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The time for crucial state reforms is now, as failing to implement them at this moment will make them impossible in the future, Labour and Employment Advisor Sakhawat Hussain has said.
Speaking at a national dialogue on "Unity, Reform, and Elections" organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies, or FBS, at the Krishibid Institution of Bangladesh in Dhaka’s Farmgate on Saturday, he explained the current political situation as a unique moment for reforms.
Sakhawat said, "The youth of Bangladesh, over 2,000 of them have sacrificed their lives in the streets, and more than 2,000 remain in hospitals.”
“At the [Combined Military Hospital], there are between 36 and 37 critically injured, and a few more martyrs are being added daily."
He continued, "In the early 21st century, such a large revolution has surely never happened in the subcontinent, and I don’t think anything of this scale has occurred anywhere else in the world.
“This context is why we are now discussing reforms and elections.”
The advisor recalled the reforms attempted in 2007, saying: "We made some progress back then, but they were undone due to the political parties in power.”
“I am not suggesting we should stay for five or six years; reforms can be made at any time. It might take a year, and then elections can follow.
“What is necessary now is a mutual understanding between the political parties."
The former election commissioner also emphasised the need for electoral system reforms, reports bdnews24.com.
“There have been many discussions about the election process. We have also talked about it extensively.”
“My view is that it should be based on a mix of partial proportional representation and majority system. Both seem logical to me."
Sakhawat also stressed the importance of introducing a bicameral parliament in Bangladesh.
"A bicameral system is essential for the country. If it is established, I believe it will bring in diverse people who can create a guideline.”
“This might eliminate the need for a caretaker government before elections."
He also remarked that the "Political Party Act" is crucial. "Without the law, the duties and responsibilities of political parties remain unclear.”
The advisor pointed out the issues with political involvement, saying: "Currently, we see people from the military or civil services, after retirement, seeking to become MPs, while businesspeople with no background in politics enter the field just by spending large sums of money for nominations.
“This practice, known as nomination trade, must be stopped."
Sakhawat said there was a three-year moratorium to stop this practice, but it has now been lifted.
"It was proposed that an individual must be a primary member of a political party for at least three years, and this should be verified to ensure that they have spent that time within the political party," he added.