The heads of five reform commissions formed in the second phase have urged Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to incorporate their key recommendations into the July Charter, saying the reforms are critical to strengthening democracy and meeting public expectations.
In a joint letter delivered to the Chief Adviser’s Office on Sunday, the commission leaders expressed hope that Yunus would take “appropriate and timely measures” to ensure the reforms become part of the national framework.
The letter praised the earlier dialogue led by the National Consensus Commission with political parties, based on recommendations from six issue-specific commissions formed in the first phase. The commission heads described that effort as timely and meaningful but said the next step requires follow-through.
They argued that the proposals from the second-phase commissions—covering media, women, labor, health, and local government—are just as essential for building what they called a “new Bangladesh.”
Despite the short timeline for the interim government, the letter suggested two immediate actions.
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“First, identify the reforms that can be implemented without delay and start the process. Second, include the remaining reform issues in the July Charter so political parties pledge to continue them after the election,” the commission heads wrote.
They cautioned that omitting these reforms from the charter could have long-term consequences. Political parties, they said, might choose to ignore or revoke them in the future. Such a move would also risk public frustration, given the sacrifices made during the July uprising.
“A significant number of workers, women, and journalists lost their lives in July,” the letter stated. “Failing to honor the hopes tied to their sacrifices could fuel disappointment and resentment.”
The commission leaders closed their message by thanking the chief adviser for entrusting them with the responsibility to draft detailed recommendations in these five priority areas.
