31-Point Outline for Structural Reforms in Bangladesh

The illegal and illegitimate Awami League government has introduced numerous amendments to the fundamental framework of the constitution, driven by the malevolent intent of clinging to power against the will of the people. A 'Constitutional Reforms Commission' will be formed to carefully review and repeal or amend all controversial and undemocratic constitutional changes. Democratic rights of the people will be restored by reinstating the provision for a 'referendum' in the constitution.

An inclusive and egalitarian 'Rainbow Nation,' in contrast to the politics of vengeance, will be established based on Bangladeshi nationalism, through the amalgamation of diverse views, paths, ideologies, and religions. A new forward-looking 'Social Contract' is essential, built through continuous dialogue, exchange of views, and mutual understanding. In this pursuit, a 'National Reconciliation Commission' will be formed.

To reinstate democracy, safeguard the right to vote, and provide a permanent, constitutional, and institutional framework for the democratic process, an 'Election-time Non-Partisan Caretaker Government System' will be implemented. This will ensure that the people have the power to choose their representatives and form a government that genuinely represents their aspirations.

The executive power of the Prime Minister will be balanced to prevent the emergence of an authoritarian regime. Necessary constitutional amendments will be introduced to limit the consecutive terms of any individual serving as Prime Minister to a maximum of two terms.

A Bicameral Parliament, featuring an Upper House of Parliament alongside the existing National Assembly, will be introduced. This will incorporate experts, intellectuals, academics, constitutionalists, administrators, and representatives of various professions into national governance and lawmaking.

Necessary constitutional amendments will be made to review Article 70 of the Constitution, allowing Members of Parliament (MPs) the freedom of expression and voting rights on all matters, except confidence motions and money bills.

The existing judicial system will be comprehensively reformed to ensure the independence, impartiality, and accountability of the Judiciary. A 'Supreme Judicial Council' will be reconstituted as per the original 1972 Constitution. An independent Judicial Secretariat will be set up to separate lower courts from executive control.

An autonomous and impartial 'Administrative Reform Commission' will be set up to restructure the civil administration into a merit-based, professional, and citizen-friendly service, free from partisan interference and corruption.

A 'Media Commission' will be formed to ensure total freedom of the press, protection of journalists, and repeal of all draconian surveillance, censorship, and digital security laws.

An independent, autonomous, and empowered 'Anti-Corruption Commission' (ACC) will be established to eradicate corruption at all levels of state and society without fear or favor.

An Ombudsman Office will be operationalized under Article 77 of the Constitution to protect citizens' rights against administrative negligence, abuse of power, and corruption.

The rule of law will be established at all levels of society. Enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and police custodial torture will be permanently outlawed through strict criminal legislation and human rights monitoring.

Economic policy will focus on curbing inflation, breaking state-backed monopolies, eliminating money laundering, and ensuring fair market competition to relieve pressure on working families.

A comprehensive modern labor reform policy will be enacted to guarantee living wages, workplace safety, healthcare, and trade union rights for industrial and agricultural workers.

An 'Economic Reform Commission' consisting of experts will be formed to modernize financial systems, restore banking sector discipline, and promote sustainable GDP growth.

Agriculture will be prioritized as a major pillar of national self-reliance, ensuring fair prices for crops, subsidized inputs, crop insurance, and expanded canal irrigation.

Industrialization will be accelerated through regional economic zones, ready-made garment export incentives, small and medium enterprises (SME) credit, and foreign direct investment.

Energy and power policies will be overhauled to eliminate corruption, review quick-rental deals, and transition toward renewable and clean energy security.

Foreign relations will be guided by the principle of 'Friendship to all, malice towards none,' defending national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and equitable river-water sharing.

National defense forces will be modernized and strengthened as the proud defenders of national independence, free from political exploitation.

Local government institutions at union, upazila, and district levels will be decentralized and empowered with direct budget allocations to foster local leadership.

Expatriate Bangladeshis (diaspora) will be guaranteed full voting rights, expedited dual-citizenship processing, and hassle-free investment protection.

Universal healthcare coverage will be introduced, expanding community clinics, emergency trauma centers, and affordable essential medicines nationwide.

Education policy will be modernized, making primary and secondary education free and compulsory, upgrading technical institutes, and ensuring academic autonomy.

Women empowerment will be prioritized by expanding female stipends, micro-credit, maternity benefits, and equal representation in public decision-making.

Youth development policies will focus on technical skill training, IT innovation hubs, startup capital, and merit-based public job appointments.

Sports, arts, literature, and cultural activities will be actively promoted across districts to foster national heritage and healthy youth engagement.

To ensure the overall development of the communication network, a well-integrated multi-modal communication system will be established by reforming roads, railways, and waterways across the country. Arrangements will be made to boost regional and international trade and commerce through infrastructural development, technical modernization, and skills enhancement in all seaports and river ports.

Sustainable and effective strategies shall be adopted to address the hazards and losses due to climate change. The institutional capacity to face natural disasters like floods, tidal bores, cyclones, and earthquakes shall be enhanced by procuring the latest modern equipment. Effective measures shall be taken to prevent pollution of the rivers and water reservoirs. Programs for the excavation and re-excavation of rivers and canals shall be carried out to mitigate flood and drought risks. Arrangements shall be taken for the prudent tapping, exploitation, preservation, and economic use of marine resources (blue economy) based on scientific surveys.

Necessary steps will be taken to elevate the information and communication technology (ICT) sector to a world-class level. The impact of ICT on all sectors will be prioritized in a true sense, drawing on practical application rather than mere rhetoric. The Space Research and Atomic Energy Commission will be strengthened by enhancing institutional capacity and functional facilities.

Religious freedom, harmony, and constitutional protection for all minority communities, ethnicities, and indigenous groups will be strictly guarded against communal violence or discrimination.