State reform uncertain due to roles of govt, opposition: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed concern over the uncertain future of state reforms, blaming power politics, bureaucratic resistance and the roles of both the government and opposition parties.

In a statement on Friday (October 16), TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the interim government had failed to lay a strong foundation for reforms following the July uprising due to inadequate strategic planning, a lack of political courage and compromises with bureaucratic resistance.

He said the political situation following the national election had further weakened prospects for reform.

Constitutional amendments and institutional changes were increasingly dependent on unilateral decisions by the ruling alliance, while the opposition alliance remained focused on partisan political interests.

Iftekharuzzaman also criticised the repeal of ordinances concerning the Supreme Court Secretariat and judicial appointments, saying the decisions undermined judicial independence.

TIB warned that the failure to implement key reform commitments could jeopardise efforts to establish an accountable system of governance, as envisaged in the July National Charter.

The organisation called for renewed commitment to institutional reforms, accountability and the protection of judicial independence to fulfil the expectations raised by the July uprising.