Citizen's platform 'Voice for Reform' formed

A new citizen's platform called "Voice for Reform" has been formed with the aim of "repairing the state."

The platform was launched today (17 September) during a press conference titled "Launch and Declaration of Action Plan" at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters' Unity.

During the event, platform co-convener and central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Shahinur Sumi, read out a written statement and said, "This platform is timely, non-partisan, and open-minded that aims to reach people from all walks of life in Bangladesh. 

"It will offer a space for citizens, regardless of race, religion, or background, especially the younger generation, to express their views and provide recommendations, alongside experts and patriots committed to democracy," she added. 

Shahinur Sumi further said, "Our goal is to generate practical, citizen-centric solutions through meaningful, free, and open exchanges of ideas, which will contribute to policy making. Voice for Reform intends to keep these discussions ongoing, focusing on essential issues for the betterment of the state. We hope to achieve this goal through the participation of like-minded citizen organisations."

The speakers at the press conference highlighted that the interim government faces massive challenges. Thus, beyond simply presenting demands to the government, the platform hopes to create space for dialogue on what citizens can do in their roles. 

At the heart of these discussions will be the elimination of discrimination, promoting equality, human dignity, democracy, and social justice, while ensuring a new arrangement of "responsibility and compassion," said the speakers. 

The press conference also announced that the platform will host a series of reform discussions titled "Meramat Alap" (Repair Talks), starting on 4 October.

Co-conveners of the Voice for Reform initiative include photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam, human rights activist Ashok Barua, lawyer and journalist Manzur-Al-Matin, and anti-discrimination student movement coordinator Nazifa Jannat among many others.