Dhaka, Jan 15 (V7N)- At a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday (January 15), Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul provided updates on the progress of reform commissions, highlighting the timeline and process for implementing their recommendations.

Key Updates and Timeline

  1. Final Reports by January 31:

    • The reform commissions are expected to submit their comprehensive reports by the end of January.
    • Some adjustments and refinements will be made to the reports before final decisions are taken.

  2. Consensus-Based Legislation:

    • Discussions with political parties will follow the submission of the reports.
    • Laws will be formulated and implemented based on political consensus, ensuring broad-based support for the reforms.
    • The timeline for completing the legislative process and implementing the reforms is projected to extend until June next year.

  3. Trial Processes:

    • The trial process, especially concerning international crimes, is progressing smoothly.
    • Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul emphasized that the government is prioritizing these trials, with expectations to start proceedings in the trial courts before the upcoming elections.

  4. Political Party Bans:

    • On the issue of banning political parties, the Legal Advisor noted the existence of various laws addressing this matter.
    • He indicated that the government would make decisions based on judicial verdicts, suggesting a cautious and legally grounded approach.

Significance of the Reforms

The reforms proposed by the commissions aim to bring transformative changes to key sectors, including governance, anti-corruption, public administration, and the judiciary. The government's commitment to consensus-building underscores the importance of inclusivity in the reform process.

Next Steps

The next six months will be crucial as the government and stakeholders:

  • Prioritize reforms for immediate implementation.
  • Engage in discussions with political parties and other actors.
  • Ensure that legislative changes align with the recommendations of the reform commissions.

The outcomes of these efforts are expected to shape the political, legal, and administrative landscape of Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming elections.

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