SHUJAN for inking 'National Charter' among parties to sustain reforms after polls

Civil society platform Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) has advised the political parties to enter into a "National Charter" or a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to ensure that the party that forms the government in the next general elections carries out necessary post-poll reforms. 

"Reform is a continuous process. It should not only be conducted before polls but also maintained thereafter," said Dilip Kumar Sarker, central coordinator of the organisation, while presenting the main article at a roundtable on state reforms and elections, organised jointly by SHUJAN and The Hunger Project in the capital today (14 November). 

Dilip further said the process of state reforms and elections can be considered in several phases. Firstly, submitting reports by the reform commission to the interim government. Secondly, recognising the areas of reforms by the interim government through dialogues with stakeholders on the recommendations of the reform commission. 

In the third phase, assessing the reforms that the interim government and the forthcoming elected government will implement.

In the last phase, establishing a conducive environment for fair elections through implementing the reforms under the jurisdiction of the interim government.

SHUJAN Vice President Justice MA Matin said as discussions on reforms are ongoing following a successful revolution, many citizens are now apprehensive about allowing politicians to govern the country without implementing at least some fundamental reforms.

"So, some urgent reforms need to be carried out before heading towards the elections."

He further said it is a fundamental expectation that the country will be led by representatives of the people, and there should be no deviation to this end.

Renowned journalist Sohrab Hasan and freedom fighter SM Shafiqul Islam also spoke at the event.