To realize the aspirations of a people's uprising, far-reaching reforms are essential.

Top left: Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary of Shujan (Citizens for Good Governance); Ali Riaz, Professor at Illinois State University, USA; Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB (Transparency International Bangladesh); Bottom left: Mirza M. Hassan, Research Fellow at BRAC Institute of Governance and Development; M. Tamim, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the former caretaker government; Foyez Ahmad Taiyeb, writer on sustainable development issues.

An unbearable situation had developed in the country over the past 15 years. All structures have collapsed. To realize the aspirations of a people's uprising and clear the debris of the last 15 years, far-reaching constitutional and administrative reforms are now essential. Political parties must also embrace the aspirations of the people.

The speakers expressed these views today, Monday, in a webinar organized by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies titled “Bangladesh After the People’s Uprising: What Needs to be Done Now.” In the discussion, they called for reforms in constitutional institutions, including the parliament and judiciary. In his closing remarks, Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (Shujan), said that an unbearable situation had developed in the country, leading to this people's uprising. The interim government has come as a transitional government—to provide relief from this situation. He received two messages from the movement. First, those who have committed injustices and crimes against humanity must be brought to justice through investigations. Second, far-reaching reforms must be carried out to ensure that such a situation does not recur. Constitutional and institutional reforms are necessary. These are time-consuming and urgent.

Badiul Alam Majumdar said that a political settlement is needed for these reforms. Some reforms will have to be made later by those who come to power through elections. A national charter needs to be created through dialogue and discussion with political parties. The Shujan Secretary said that student politics should not be banned, but sycophantic student politics must be stopped. There is an attempt to thwart the aspirations that have arisen from the people's uprising led by the students. We must remain vigilant. In the coming days, there will be many attempts to muddle the situation. He said the country is miles away from the spirit of independence. The attempt in 1991 failed; this time, the student community and civil society must ensure it does not fail.

Professor Ali Riaz of Illinois State University, USA, said that this interim government was formed through the aspirations of the people. There are two aspirations—first, this government will quickly transfer power through an election, and second, a major change must be made. Overall structural changes are necessary. Those in government should clarify what they intend to do with these two dreams.

Ali Riaz commented that it is necessary to file a case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity. He said that if necessary, the matter can be taken to the International Criminal Court. He also commented that action must be taken against those who gave orders to kill—Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and former Law Minister Anisul Haque.

Highlighting the need for changes to the existing constitution, Professor Ali Riaz said that an accountable structure cannot be created with this constitution. The seeds of authoritarianism have been sown in this constitution. Permanent elimination of authoritarianism will not be possible with this constitution.

Professor Ali Riaz said that political parties must embrace the aspirations of the people. Debris has accumulated over the past 15 years. The structure has collapsed. He questioned, why rush to rebuild—do you not want to change the country?

Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Iftekharuzzaman said that multiple human rights violations have occurred. Accountability must be ensured for those responsible, and justice must be achieved. If necessary, UN assistance should be sought. He said that freedom of speech, media freedom, and the right to information must be ensured. All black laws must be repealed. A long-term strategy should be developed to plan for reforms. There is no alternative to restructuring state institutions, including public administration, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, parliament, the Election Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Information Commission, and the Human Rights Commission. Accountability for corruption cases must be ensured within the tenure of the interim government. Political infiltration in educational and professional institutions must be stopped.

Iftekharuzzaman said that while the demand for elections is politically justified, the question of its necessity under the 'doctrine of necessity' must be considered.

Mirza M. Hassan, a research fellow at the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development, said that the institutional reforms being demanded now are based on those made in 2007-08. However, many things were erased later. Now something must be done so that the relationship between the state and society can be reestablished. Democracy needs to be rethought.

M. Tamim, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the former caretaker government, said that major challenges may arise from political parties in implementing the aspirations of the interim government. Political parties do not easily want to change the structures that ensure their authority. Similar expectations arose in 1991 and 2007-08, but no change occurred. One of the main reasons was the lack of justice. The criminals were not brought to justice.

The webinar was moderated by journalist Monir Haider, and the keynote paper titled “Bangladesh After the People’s Uprising: What Needs to be Done Now” was presented by sustainable development writer Foyez Ahmad Taiyeb. In the paper, he shared his thoughts on state reform, political settlement, administrative stability, stopping statistical fraud, economic recovery, foreign and domestic debt situations, digital economy security, and merit-based recruitment.