In an address to the nation on Wednesday, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has stressed the importance of collective support from all citizens, emphasising their crucial role in reforming the state. He has also outlined a roadmap for reshaping key institutions and addressing the sociopolitical and economic challenges hindering the country’s progress.
A focus of Yunus’s reform plan is the formation of six commissions, each tasked with renovating core areas of governance. The commissions will focus on public administration, judicial reform, electoral systems, constitutional amendments, police administration and anti-corruption commission. They are set to commence their work on October 1 and are expected to put forward their recommendations within three months.
Dr Yunus emphasised that the reform process will be inclusive, engaging a wide range of stakeholders. Representatives from the anti-discrimination student movement, trade unions, civil society and political parties will sit with the commissions to discuss reform. This inclusive participation aims to ensure that reforms reflect the interests and aspirations of people of all strata of society. After the commissions present their findings, the government will engage in further consultations with political parties and civil society to finalise a blueprint for comprehensive state reforms.
Dr.Yunus highlighted the country’s
financial struggles, particularly the
impact of inflation fueled by
mismanagement under the
immediate past government.
Economic reform is another priority area for the interim government. Yunus highlighted the country’s financial struggles, particularly the impact of inflation fueled by mismanagement under the immediate past government. To combat this, the present government has raised interest rate to 9 percent and has formed a banking commission to restore order in the financial sector. Besides, measures to ensure affordable access to essential commodities for low income people, such as targeted subsidies for rice, oil and lentils, have been implemented to mitigate the impact of rising commodity prices.
The interim government also aims to ensure accountability and transparency in governance, mainly in the health and education sectors. Increased budgetary allocations for these sectors and efforts to curb corruption in major projects are central to this agenda. Yunus further announced plans to review and repeal unjust laws, such as controversial Cyber Security Act and to expedite the resolution of high-profile criminal cases, signalling the government’s commitment to upholding justice.
Mentioning press freedom, Dr Yunus also said that all people may express their opinions from now on because they have the right. In terms of foreign policy, Yunus underscored the importance of maintaining equitable and cooperative relationship with neighbouring countries, mainly India. He highlighted ongoing discussions regarding flood management and broader regional cooperation, stressing the need for mutually beneficial partnership based on fairness and respect.
Yunus’s call for collaboration in state reform signals a pivotal moment for the country. His vision for change, underpinned by justice, accountability and inclusivity, has the potential to guide the nation through this challenging period and towards a more stable and equitable future. With concerted efforts, the country can move forward with renewed hope and optimism.
