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Speakers at a dialogue yesterday condemned the recent attack on indigenous students, saying they see no rule of law under the interim government.

The national flag was used in the attack, yet no sedition case was filed. There is no rule of law, they said.

The dialogue, titled "Democratic Reconstructions on Constitutional Bodies," was organised by the Centre for Governance Studies at the Bangladesh Institute of Strategy Studies in the capital.

Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, general secretary of Gono Forum, stressed the need for reforms in the judiciary and police.

"A BNP-leaning attorney general has been appointed, although this is not a BNP government," he said.

"Even in the ICT Tribunal, a member of the AB Party was made the chief prosecutor. These decisions raise questions. Two parties have their share in everything -- Jamaat is receiving more, while BNP is receiving slightly less. Naturally, BNP is somewhat disappointed," he added.

He called for a shift in mindset, noting that political appointments have long been the norm in Bangladesh.

He also stressed the need for a National Minority Commission.

BNP leader Zahir Uddin Swapan questioned whether the interim government could implement democratic reconstruction. "Without a clear framework and stakeholder consensus, discussions may not yield concrete results," he said.

Badiul Alam Majumdar, chief of the election reform commission, proposed reserving 100 parliamentary seats for women to reduce discrimination.

"A flawed appointment system has weakened constitutional institutions. The Election Commission should be independent but follows executive directives," he said.

To ensure democratic reconstruction, he stressed the need for transparent appointments, legal updates, and accountability for past wrongdoings.

Former NBR chairman Mohammad Abdul Mazid stressed transparency in constitutional appointments.

Retired diplomat M Shafiullah called for the direct election of the president.

"If the people elect the president, the position will be free from political control. No political party currently holds a strong mandate. Credible elections are necessary for Bangladesh's global reputation," he said.

CPD Executive Director Fahmida Khatun highlighted the need for strong constitutional institutions to support democracy and economic stability.

"The recent protests were about economic issues and employment. Immediate actions are needed to provide relief to the people. Reforms alone cannot sustain progress without foreign investment and economic stability," she added.

Senior journalist Abu Saeed Khan criticised the Constitution Reform Commission for keeping Islam as the state religion while removing secularism and socialism from the preamble.

CGS Executive Director Zillur Rahman moderated the event, while Munira Khan, chair of CGS, presided over it.

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Ensure reforms in judiciary, law enforcement | The Daily Star