Staff Reporter:
A group of retired military officials in Bangladesh has formulated a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at overhauling the state system, seeking to address longstanding issues of governance, administration, and societal inequality.
The proposed reforms come after 53 years of independence and reflect a growing concern among the military community about the country’s future direction.
The officials’ document highlights that, despite significant progress and recognition on the global stage, the people of Bangladesh have not fully reaped the benefits of their hard-earned freedom.
The authors argue that public servants have often acted as oppressors rather than serving the populace, and elected representatives have frequently prioritized personal or party interests over those of the citizens.
This disconnect has resulted in a drift in public loyalty and love towards the country.
The guidelines stress that the current state presents an unprecedented opportunity to implement necessary reforms, with the aim of enhancing the governance structure and aligning it more closely with the people’s needs and aspirations.
Elections and political reforms
A mixed electoral system combining the existing structure with proportional representation has been proposed, termed the “Bangladesh version” of elections.
The proposal includes abolishing the current “women’s quota” in elections, allowing political parties to have discretion over their candidate lists
Elections should be postponed until comprehensive reforms are completed, and corrupt individuals are removed from the political process.
An interim government has been suggested for a period of 2 to 3 years to facilitate these reforms.
The parliamentary term could be adjusted to 4 or 6 years, with provisions for midterm elections.
A new parliamentary structure has also been proposed, consisting of 500 seats – 300 based on constituencies and 200 allocated proportionally to political parties.
Judicial reforms
The retired military officials call for a comprehensive overhaul of the judiciary to enhance its independence and effectiveness.
Appointments of the Chief Justice and judges of the Appellate Division should be made by a selection panel formed by the Chief Adviser, with financial and asset disclosures of each candidate required.
Lower courts should operate under the directives of the Supreme Court, independent of the Ministry of Law.
Public-oriented administration
The administrative machinery of Bangladesh must be more public-oriented, with checks and balances to prevent autocratic behaviour.
The officials advocate for the decentralization of politically centred administration to bring it closer to the people and for strengthening local administrations.
Educational reforms
A new education commission consisting of prominent educators should be formed to address inequality in the education system and to harmonize different curricula, according to the proposal.
The commission should focus on incorporating religious and practical education while banning political activities in educational institutions.
Foreign relations and defence
The guidelines propose a robust, dynamic foreign policy that is adaptable to global changes, abandoning the policy of “friendship with all, malice towards none” in favour of more strategic partnerships.
Defence reforms include restructuring the armed forces based on threat assessments and reducing the use of outdated and ceremonial equipment.
The objectives of intelligence agencies like the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC) should be strictly defined to focus on countering threats without political interference.
Reorganization of internal law enforcement
The guidelines suggest dissolving the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and integrating its personnel into a special “Police Force.”
Law enforcement agencies should undergo a structural overhaul to prevent corruption and political manipulation, with recruitment, training, and compensation redesigned to promote integrity and accountability.
Economic reforms
Economic proposals highlight the need for respect and support for remittance workers and the proper use of remittances for national development.
The officials call for a reduction in foreign loans, government spending cuts, and stringent measures to recover laundered money and curb inflation.
Corruption and transparency
The release of “white papers” is demanded to provide transparency on incidents under the previous government, including a re-investigation into the BDR mutiny of 2009.
All economic agreements made by the past government should be reviewed, with any agreements against national interests being annulled.
Inclusion of Ansar members
The guidelines emphasize the importance of including Ansar members in lower levels of civilian administration, such as village governments, union councils, and upazila parishads, to strengthen grassroots governance.
The retired military officials express a deep sense of duty towards the nation and emphasize the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by countless citizens throughout Bangladesh’s history.
They advocate for these reforms as a means to build a stronger, more resilient, and equitable Bangladesh for future generations.
These proposals reflect the combined experiences and insights of the military community and are presented as the foundation for nation-building efforts.
The authors urge policymakers to consider these recommendations seriously to ensure a prosperous and inclusive future.
