Everyone's cooperation needed to advance reforms: Law minister
The minister said citizens had a constitutional right to criticise the government and political parties had the right to run programmes and question its actions.
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said the government welcomes constructive criticism and wants to work with political parties and other stakeholders to advance reforms.
"We want to move forward, we do not want to look back," he said, calling for cooperation to reach a logical point in the reform process.
He made the remarks as chief guest at a discussion titled "Beyond the Ballot: Between Promise and Performance – Post-Election Bangladesh: Political Promises and Reality", organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) in the capital today (24 August).
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The minister said citizens had a constitutional right to criticise the government and political parties had the right to run programmes and question its actions.
"A culture should be developed where people can express their views without fear. Efforts are being made to move away from the past practice of harassing or arresting writers, journalists, cartoonists and others over their opinions," he said.
On laws and policies, Asaduzzaman said the government did not consider any matter final or unchangeable.
Laws could be amended if their implementation showed that changes were necessary, as they were enacted to serve public needs.
Regarding the Human Rights Commission Act and the Prevention and Redress of Enforced Disappearances Act, he said extensive consultation had been conducted during their drafting.
The government also wanted effective mechanisms to investigate allegations of human rights violations and ensure accountability.
On constitutional reform, the minister said the government was proceeding with the July Charter while keeping the Constitution's basic structure intact.
He said discussions with political parties and other stakeholders were necessary to determine the scope of reforms within the existing constitutional framework.
"Efforts have been made to ensure representation from different political groups, including the opposition, in the Constitution Reform Commission," he said, urging political parties to submit constructive proposals.
Asaduzzaman also stressed the importance of judicial independence and an effective administrative structure for the judiciary.
He said the government was reviewing relevant proposals while considering constitutional provisions and practical experience.
On the Anti-Corruption Commission, he said the government had followed the prescribed procedure to form a new commission after taking office and was committed to transparency and accountability in state institutions.
"There might be mistakes and shortcomings in discharging the government's duties. However, the ultimate goal is to establish a transparent, effective and people-friendly state system," he said.
CGS President Zillur Rahman chaired the discussion, which was attended by political leaders, civil society representatives, human rights activists, journalists and legal professionals.
