The lack of meaningful reform in the banking sector has been identified as one of the government’s most significant weaknesses during its first four months in office, speakers said at a discussion organised by the civil society platform Shujan (Citizens for Good Governance).
Participants also accused the government of delaying the implementation of the July National Charter and highlighted the slow pace of reforms, deterioration in law and order, and failure to ensure accountability as major concerns.
The observations were made at a roundtable discussion titled “Four Months of the Current Government: Expectations, Achievements and the Way Forward” held at the National Press Club on Sunday.
Presenting the keynote paper, Shujan Central Coordinator Dilip Kumar Sarkar said the government had taken several positive initiatives during its first four months, including the waiver of agricultural loans, the pilot Family Card programme, the introduction of Farmers’ Card, canal excavation projects, the conversion of more than a hundred ordinances into law and measures to address the energy crisis.
“However, the lack of visible progress in implementing the July National Charter, the decision to abolish proposed ordinances relating to a judicial secretariat, the National Human Rights Commission and the prevention of enforced disappearances, the appointment of administrators in local government bodies, deterioration in law and order, the slow pace of banking sector reforms and growing economic risks remain significant weaknesses of the government,” he said.
Dilara Chowdhury, a retired professor of Jahangirnagar University, warned that the government could become increasingly disconnected from the public if it failed to implement the July National Charter.
According to her, delays in implementing the charter have also stalled other key reform initiatives, including constitutional reform.
She cautioned that the situation could lead to future constitutional complications and trigger multiple legal challenges, while also calling for an examination of whether any international conspiracy was involved.
Criticising the Farmers’ Card and Family Card programmes, Dilara said sustainable development of the agricultural sector could not be achieved solely through allowances or cash assistance.
“Greater emphasis must be placed on agricultural modernisation, improved storage facilities and increased productivity,” she said.
Calling for a comprehensive restructuring of the Anti-Corruption Commission, she added: “Corruption remains widespread across all sectors.”
She also stressed the need for a new curriculum and improved teacher training to strengthen the education system.
Shujan Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar said freedom of expression, human rights and state institutions had been weakened during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.
“Although institutional reforms are essential to overcome that legacy, the current government appears to be following the same path as its predecessor,” he said.
“You cannot reach a new destination by following the old road.”
Fahim Mashroor, co-coordinator of the Citizens’ Coalition, said failure to implement the mandate expressed through the referendum would amount to a betrayal of the people.
He criticised the deterioration in law and order, warned of the possible return of S Alam Group’s influence in the banking sector and questioned the government’s communication strategy in dealing with the energy crisis.
Waresul Karim, a professor at North South University, said creating employment opportunities and reforming the banking sector should take priority over distributing cards that provide limited financial benefits.
He argued that the government’s failures outweighed its achievements.
“Many of those failures are ethical failures,” he said.
Dhaka University professor Sazzad Siddiqui emphasised the importance of maintaining balance in foreign policy, improving law and order, increasing budget allocations for education and strengthening domestic capacity in the energy sector.
