Bangladesh has got a new government elected by the people in a largely clean and credible election. The Financial Express congratulates the new Prime Minister and the members of his Cabinet. That the people are pinning much hope on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is evident from the fact that it has got absolute majority in the February 12 polls. What, however, the electorates want now is a paradigm shift in governance, which has been dismally poor for decades. On a few occasions in the past, the people were on the cusp of momentous transition only to be disappointed later on. But the dream did not die, it is reignited once again with the political parties agreeing on constitutional reforms in order to pave the way for democracy to cement a strong footing. This is exactly why the referendum on the much-needed reforms was held alongside the parliamentary election. The emphasis is on devolution of power from its existing concentration in the hands of the country's prime minister. Here the objective is to balance power instead of allowing the premier to call the shot alone.
The swearing-in ceremony held at the south plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday last was marked by disagreement over the oath-taking by the people's representatives. When it came to the issue of swearing-in as members of the reform council alongside that of members of parliament (MPs), the ruling party refused to take oath. Its stance is clear: there is no provision under the existing constitution for MPs-elect to take such an oath. Before taking such an oath, this provision has to be incorporated into the constitution. But the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP) reacted strongly because the July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order, 2025, according to them, made it clear it was incumbent on the elected candidates to take an oath as reform council members. The swearing-in ceremony was about to be marred with Jamaat and NCP initially declining to take the oath. However, they took both the oaths ultimately but a big question on the fate of the reform council hangs.
The nation, however, will hope that the contradiction would be resolved as early as possible even if it requires prior amendment to the constitutional provision in question. Preferably it would be done in the first parliamentary session. After all, there is a deadline for completion of the reform to the agreed 48 proposals within 180 working days. All the parties that contested the national polls are signatories to the July national charter and agreed to the 48 reform proposals.
Under the new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the ruling party stands at the threshold of a national resurgence. As he has often spoken about inclusive and transparent governance, the democratic history in the making can happen courtesy of his action matching his words. This will need respecting the July charter for constitutional reform. The cabinet he has chosen is a mix of seasoned politicians and new entrants. All members of the cabinet have daunting challenges before them but none more so than the finance and planning minister. There is also a very tough job at hand of the home minister. Amir Khasru Mahmud is a veteran politician and Salahuddin Ahmed is a man of cool head. Hopefully, they will be able to deliver what they are expected of. It is a tough time because of the global turmoil triggered by the US president's various unpredictable moves. So, bringing discipline in the area of law and order is a priority. Forging relations with big powers is also important. Infusing order in internal affairs will be a key to counterbalancing contradictory international relations. Last but not the least taming the soaring inflation will also be a major challenge for the new government.
