Dhaka: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Monday expressed concerns over the government’s inability to meet reform expectations in the last 18 months following the fall of an authoritarian regime. Despite promises to disclose asset statements of members of the Council of Advisers and government employees, the government has not set a positive example.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the TIB report highlighted the visible growth and influence of religion-based politics, which often threatened gender, religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity due to violence and force, contradicting anti-discrimination principles. These observations were shared during a press conference for the release of a research report titled ‘One and Half Years after the Fall of the Authoritarian Regime: Expectations and Realities.’
The report criticized the government’s failure to ensure equality, human dignity, justice, and freedom of expression for all. TIB noted that the government’s inaction or appeasement led to the empowerment of bigots. Additionally, there was a lack of transparency in state institutions, with a tendency to conceal information, undermining public access to information.
The foundation for state reform remains weak, with shortfalls outweighing achievements. The government has not established a well-governed, corruption-free, and accountable administration, and reforms have largely missed their targets. Political parties and the bureaucracy have shown little progress since the July movement, failing to commit to the people through democracy and good governance.
The TIB report, presented by Senior Research Fellows Shahzada M. Akram and Md. Julkarnayeen, noted that while initiatives in justice, reform, elections, and governance were taken, the infrastructure was insufficiently robust. Resistance from influential political parties weakened reform efforts, and government concessions to resistant forces, including bureaucracy, led to missed reform targets.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, TIB Executive Director, highlighted weaknesses in ordinances formulated by the interim government, excluding recommendations for an accountable government due to pressure from a reform-averse bureaucracy. The decision-making process was marked by indecision, lack of coordination, and a sense of insecurity among the public.
Despite progress in judicial reform, procedural weaknesses have blurred the line between justice and revenge, limiting fair trial rights and accountability for actual criminals. The July Charter’s implementation prospects have been compromised by the major political parties’ hostile stance on accountability.
Dr. Zaman described media freedom and safety for journalists and institutions as disappointing, with increased pressure from external forces. The government failed to take timely steps to protect media freedom, granting impunity to opposing forces. Additionally, the government has not ensured equal rights for all citizens, undermining women’s empowerment and civil society’s role in reforms.
The TIB report concluded that the interim government’s tenure saw increased challenges to media freedom and security, with media and civil society facing significant hurdles. The existence of internal enemies within the media further complicates the landscape for freedom and accountability.