Bangladesh - November 2024
Interim government forms new reform commissions
The interim government, established on 8 August, created several reform commissions to address corruption, the election system, the judiciary, police and the constitution. These commissions will provide reform roadmaps in the next three months, after beginning work in October. Four additional reform commissions have since been announced focused on health, media, labour rights and women affairs. Since August, the interim government has signed the UN Convention on Enforced Disappearances, set up disappearance inquiries, and lifted the previous administration's ban on the Jamaat-E-Islami party. While welcome developments, political analysts have raised concerns regarding the haste of court proceedings against those involved in violence during the uprising and the formation of the reform commissions, urging for transparency and inclusivity.
Sources: International IDEA, Crisis Group, The Daily Star
Interim government scraps Cyber Security Act
On 7 November, the interim government endorsed the annulment of the Cyber Security Act, which was widely criticized for suppressing free speech, press freedom and political dissent. All cases filed under the act would also be withdrawn. Rights and media experts have welcomed the decision, urging the interim government to provide relief to victims of the Act. The decision to repeal the Cybersecurity Act paves the way for preparing a new Cyber Protection Ordinance law. This proposed law omits seven controversial provisions from the previous Act, including hate, misinformation and defamatory propaganda penalties.
Sources: International IDEA , Dhaka Tribune, The Daily Star, Prothomalo