Chief Adviser�s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday stated that the timing of Bangladesh�s next national election�whether at the end of this year or by June next year�will depend on the implementation of the upcoming July Charter.
Speaking at a press briefing at the state guest house Jamuna, Alam outlined key recommendations from the Judicial and Public Administration Reform Commissions, which were submitted to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus earlier in the day.
Asked about the government's stance on reform implementation amid political calls for elections, Alam said that a Consensus Commission�chaired by the Chief Adviser himself�will review the recommendations from six major reform commissions. The Vice Chairman of the commission will be Prof Dr Ali Riaz, along with heads of the six commissions and their respective members.
�Following a thorough review, the Consensus Commission will consult with political parties and civil society. The mutually agreed-upon recommendations will form the July Charter, with political parties signing onto them,� Alam explained.
�Some reforms will be implemented by the current government, while others will require constitutional amendments and be executed by the next administration. The election date�either December 2025 or June 2026�will be determined based on this process,� he added.
The commission proposed a fully independent judiciary, addressing longstanding concerns over political influence.
�Past governments claimed judicial independence, but this was never fully realized,� Alam stated. The 351-page report suggests constitutional amendments to ensure transparent judicial appointments and unbiased legal proceedings.
The report also recommends establishing a permanent attorney service, eliminating the current politically appointed system of 4,000 public prosecutors.
�Many nations already have permanent attorney services. This reform will end political appointments in Bangladesh�s prosecution system,� Alam noted.
A major proposal is the formation of an independent investigation agency, which would take over criminal investigations from the police.
�Political interference has often distorted high-profile cases. An independent agency will ensure fair, impartial investigations,� he explained.
To reduce case backlogs, the commission suggests establishing permanent Supreme Court benches in all divisional cities.
Additionally, recommendations include, extending magistrate courts to all upazilas, increasing legal aid for marginalized communities.
The Consensus Commission is expected to finalize its decisions over the coming months, setting the stage for crucial electoral and governance reforms.
