Govt publishes book outlining key reform initiatives taken during its tenure

The Interim government has published a book describing key reform initiatives it undertook.

The 286-page document, titled "Reforms By The Interim Government," details legal, policy, and structural reforms across nine major sectors, including the judiciary, healthcare, banking, energy, law enforcement, labour, digital rights, and social protection. 

Sharing the news of the publication with a link to the e-book, the Chief Adviser issued a statement through his official Facebook page saying, "In the eighteen months since assuming responsibility, it (the Interim Government) has enacted approximately 130 laws (comprising new laws and mending laws) and taken over 600 executive decisions, reflecting the urgency of institutional reform and reconstruction. 

"Roughly 84% of these measures have already been implemented,  reflecting genuine and tangible reform, rather than rhetorical and cosmetic change."

The book outlines what reforms have been introduced in different sectors.

Economy and banking: Stabilisation and sovereignty

To restore confidence in the financial system, the government has moved to resolve distressed banks. A proposed consolidated institution – Sammilito Islami Bank – will emerge from the resolution of five troubled Shariah-based banks to protect depositors.

A Medium and Long-Term Revenue Strategy aims to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio to 10.5%, primarily through full automation of tax administration. Capital market surveillance systems are also being upgraded.

Energy and infrastructure: Ending cronyism

In a major policy shift, the government repealed laws that allowed power and energy projects to be awarded without competitive tenders, dismantling long-standing rent-seeking syndicates.

Infrastructure reforms also include social compliance measures. Of the country's 2,198 operational fuel stations, 1,931 have already installed separate hygienic toilets for women, reflecting a new regulatory mandate.

Judiciary: Restoring independence and access to justice

The book lists 26 reforms in the Law and Justice Division that have been implemented, including amendment of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, reforms in the Supreme Court judges appointment process, civil justice system under the Code of Civil Procedure, Women and Children Repression Prevention Act etc.

The Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance 2025 establishes a Judicial Appointment Council to recommend judges based on merit and structured interviews, replacing politically driven appointments.

All courts have been brought under the administrative control of the Supreme Court, ending executive interference. Amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure now allow summons to be served digitally, including through messaging platforms, while curbing repeated adjournments that historically delayed cases for years.

Healthcare: Dismantling medical syndicates

Healthcare reforms are framed as a tribute to those killed and injured during the July uprising. In a record move, the government recruited 3,500 doctors and 3,500 nurses within seven months, with postings conducted strictly on merit.

Medical internships have been extended from 12 to 18 months, with the additional six months dedicated to rural and community healthcare facilities. A

Unified Biometric Attendance System has been introduced in government hospitals, and a draft Anti-Corruption in Healthcare Act aims to curb entrenched medical syndicates.

Labour rights, digital safety and social protection

Labour unrest in the RMG sector has been addressed through a landmark 18-point agreement, ensuring a 4% annual wage increment and restoring industrial stability.

The controversial Cybersecurity Act 2023 has been repealed and replaced with a Cyber Safety Ordinance, while new laws including the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Ordinance 2026 and Domestic Violence Ordinance 2026 – introduce fast-track judicial remedies with a 60-day disposal timeline.

Foreign Relations and Trade Reset

The Reform Book highlights progress in foreign relations and trade diversification. An Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan now grants duty-free access to around 7,400 Bangladeshi products, while negotiations with the United States reduced reciprocal tariffs from 37% to 20%.

Strategic cooperation with China has resulted in extended loan maturities, healthcare infrastructure support, and improved flood forecasting through shared hydrological data. Diplomatic relations with regional partners, including India, have been recalibrated on what officials describe as a "more balanced footing".

Accountability, media freedom and law enforcement

Hundreds of politicians and officials linked to the previous regime now face anti-corruption cases, with billions of dollars in assets frozen or confiscated.

Procurement transparency has been expanded across 42 ministries, and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics has been granted operational autonomy.

Law enforcement reforms have seen more than 1,200 officers suspended pending investigation, alongside large-scale human-rights-centred training. The Rapid Action Battalion has been restructured and renamed the Special Intervention Force.

Media freedom has been restored, with politically motivated cases withdrawn and previously restricted outlets allowed to resume operations.