TIB calls on the government to develop and implement a strategic road map for state reform, offers cooperation

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has requested the newly formed caretaker government to take decisive and energetic action to completely reform the state structure by developing and implementing a strategic action plan.

The organisation said in a statement on Friday (9 August) that it would help build a “well-governed New Bangladesh that is distinguished by transparency, accountability, justice and protection of human rights”.

In a statement, the civil society organization congratulated the new government on the fall of the autocratic government that came about as a result of an unprecedented uprising by students and people.

“The intrepid students and ordinary citizens defeated a force that was irresponsible, blinded by the arrogance of power and threatened the dream of a society based on human rights and non-discrimination through unprecedented sacrifice. TIB congratulates everyone, especially the students, for this extraordinary achievement, which was made possible by the indomitable spirit of the students and the people,” TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said in a statement.

The caretaker government, which includes young people, took over state responsibilities amid very high expectations from the public, the TIB said, wishing to fully cooperate in developing and implementing the strategic plan for state reform.

Iftekharuzzaman said: “There is a golden opportunity to rebuild Bangladesh in the spirit of the Liberation War, half a century after independence, and the new government is likely to seize this opportunity. We strongly urge for the formulation of a strategic road map and its implementation to revamp the state machinery of the New Bangladesh.”

“To meet the urgent need,” he added, “there is a need to rapidly improve the law and order situation in the country. This requires a thorough restructuring of police management and infrastructure to create a more people-friendly police force.”

The TIB Executive Director noted that it was crucial to establish effective institutional accountability and transparency within the police to restore public confidence following the collapse of the administration.

“This will help identify the root causes of the decline in trust. Apart from the police force, all state institutions have been consistently used as tools for the abuse of power by the failed government. However, this does not justify the abhorrent acts of random killings and violence against law enforcement and government personnel, which must stop immediately,” he said.

Mentioning that people from all walks of life — irrespective of religion, race, caste or profession — participated in the students’ and people’s movement and achieved a remarkable victory, Iftekharuzzaman said, “Despite night vigils by students and the general public, attacks on homes, businesses and temples of minorities continue.”

He added that the attacks also target monuments and buildings symbolizing the nation’s hopes and inspirations from the Great Liberation War.

“This is really wrong behavior. The autocratic government, posing as a ‘liberation war government’, has failed to uphold the true essence of the liberation war and it is necessary to resolve this matter through appropriate legal means,” he said.

“‘Mob justice’ is completely against the spirit and expectations of the anti-discrimination movement. After the fall of tyranny, any attack on the spirit of the liberation war is totally unacceptable. We, especially the government, must oppose such communal and divisive forces that are erasing the identity of the nation,” Iftekharuzzaman added.