Elections Set on Reform Reports: Chief Advisor

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15 Jan 2025, 17:04

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The new charter of Bangladesh will be derived from the reform report, and the election will be held based on this, stated Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

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On Wednesday (January 15) morning, the members of four reform commissions handed over their reports at the Chief Adviser’s office in Tejgaon. During his address to them, Dr. Muhammad Yunus made this announcement.

The Chief Adviser said, "The reports submitted by the four reform commissions are very significant. Through these reform reports, we aim to form a charter born out of the popular uprising. This will be the new charter of Bangladesh, built on consensus. There will be elections, and everything else will follow, but we will not deviate from the charter."

He added, "This is not just a formality; it is a historic moment. Various committees and reports come and go, but today’s event transcends all of those. This event will remain a part of history because it stems from the very flow of history that led to the creation of these commissions."

Dr. Muhammad Yunus said, "There has been a sudden resurgence of a destroyed nation, a rebirth. From this resurrection, history has been made, and today's event is an integral part of that history. It is not just an isolated report. The reports we have received today are a significant exercise for our country, and no one will deny that."

Addressing the commission members, the Chief Adviser said, "We entrusted you with the task of shaping the framework for a new Bangladesh, driven by a dream. That dream still exists, and the outlines of that dream must be presented. This is not the end but the beginning of a chapter. The journey following the dream and the uprising has begun. A significant part of this journey will be reflected in these reports, showing what we want to achieve. Through this, we will start discussions with everyone to ensure that everyone’s agreement and commitments are being fulfilled."

Dr. Yunus further stated, "Consensus will be built through this, with all parties agreeing on some aspects. If not, what is the purpose of our dream? We cannot dream in isolation without including people in that dream. This discussion is about how much of that dream we have brought here. It is not something imposed from outside but something that has emerged from within."

He emphasized, "As you have envisioned on their behalf, how their dream will merge with yours. Through this, we aim to create a charter from the popular uprising, which will be the charter of a new Bangladesh. This charter will be built on consensus. Elections will be held, everything will happen, but the charter will remain. This charter will stay as a part of history and our national commitment. It is not a partisan commitment, and we hope that all parties will sign up to this charter."

The Chief Adviser concluded, "This is a charter of the Bangladeshi, Bengali nation that we will carry forward. We will implement it as quickly and extensively as possible. The future elections will also be based on this charter. It should be a consensus government that says, 'We have upheld the charter.' No matter what happens, we must not let go of this charter. Otherwise, how will the continuity of this dream remain? We want the continuity and implementation of that dream."

Elections will also be part of this charter, a consensus election. Otherwise, the charter will be lost, making it a very important matter, added Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

On this morning, at the Chief Adviser’s office in Tejgaon, members of the commissions handed over their reports. The heads of the Election System Reform Commission, Badiul Alam Majumdar; ACC Reform Commission, Iftekharuzzaman; Police Reform Commission, Safar Raj Hossain; and Constitution Reform Commission, Ali Riaz, presented the reports to the Chief Adviser. Other members of the respective commissions were also present at the event.

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