Dhaka, Aug 03 (V7N) – The heads of the five second-phase reform commissions have submitted a joint letter to Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, urging the inclusion of their key reform proposals in the upcoming July Charter. The letter was delivered to the Chief Advisor’s office on Sunday, calling for swift government action and a long-term political commitment to reform.

In the letter, the commission heads acknowledged the significance of the first-phase dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties, but stressed that the recommendations from the second-phase commissions—covering labor, women, local government, health, and media—are equally crucial for institutionalizing democracy and rebuilding Bangladesh.

They proposed two immediate steps the interim government can take:

  1. Select and implement the most feasible reforms without delay.

  2. Include the remaining issues in the July Charter, ensuring that political parties commit to carrying them forward if elected.

The commission leaders warned that omitting these sectors from the charter may allow future governments to disregard or reverse essential reforms, potentially eroding public trust and disappointing the groups who made sacrifices during the July uprising.

“A significant number of women, workers, and journalists gave their lives during the July movement. Ignoring the reforms they demanded will breed deep frustration and resentment,” the letter stated.

They also emphasized their gratitude to the interim government for assigning them to design targeted reforms in key sectors, describing it as a “bold and necessary” decision at a critical moment in the nation’s history.

The signatories of the letter include:

  • Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Head of the Labor Reform Commission

  • Shirin Parvin Haque, Head of the Women's Affairs Reform Commission

  • Tofail Ahmed, Head of the Local Government Reform Commission

  • National Professor Dr. AK Azad Khan, Head of the Health Sector Reform Commission

  • Kamal Ahmed, Head of the Media Reform Commission

As the countdown to the July Charter announcement continues, pressure is mounting on the interim administration to reflect the aspirations of post-uprising Bangladesh by anchoring structural reforms in its transition blueprint.

END/RH/AJ