of others. The Zila Parishad, one of the oldest local government institutions, dates back to the colonial era. Despite being restructured in 1988, its effectiveness was limited until the first elections were held in 2016, marking a significant milestone in participatory democracy. The government formed the five-member Local Government Reform Commission, headed by Prof. Tofail Ahmed, through a gazette notification on November 18. The commission’s recommendations aim to strengthen the local government structure and empower grassroots institutions.

Ganosamhati Andolan’s Chief Coordinator Junaid Saki has said that reforms and elections are intrinsically linked, stating that both are necessary for meaningful political change. "Just as there will be no elections without reforms, many reforms without elections will not be possible," Saki said during a public dialogue titled "Establishing a New Political Settlement for the Democratic Transformation of the State" at the Jatiya Press Club on Saturday. Saki stressed that the next election date should be determined through discussions involving all stakeholders and highlighted the need for a power structure rooted in accountability to the people. "The power of the future must be the power of accountability of the people," he said. Drive against polythene: Tk 29 lakh fine realised,  60,000kg polythene seized While Bangladesh has made significant progress over the last 53 years, justice for the country's people remains elusive, Saki bemoaned. He pointed out that the prolonged authoritarian style of governance has hindered progress, calling for structural changes to the 1972 Constitution. "The power has been going on in a fascist manner for so long, it has to be changed." 5 brickfields in Feni fined Tk 58 lakh; 2 others evicted Saki also underscored the importance of uniting people in the fight for democratic transformation and warned against divisive tactics. "Only if there is accountability of power, it is possible to establish the rule of law in society." Urging vigilance, he called on citizens to remain united in ensuring a democratic and just society. Political analysts and activists joined the event.

The government has extended the tenure of six reform commissions tasked with addressing major challenges and driving improvements across various sectors. The Cabinet Division issued a notification to this effect on Thursday. According to the notification, the tenures of the Public Administration Reform Commission, Police Reform Commission, Electoral Reform Commission, Anti-Corruption Reform Commission, Constitutional Reform Commission, and Judiciary Reform Commission have been extended. The tenures of five of the commissions, excluding the Judiciary Reform Commission, have been extended until January 15. However, the Judiciary Reform Commission’s tenure has been extended until January 31, added the notification. 6 reform commissions not submitting their reports today, new submission dates set The Constitutional Reform Commission was formed on October 6, while the other five commissions were established on October 3, with a 90-day deadline to submit their reports. As such, the term of all the commissions, except the Constitutional Reform Commission, was due to end on Thursday (January 2). The tenure of the Constitutional Reform Commission was originally set to end on 4 January. Reform Commission to recommend scrapping police verification for passports, govt jobs The extensions aim to provide the necessary time for the commissions to complete their tasks and submit their final reports.

The government has extended the term of the Constitution Reform Commission until January 15, according to an official notification issued by the Cabinet Division. The notification further stated on Thursday  that the decision comes into immediate effect. 6 reform commissions not submitting their reports today, new submission dates set Earlier, the Constitution Reform Commission had informed that their report would be submitted to the Chief Adviser by January 7.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Monday underscored the urgent need for sweeping reforms in Bangladesh's judiciary, mentioning that political appointments of judges have undermined its integrity. “The appointment of judges based on political loyalty in the High Court is a major factor behind the collapse of Bangladesh's judiciary. No matter how sensitive or contentious the term ‘reform’ is, we have no alternative to it,” said Nazrul at a dialogue titled "Dialogue for Democratic Reconstruction on Judiciary" at the CIRDAP Auditorium. If Bangladesh isn't built back better than before, July Uprising will have failed: Asif Nazrul The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) organised the dialogue. Criticising the recruitment culture, he said, “If judges are appointed based on their allegiance to political slogans like 'Jai Bangla' or 'Zindabad’, there can be no hope for justice. We need to rethink our approach and provide actionable frameworks, such as charts, for tracking progress instead of merely issuing recommendations.” Regarding the issue of lower court independence, he said, “We often focus solely on ensuring the independence of the lower courts, which typically means their accountability to the High Court. But if the High Court itself is the most corrupt and politically loyal institution, how can we ensure judicial independence?” To ensure greater transparency, Asif Nazrul recommended establishing an independent secretariat or Registrar General's office for the High Court. “This proposal, initiated by the Chief Justice, is under consideration, and we plan to hold consultations on its implementation,” he said.  

Speakers at a dialogue said that the income inequality in Bangladesh is widening due to indirect tax burden to lower income groups, while rich people are paying less comparing to their income and wealth. The speakers said this while speaking at a policy dialogue on ‘Using direct taxation to tackle inequality and boost revenue’ held at BRAC Inn in the capital on Wednesday (December 28, 2022). Dr. Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, Chairman of Research and Policy integration for Development (RAPID) presented a keynote paper on the topic. Former chairman of NBR Dr Muhammad Abdul Mazid, Director General of BCS (Tax) Academy MM Fazlul Haque, Professor of DU Dr Abu Eusuf, Finance Division (budget) joint secretary Dr Mohammad Abu Yusuf, ERD Joint Secretary Md Anowar Hossain, among others, spoke in the function. Read more: Tax return submission deadline extended to January 1, 2023 RAPID Chairman Dr Razzaque explained in the keynote paper that income inequality is widening in society despite growth in manufacturing, agriculture, and other sectors due to an unjust taxation system. This income discrimination would be more if the reform in the taxation system is not done with a strong commitment to the nation, he pointed out. “Comparing the small GDP of many other economies in the world, Bangladesh earns only 35 percent of its revenue from direct tax while it is 65 percent from indirect tax. It is expected to be 70 percent revenue from the direct tax, considering the volume of the country’s (Bangladesh) economy like some other countries,” he added. Dr Razzaque said that recently the NBR announced to increase the share of direct tax from 35 to 70 percent of total revenue – which is a welcome initiative and will drive economic growth and strengthen the government’s ability to provide essential public services. Read more: Present tax system is not in favour of industrial development: BCI But the implementation of the target is far behind the projected time, he said. Dr Abdul Mazid said, “The NBR must be established as a state agency, and not a government agency. As such, NBR should not be dependent on the government. Rather, it should be an independent operator on behalf of the state.” He emphasized long-term planning to increase revenue collection by reforming Bangladesh's taxation system and the NBR.

Thousands of protestors are expected to rally in Washington, D.C., Saturday and in separate demonstrations around the country as part of a renewed push for nationwide gun control. Motivated by a fresh surge in mass shootings, from Uvalde, Texas, to Buffalo, New York, protestors say lawmakers must take note of shifting public opinion and finally enact sweeping reforms. Organizers expect the second March for Our Lives rally to draw around 50,000 demonstrators to the Washington Monument. That’s far less than the original 2018 march, which filled downtown Washington with more than 200,000 people. This time, organizers are focusing on holding smaller marches at an estimated 300 locations. “We want to make sure that this work is happening across the country,” said Daud Mumin, co-chairman of the march’s board of directors and a recent graduate of Westminster College in Salt Lake City. “This work is not just about D.C., it’s not just about senators.” The first march was spurred by the Feb. 14, 2018, killings of 14 students and three staff members by a former student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. That massacre sparked the creation of the youth-led March For Our Lives movement, which successfully pressured the Republican-dominated Florida state government to enact sweeping gun control reforms. The Parkland students then took aim at gun laws in other states and nationally, launching March for Our Lives and holding the big rally in Washington on March 24, 2018. The group did not match the Florida results at the national level, but has persisted in advocating for gun restrictions since then, as well as participating in voter registration drives. Now, with another string of mass shootings bringing gun control back into the national conversation, organizers of this weekend’s events say the time is right to renew their push for a national overhaul. “Right now we are angry,” said Mariah Cooley, a March For Our Lives board member and a senior at Washington’s Howard University. “This will be a demonstration to show that us as Americans, we’re not stopping anytime soon until Congress does their jobs. And if not, we’ll be voting them out.” The protest comes at a time of renewed political activity on guns and a crucial moment for possible action in Congress. READ: School massacre continues Texas’ grim run of mass shootings Survivors of mass shootings and other incidents of gun violence have lobbied legislators and testified on Capitol Hill this week. Among them was Miah Cerrillo, an 11-year-old girl who survived the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. She told lawmakers how she covered herself with a dead classmate’s blood to avoid being shot. On Tuesday, actor Matthew McConaughey appeared at the White House briefing room to press for gun legislation and made highly personal remarks about the violence in his hometown of Uvalde. The House has passed bills that would raise the age limit to buy semi-automatic weapons and establish federal “red flag” laws. But such initiatives have traditionally stalled or been heavily watered down in the Senate. Democratic and Republican senators had hoped to reach agreement this week on a framework for addressing the issue and talked Friday, but they had not announced an accord by early evening. Mumin referred to the Senate as “where substantive action goes to die,” and said the new march is meant to spend a message to lawmakers that public opinion on gun control is shifting under their feet. ”If they’re not on our side, there are going to be consequences — voting them out of office and making their lives a living hell when they’re in office,” he said.

The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB), a concern of the commerce ministry, organized a  dialogue on ‘reformation to VAT system’. The programme focused on the present context of appropriate VAT collection, structural reforms of VAT management, increase in VAT net and compliance with VAT law. The programme was held on Tuesday evening at the ICMAB Ruhul Quddus Auditorium, in the capital. Director General of the Department of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Dr. Md. Abdur Rauf was present as the chief guest while relevant committee members formed by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) were present as discussants in the dialogue. The discussion was presided over by Md. Mamunur Rashid FCMA, President of ICMAB. He said, “Cost audit is not a mere audit of expenses and financial accuracy; it is an audit of performance, efficiency and financial morality”.  He called for adding cost of goods sold statement with company return after getting certification from Cost and Management Accountants, so the revenue of the NBR will be increased He mentioned that Bangladesh is now an emerging country to invest. In that case, the VAT law and regulations should be business friendly. Dr. Md. Abdur Rauf said, VAT System is a tax system based on accounting. He agreed that Cost and Management Accountants in particular have a huge role to play in controlling production costs in the process of value addition and production. In order to make the Value Added Tax Act more modern, up-to-date and realistic, the recommendations will be taken into account. Md. Mashiur Rahman FCMA, Deputy Project Director, National Single Window presented paper on the subject, Kazi Muhammad Ziauddin FCMA, Additional Commissioner, Customs, conducted the program. Abdus Sattar Sarkar FCMA,  Jayant Kumar Poddar FCMA and Md. Saifur Rahman FCMA were present as discussants.