Speakers at a roundtable discussion have expressed deep concern over the future of the state reform process amid ongoing debates over the implementation of the referendum, the July Charter, and the repeal or modification of various ordinances.
The discussion titled “Politics of Ordinance Repeal and Denial of Referendum: Bangladesh in the Era of Parliamentary Autocracy” was held on Wednesday afternoon at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka.
Political scientist Dilara Chowdhury said the ongoing debate over the implementation of the referendum and the July Charter is the result of politically motivated interpretations, showing a tendency to deny public opinion.
“The logic BNP is presenting to deny the referendum or the July Charter is essentially an attempt to strengthen their political position,” she said, adding that the mandate that came from the people through the referendum is being weakened.
Secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) Badiul Alam Majumdar said he finds the questions being raised illogical.
“The decision made through the July National Charter and the referendum should have been implemented as the final word. But now there is procrastination, and some ordinances that ensured transparency and accountability are being repealed,” he said.
“What we needed most in this crisis was unity, but we are going in the opposite direction. Without unity, overcoming this crisis is not possible,” he added.
Former adviser Farida Akhter alleged that the current debate over the post-mass uprising interim government and election process is politically motivated.
“The new path created through reforms and the referendum after the mass uprising is now being questioned. This trend is actually weakening the people’s mandate and strengthening power-centric decisions,” she said.
NCP Spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan alleged that some ordinances intended to ensure accountability and balance of power are being repealed.
“The July Charter and the referendum verdict were supposed to be implemented, but now we are seeing them being taken in the opposite direction. What we are seeing is a move away from reform back toward the old power structure,” he said.
NCP Joint Convener Monira Sharmin alleged that the government is repealing ordinances that reduce its executive power while keeping those that could further centralise power in the future.
“This makes it clear that it is not public opinion, but the politics of holding onto power that has become paramount here,” she said.
