31 Points Reform Pillars
01
Constitutional reform and referendum rights
The illegal and illegitimate Awami League government has introduced numerous amendments to the fundamental framework of the constitution… A 'Constitutional Reforms Commission' will be formed to carefully review and repeal or amend all controversial and undemocratic constitutional changes. Democratic rights of the people will be restored by reinstating the provision for a 'referendum' in the constitution.
02
Inclusive national identity and social contract
An inclusive and egalitarian 'Rainbow Nation,' in contrast to the politics of vengeance, will be established based on Bangladeshi nationalism… A new forward-looking 'Social Contract' is essential… In this pursuit, a 'National Reconciliation Commission' will be formed.
03
Election-time non-partisan caretaker government
To reinstate democracy, safeguard the right to vote, and provide a permanent, constitutional, and institutional framework for the democratic process, an 'Election-time Non-Partisan Caretaker Government System' will be implemented.
04
Balance of executive, legislature and judiciary
A proper balance shall be established in the executive powers of both the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers. The authorities, responsibilities, and duties of the Executive, the Judiciary, and the Legislature will be recalibrated to create a robust system of checks and balances in exercising state power.
05
Prime Minister limited to two consecutive terms
No one shall serve as the Prime Minister for over two consecutive terms.
06
Bicameral legislature with upper house
In addition to the existing legislative system, a bicameral government will be established by creating an 'Upper House of the Legislature.' This chamber will include eminent citizens, educationists, professionals, scientists, journalists, sociologists, and individuals with a remarkable track record.
07
Amending Article 70 for MP independence
The amendment of Article 70 of the Constitution will be considered, subject to thorough examination, to allow Members of Parliament to express independent opinions, except in cases involving no-confidence motions, finance bills, constitutional amendment bills, and matters related to national security.
08
Independent Election Commission and paper ballots
The existing 'Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment Act-2022' will be amended to establish a new, effective Election Commission… All centres will conduct vote using paper ballots instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs). Reforms will be introduced to the RPO, Delimitation Order, and laws governing the registration of political parties. Party symbols in local government elections will be abolished.
09
Restructuring constitutional and public institutions
All constitutional, statutory, and public institutions will be restructured through essential legal reforms… Appointments to key positions within constitutional institutions will undergo vetting by a Parliamentary Committee through a hearing process.
10
Judicial independence and reform
The effective independence of the Judiciary will be ensured in line with the Constitution… A 'Judicial Commission' will be formed… Appointments to the higher Judiciary will be made based on expertise, wisdom, integrity, patriotism, reputation, and judicial acumen, free from partisan influence.
11
Administrative reforms and merit-based public service
An 'Administrative Reforms Commission' comprising qualified and experienced persons shall be established… Appointments, transfers, and promotions within the civil and military administration will be based solely on merit, creativity, competence, experience, and training.
12
Media freedom and repeal of oppressive laws
A 'Media Commission' will be set up… to ensure complete freedom of the press… Amendments will be made to the ICT Act 2006 and Anti-Terrorism Act 2009. At the same time, all oppressive laws… will be repealed.
13
Zero tolerance corruption and recovery of laundered funds
There will be zero tolerance for corruption. A white paper will be published to investigate money-laundering and corruption… Transparency and accountability within the Anti-Corruption Commission will be ensured… An 'Ombudsman' will be appointed under the Constitution to strengthen oversight.
14
Rule of law, human rights and accountability
The rule of law will be upheld at every level… The brutal culture of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings… will come to a permanent end. Human rights will be implemented in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
15
Economic justice and structural reform commission
An 'Economic Reforms Commission' will comprise renowned economists… The disparity between the rich and the poor will be addressed through the equitable distribution of growth benefits…
16
Freedom of religion and minority rights
Every individual shall enjoy the full right to practice their religion freely… Social, political, cultural, economic, religious and civil rights… of ethnic minorities in both the hills and plains… will be upheld as guaranteed by the constitution.
17
Fair wages, labor rights and support for disadvantaged regions
Fair wages for the working class will be ensured… Child labour will be eliminated… Efforts will be made to reopen all closed industries… Special programmes will be implemented to promote equitable growth and reduce disparities in disadvantaged regions.
18
Energy, minerals and investment-friendly industrial policy
All draconian laws… will be repealed in the power, energy, and mineral sectors. Steps will be taken to promote renewable and mixed energy-based power generation… Investment-friendly policies shall be introduced to attract both domestic and international investments.
19
Foreign policy, sovereignty and counter-terrorism
National interest, sovereignty, and security shall be prioritized in foreign relations… No terrorist activity shall be tolerated on the soil of Bangladesh, and stern actions shall be taken against terrorism, extremism, and militancy.
20
Modernized defence forces
To protect the nation’s sovereignty, the Defence Forces will be organized in a time-befitting manner… The forces will be kept above all controversies, with their distinct dignity and positive image.
21
Decentralization and empowered local government
Local government institutions will be made more independent, robust, and empowered… Local governments will operate independently, free from interference by the local administration or any public representative or political entity.
22
Recognition for liberation war contributions
Arrangements shall be made to confer state recognition to individuals for their contributions to the liberation war in 1971… A welfare policy for the families of martyred freedom fighters will be formulated and implemented.
23
Youth development and unemployment support
Modern and forward-looking youth development policies will be formulated… Educated but unemployed youth will be given 'Unemployment Allowance' until they secure employment… Concrete steps will be taken to harness demographic dividends by enhancing skills.
24
Women’s empowerment and representation
Specific programs will be implemented to empower women… Women will be prioritized… with regard to nomination for National Parliament elections, along with efforts to increase women's representation in local government.
25
Education reform, research and budget allocation
Need-based education at the lower and mid-levels and knowledge-based at tertiary level will be given priority… Five percent of GDP will be allocated to the education sector… Research and Development (R&D) will be prioritized…
26
Universal health coverage and social safety nets
Recognizing that health is wealth… universal health coverage will be introduced… A 'Health Card' will be introduced for every citizen. The national budget will allocate five percent of the GDP to the health sector.
27
Agriculture support and agro-industry development
Fair prices for agricultural produce will be ensured… Government purchase centres for agricultural products will be established… Crop, livestock, fisheries, and poultry insurance will be introduced… Incentives will be provided to the export-oriented agro-processing industries.
28
Infrastructure, multimodal transport and trade
To ensure the overall development of the communication network, a well-integrated multi-modal communication system will be established… Arrangements will be made to boost regional and international trade and commerce through infrastructural development, technical modernization, and skills enhancement in all seaports and river ports.
29
Climate change, disaster resilience and blue economy
Sustainable and effective strategies shall be adopted to address the hazards and losses due to climate change… The institutional capacity to face natural disasters shall be enhanced… Arrangements shall be taken for the prudent tapping, exploitation, preservation, and economic use of marine resources (blue economy).
30
World-class ICT, space and atomic energy sectors
Necessary steps will be taken to elevate the information and communication technology (ICT) sector to a world-class level… The Space Research and Atomic Energy Commission will be strengthened by enhancing institutional capacity and functional facilities.
31
Planned housing and urbanization
Planned housing and urbanization policies shall be developed and implemented through a national master plan… Housing facilities for all impoverished individuals in the country will be ensured in stages.