Dhaka (HRNW)- Bangladesh’s democratic reform plan has been stalled due to political differences. The interim government has given political parties a week to agree on a reform charter, otherwise the government will decide on its own.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who is the “chief advisor” to the interim government, said he inherited a “broken political system”. He called the reform plan indispensable to prevent the country from returning to authoritarian rule.
The plan, known as the “July Charter”, was drawn up after the July 2024 popular uprising, aimed to limit the prime minister to two terms and increase presidential powers. However, some parties are of the opinion that the plan should be approved through a public referendum.
On the other hand, several major parties, including the BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami, have signed the charter.
Along with the interim government’s announcements, the BNP has announced that former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will contest the upcoming general elections.
80-year-old Khaleda Zia will contest from three seats, while her son Tariq Rahman will also contest from the UK.
Khaleda Zia has been out of active politics for the past several years due to ill health and political cases. Her rival Sheikh Hasina Wajid was ousted from power in a popular uprising in August 2024.
Bangladesh’s interim government has withdrawn its decision to recruit music teachers in primary schools. “The posts for music and physical education have been abolished,” a senior education ministry official said.
The decision, according to sources, came after pressure from Jamaat-e-Islami and other religious organisations, which were opposing the inclusion of music in the curriculum.
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