Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman has said that the government failed to achieve the main objectives of the July Charter due to political parties’ reluctance and pressure from the bureaucracy.
He made the remarks on Monday in Dhaka during the release of a research report examining the gap between expectations and outcomes under the current government’s administration.
The report mentioned that instead of a single-party dominance, a triangular influence has emerged within the administration. The TIB also expressed concern over the prospects of a free and fair upcoming election.
Regarding the fall of the Awami League government and the expectations of an interim government for justice, reform, and elections, the report states that although the interim government took some positive steps in reform, in many cases these were ineffective. Efforts to remove one-party influence in the administration were often replaced by attempts to bring in others. It also raises questions about the judicial system, whether it will deliver revenge or justice.
The research also notes that following the mass uprising, the country experienced 600 incidents of political violence and 158 killings. It highlights that religion-based politics is threatening cultural diversity and women’s participation. The TIB further warned of the risk of “mob culture” influencing the upcoming elections.
The report also claims that at least 189 journalists lost their jobs following the uprising, raising concerns that media safety is increasingly at risk in the country.
bd-pratidin/GR
