The six reform commissions established by the interim government are ready to start their work, but they will first hold consultations with political parties. This decision was announced by Shafiqul Alam, the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy.
The commissions were originally scheduled to begin their operations on October 1, 2024, but the advisers want to ensure they have input from various political groups before proceeding.
Alam indicated that discussions with political parties would take place soon to finalize plans for the commissions. These commissions are part of a broader effort to reform the country’s governance and state structures.
In addition to the commissions’ work, Alam shared updates about Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s recent trip to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He described the visit as a “successful” event, highlighting that Prof. Yunus participated in around 50 meetings, including discussions with prominent world leaders such as US President Joe Biden and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Alam noted that Prof. Yunus received a warm welcome from global leaders, who expressed strong support for his government and the reform initiatives underway in Bangladesh. The chief adviser returned home on September 29 after his four-day trip to New York.
Regarding foreign aid, Alam mentioned several commitments, including $3.5 billion from the World Bank and €400 million from the European Union aimed at supporting Bangladesh’s green initiatives. Additionally, the US has pledged $199 million for Rohingya support.
Alam also revealed that a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is currently in Bangladesh. Once their report is finalized, there is hope that an additional $3.5 billion will be available to the country from the IMF.
When asked about the timeline for Bangladesh’s next general elections, Alam explained that world leaders are supportive of the interim government’s plans and understand that the electoral process may take time. Ultimately, he stated that it is up to the people of Bangladesh to determine how long these government reforms will take.
Prof. Yunus views the ongoing reform work as a significant opportunity for Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of establishing a solid foundation for the future.
In addition to them, six more officials holding the rank of additional secretary have also been assigned as OSDs. These include Md Zillur Rahman Chowdhury, Chairman of the Bangladesh Land Port Authority, and Mosharraf Hossain, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Environment.
The other four are Zakir Hossain, AKM Shameem Akhter, and Md Mahbuber Rahman—who all served as Additional Secretaries at the Road Transport and Highways Division (RTHD)—and Gautam Chandra Pal, Chairman of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).
In other related changes, Dr AKM Matiur Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), has been promoted to Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping. Meanwhile, Sanjay Kumar Banik, an Additional Secretary at the Shipping Ministry, has been promoted to Grade-1 official and appointed as the new BIWTC Chairman.
Additionally, Md Yasin, Director General of the Department of Printing and Publications, has been named the new Chairman of the BRTA.
Other notable appointments include Food Ministry Secretary Ismail Hossain, who has been transferred to the Social Welfare Ministry, and Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Khan, who has been appointed Chairman of Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) on deputation. Furthermore, Md Abdur Rahim Khan, the Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), will now serve as Director General of the Public-Private Partnership Authority.
This round of reassignments highlights significant changes within key ministries and government agencies, indicating a strategic reshuffle within the public administration.
