TIB warns July Charter reforms undermined by power politics

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said state reform commitments made after the 2024 July Uprising have been undermined by power politics and bureaucratic resistance, leaving implementation of the July National Charter increasingly uncertain a year after its signing.

In a statement issued yesterday, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the interim government failed to establish a strong foundation for reform because of inadequate strategic planning, a lack of political courage and compromises with bureaucratic resistance.

He said the post-election political landscape had further weakened reform prospects, with constitutional amendments and institutional changes increasingly dependent on the ruling alliance's unilateral decisions, while the opposition alliance remained preoccupied with partisan political gains.

Despite pledges to implement the reform agenda and the July Charter "to the letter", lawmakers from the ruling party declined to take an oath as members of the proposed Constitution Reform Council, creating uncertainty over implementation, he said.

Of the 133 ordinances issued by the interim government, the current administration has enacted a substantial number into law. However, TIB alleged that ordinances strengthening executive power had been passed, while those intended to establish accountability had been repealed or suspended.

Iftekharuzzaman criticised the repeal of ordinances concerning the Supreme Court Secretariat and judicial appointments, saying the moves undermined judicial independence.