Rangpur: Representatives of the civil society at a round table today expressed their belief that a new constitutional framework acceptable to all needs to be established through the reform process. The ongoing reform process of the interim government is very important to build a new Bangladesh that is non-discriminatory, accountable, and public welfare-oriented, fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people, they said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, these remarks were made at the event titled ‘National Consensus and Citizen Thinking in State Reform’ held at the RDRS hall room in the city. The Rangpur District and Metropolitan Committees of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) organized the event, which was attended by civil society members, students, teachers, lawyers, journalists, cultural activists, public representatives, and professionals.
SHUJAN Rangpur Metropolitan President Principal Khandaker Fakhrul Anam Benju presided over the event. The Central Coordinator of SHUJAN, Dilip Kumar Sarkar, participated as the main discussant in the program, which was moderated by Coordinator of The Hunger Project, Rajesh De Raju. Valiant freedom fighters Mahabubar Rahman and SM Shafiqul Islam Kanu, along with retired additional secretary Sushant Chandra Kha, and other civil society members, human rights activists, and professionals, also addressed the gathering.
The speakers analyzed proposals from various reform commissions and presented their own opinions, suggesting reforms based on national consensus in all areas to restore democracy in the future. They expressed concerns that a lack of political consensus and trust could disrupt the reform process, potentially leading to the reintroduction of the old system of governance.
The organizers stated that the opinions gathered from the roundtable will be presented to the Consensus Commission for consideration to ensure that the views of civil society are reflected and properly evaluated. SHUJAN Central Coordinator Dilip Kumar Sarkar emphasized the necessity of political reforms to restore public trust and establish good governance and democracy alongside development.
Sarkar further stated, “It is the demand of the hour to purify politics to realize the dream of re-establishing ideology, philosophy, and public welfare-oriented politics.” He highlighted the importance of the Election Commission playing a strong role in fully implementing the provisions of the People’s Representation Order in the registration of political parties.
The interim government has formed Reform Commissions to determine the necessary reforms required to build a public welfare-oriented state. “Greater importance is being given to ensuring that the amendments needed to be removed or added to the current constitution to hold a free, fair, and impartial election are made based on public opinions to avoid new controversy in the future,” he added.