Bangladesh faces four fundamental challenges, says Ali Riaz

The National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz has said Bangladesh faces “four fundamental challenges”, involving state reform initiatives, ending the culture of impunity, holding fair elections, and adapting to global geopolitics.

Speaking at an event at Dhaka University on Sunday, he said the country could fall into instability again if these challenges are not overcome.

He said, “Bangladesh must act now to avoid the fate of Middle Eastern and North African countries.

“Preventing a return to autocracy and ensuring a peaceful democratic transition is the responsibility of all political parties, not just the interim government.”

On the parliamentary polls, Riaz said: “Countries that have been able to transfer power peacefully have been able to return to democracy relatively well.

“If state institutions remain as echoes of the previous regime, the risk of instability persists. They must be reformed through constitutional and legal changes to prevent a return to dictatorship.”

Mentioning violations of accountability, human rights, and abuse of power during the Awami League government’s tenure, he called for those responsible to be brought to justice.

The conference’s inaugural speaker, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan, said: “We are going through a transitional period after the July Uprising. Everyone must remain united to consolidate democracy. We must move forward together by removing all political and social divisions.”

He expressed hope that the conference will play an important role in strengthening mutual relations and increasing networks among teachers, researchers, and professionals.

The conference will also continue on Monday.