State reform foundation weaker than expected, says TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said that one and a half years after the fall of authoritarianism, the foundation for state reform has not strengthened; instead, the shortfalls far outweigh the achievements.
At least 158 political activists were killed and 7,082 others injured in 600 incidents of political violence across the country over 17 months, according to a TIB study.
In addition, 15 political leaders and activists were murdered in the 36 days following the announcement of the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
The findings were disclosed on Monday at a press conference at TIB's Dhaka office during the release of a research report titled "Post-Authoritarian Transition: Justice, State Reforms and Elections - Expectations and Outcomes."
Expressing hope that no further killings occur around the election, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, "Let there be no more election-centric violence. However, the risk of violence persists not only until the February 12 election but also for several days afterward. The government is well aware of this risk and has the full power and capability to act."
Describing the last one and a half years in terms of media freedom and the safety of media personnel and institutions as deeply disappointing, Dr Iftekharuzzaman said: "The institutional security of the media has come under more severe pressure than before and has faced threats from actors outside the state machinery.

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