Timeline unveiled for reforms preceding polls

A timeline now shows that the six reform commissions will submit their reports by December 31 to pave the way for stakeholder consultations to finalise reforms of the state institutions in the run-up to next elections.
The commissions will get down to their tasks on October 1, said Law Adviser of the interim government Prof Asif Nazrul on Thursday while briefing the press about a meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and the heads of six reform commissions.
"After getting their recommendations the Chief Adviser and other advisers will hold a second-phase dialogue with the political parties for consultations on the recommendations," said Asif Nazrul.
After the dialogue with the political parties, broader consultations will be held with other stakeholders and then the recommendations will be finalised.
He also mentions that the interim government will start implementing short-term reforms in other areas simultaneously while Reform Commissions carrying on their works.
Responding to a question regarding the death of two people in lynch-mob action on Wednesday, he made it clear that the government "will in no way allow mob justice and exemplary punishment will be awarded to those who will be involved in mob justice".
"Our position is clear-we are dead against any form of extrajudicial killing," asserted the law teacher-turned functionary of the post-uprising government.
Asked when the government will request India to send back deposed premier Hasina from her retreat, he said India and Bangladesh have extradition treaty under which India should hand her over to Bangladesh.
"When the trial against her will start, the government will request India to hand her over to Bangladesh authorities," said the law adviser, adding that the process of starting the trial against killings and atrocities has already started.
He also informs that the Election Commission will be reconstituted after return of the Chief Adviser from the UN General Assembly in New York.
This is necessary to update the voter list without which elections are not possible, he explains.
Special Assistant to the CA, Mahfuz Alom, a key organiser of the July student movement, said the meeting discussed details about the terms of reference and member-selection process.
"Our key objective is to hold a free and fair election but, at the same time, our another prime goal is to ensure a system so that the people of the country would never get a fascist power again," he added
Dr Badiul Alam Mazumder, head of the Reform Commission on electoral system, said the country had been ruled by an authoritarian regime in the last 15 years and now people want to see a true democratic government.
He said he accepted the position on condition that it will be honorary and voluntary.

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