Nahid Islam, Adviser for Telecom, ICT, and Information and Broadcasting, has stated that strict action will be taken against officials involved in protests that violate employment regulations. “Those breaching job protocols under the guise of protests will undoubtedly face consequences,” he asserted.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion on “Unity, Reform, and Elections,” organized by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka’s Farmgate on Friday, Islam made these remarks. The event focused on justice for victims of student-public movements, ongoing national reforms, and the roadmap for upcoming elections. Representatives from at least 20 political parties and alliances participated in the dialogue, which featured a video message from Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
During the opening session, moderated by Faruq Wasif, Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), the Chief Adviser advocated for setting the voter age at 17 and emphasized that preparations for reforms and elections must proceed simultaneously. “Election preparations are primarily the responsibility of the Election Commission. Citizens need not focus on this until an election date is announced. However, reform is a task for everyone—voters and future voters alike must actively engage in the reform process,” he said.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser on Environmental Affairs, highlighted, “If we agree on the need for reforms, there is no reason to consider each other adversaries. We must collectively decide what reforms are necessary, who will implement them, and how they will be executed effectively.”
Acknowledging the government’s strong public support yet administrative limitations, Islam remarked, “Recently, we’ve been hearing statements from bureaucrats that seem like veiled threats. This audacity stems from their empowerment under previous regimes, where bureaucratic reliance fostered authoritarianism.”
During the session, moderator Sayeed Abdullah questioned whether visible measures had been taken against the accused officials. In response, the Adviser for Information stated, “We held a meeting on this issue today (Friday), and stricter actions will be taken next week. Those violating job regulations under the guise of protests will face consequences. I urge bureaucrats to focus on serving the people and facilitating a proper democratic transition. Movements or factional interests do not justify the sacrifices made by so many lives.”
He added, “Reforms will ensure justice for all. Bureaucrats will have a say in reforms, and their voices will be heard. However, their recent responses to reform recommendations were neither ethical nor procedurally correct. Many bureaucrats from previous regimes are still hiding within the system, and we’ve identified them. Swift action will be taken against them as well.”
Nahid Islam further emphasized the government’s positive rapport and consensus with political parties, despite criticisms over mistakes and limitations. “We are addressing these criticisms constructively,” he said.
He observed that the current government, formed after a mass uprising, defies conventional definitions: “It is neither entirely a constitutional government nor a revolutionary one. It is an interim government navigating a transitional phase.”
Islam concluded, “The government operates through a process of unity. We have prioritized reforms, addressing issues that political parties have been raising for 15 years.”
