Not possible to specify exact duration at this moment: Arif Sohel
The army chief has mentioned about a timeframe of one and a half years. However, I believe it is not possible to specify an exact duration at this moment. But we can consider it a roadmap.
We have seen the formation of six commissions aimed at reforming the state, including the constitution, judiciary, and police. These commissions have been given three months to submit their reports. So, about five to six months will pass just for this.
The chief advisor has mentioned that after the reports are submitted, he will sit down for discussions with political parties, civil society, and other notable citizens. There will be discussions on how to implement the commissions' recommendations, incorporating input from all stakeholders.
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Now, the time required for these discussions does not depend solely on the interim government. It also depends on how interested the political parties and civil society figures are in the reforms, and how much they assist the government in this process.
If everyone cooperates spontaneously, it may take less than that. But if convincing everyone proves challenging, the time could extend.
When we talk about holding elections after the reforms are completed, what exactly is meant by 'reforms'? It's important to understand that there are two phases to these reforms.
In the primary phase, the Election Commission, the police administration, and the judiciary must be reformed. Even if the interim government claims it will just hold a fair election and leave, they still have to carry out these reforms. This is because if elections are held under the Election Commission that Hasina left behind, it will result in yet another 'Hasina election' like before.
The second phase of reforms includes the constitution, the economy, and so on. These are long-term reforms. Political parties can discuss how much of this the interim government will handle and how much the newly elected government will take up. But the interim government must carry out the primary phase reforms.
Arif Sohel spoke to TBS' Ariful Hasan Shuvo over phone.
Arif Sohel, Coordinator at Jahangirnagar University, Anti-discrimination Students Movement
