Have patience for election

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday said the government would issue a roadmap to the election as soon decisions on electoral reforms are made.

In a televised address to the nation, marking 100 days of the interim government, Yunus said that the reforms may delay the election by a few months.
Several reform commissions are working, and they will hopefully submit their reports between December and January. The government will then discuss the recommendations with political parties.
“The reform proposals will be finalised based on everyone’s consensus,” he said.
The question of when the next election will take place is on everyone’s mind. “It is on our minds too.”
The government is taking the steps necessary to arrange the election. The new Election Commission will be formed in a few days, he said.
The EC will start updating the voter’s list. For the first time, the government is working to find a way for expatriate citizens to vote through postal ballots, Prof Yunus said.
But forming an EC does not end the government’s responsibility. “Reforming the state system is a key commitment of this government. You have given us this mandate.”
One of the six reform commissions is the Electoral Reform Commission. The recommendations of the Constitutional Reform Commission are essential for political parties and people so that they can reach a consensus on election-related matters.

“Based on the consensus… electoral laws will need to be amended.
“I am not sure how much opportunity we will have to implement the proposed reforms. However, I assure you, if you allow us, we will make some necessary reforms and hold the election you desire. Until then, I request you all to be patient.
“We want to create an election system that will be in place for generations. This will protect our country from political crises. For this, I am requesting the necessary time from you. Once decisions on electoral reforms are made, you will get the election roadmap fast.”
The interim government should not deprive the nation of the fulfilment of its aspiration of a new political environment.
“The train to the election has started rolling. It will not stop. But as we move forward, we need to do a lot of work. The train will reach its final station depending on how quickly we can lay down the tracks, and this will happen through consensus among the political parties.”
Additional time may be needed to reach a consensus on other important reforms. “We will continue to ask the public and political parties what reforms they want ahead of the election. Some reforms may occur during the election process.
“The election may be delayed by a few months to implement the reforms.”
The most important task is to organise a free and fair election and let the winner take over.
The government maintains regular communication with political parties. “We take their opinions on various issues. These opinions are largely reflected in our decisions. Their opinions are considered in the reform process.”
At the beginning of the 34-minute speech Prof Yunus remembered the martyrs of the Liberation War and the martyrs of the July uprising.
The interim government took office when the country was in utter chaos, he said.
Around 1,500 students and others were killed and 19,931 were injured during the uprising. Their rehabilitation and treatment will be ensured.
“We will surely bring justice for each killing. The efforts for justice regarding the July-August killings are progressing. We will demand the repatriation of the fallen dictator, Sheikh Hasina, from India,” he said.
The government will ensure justice for all the misdeeds committed in the last 15 years. “Innumerable people have been victims of enforced disappearance or killed during this period.”
The commission for enforced disappearances has information on 1,600 instances of enforced disappearances. The commission believes this number will exceed 3,500, he said.
Many are still scared to report enforced disappearances. “Please report to the commission with full confidence. No one has the power to harm you again.”
The testimonies the commission received from the victims are heart-wrenching.
Those involved in these crimes will face justice. No matter how powerful the accused are, or which force they belong to, there will be no mercy, he said.
The interim government has taken steps to hold the trial of enforced disappearances and July-August mass murders to the International Criminal Court.
The government is trying to boost the morale of the police. There has been visible progress in this regard, he said.
When the government took charge, there were attempts to spread fear among religious minorities.
“In some cases, they became victims of violence. But the propaganda surrounding this was exaggerated. The little violence that occurred had political connections.”
Six floods had damaged crops and disrupted supply chains, pushing up the prices of vegetables and other essentials.
“We are doing our best to keep the prices of essentials reasonable.”
To keep the supply and price stable in Ramadan, government authorities are meeting traders. Policies are being adopted to curb inflation; fuel prices have fallen a bit; and steps have been taken to increase the gas supply to industries to ensure uninterrupted production.
Efforts are being made to stop extortion in the transport sector, bring hydropower from Nepal
To help free the judiciary of bribery, the Supreme Judicial Council has been reinstated. The government is committed to protect all sectors from corruption.
Restructuring of the Anti-Corruption Commission is almost in its final stages; a list of 150 influential individuals accused of corruption and money laundering has been prepared, and investigations have begun against 79.
At least 19,084 government officers and employees have been promoted, 13,429 transferred, and 12,636 punished. The readymade garment sector became unstable, but the government managed to resolve discontent without major violence.
When the interim government took office, foreign exchange reserves were at “rock bottom”. But the economy is now stronger, he said.
Reserves are improving. Without drawing from the reserves, the government managed to pay off nearly $ 2 billion in foreign debt.
“Ambassadors from different countries who visited me reiterated their governments’ pledges of support. They have already started working on a new framework for assistance.”
Twenty ambassadors from 20 European Union countries whose stations are in Delhi and seven ambassadors of seven EU countries will meet him, he said.
The World Bank, IMF, and other donor agencies and friendly nations have already pledged nearly 8 billion dollars in loans and grants, he said.
Once the aid starts flowing in, the country’s economy will become strong, encouraging foreign investors to come here.
The fallen government and its accomplices have syphoned off $ 12-15 billion from the country every year. The interim government is trying to bring back the money.
“If we succeed, it will give a significant boost to our economy.”
He urged expatriate citizens to invest in the private sector of Bangladesh.
Referring to the Awami League, he said, “They are trying to present themselves in various forms as your favourites. Stay away from the conspiracies of the defeated forces, and keep the country free. Be firm.”
There is a “massive plan” at home and abroad to destabilise and break the morale of the interim government. “A major effort is being made to divide us. The leaders of the fallen government… are trying to come back to the country using ill-gotten wealth.
“Do not let them succeed. Their success would mean the nation’s demise, the end of our identity as a nation. Remain vigilant.”
The interim government will leave power in a short period of time.
“But the historic opportunity created for the nation must not be lost, and I strongly call on everyone… to stay firm in ensuring that this opportunity is not lost.”