The goal of the recently established “Voice for Reform” citizen platform is to solve problems with state governance. It will launch a series of in-depth talks on reforms across several sectors with the topic “Repairing the State” on October 4.

The platform announced its aim and work plan at a news conference held at Dhaka Reporters Unity on Tuesday afternoon. Among the co-conveners of Voice for Reform are human rights activist and photojournalist Shahidul Alam, human rights campaigner Ashok Barua, and journalist and lawyer Manzur-Al-Matin.

At the press conference, it was announced that the first phase of reform discussions under the Voice for Reform initiative will begin on October 4.

The platform’s panelists said they intend to engage people from all classes and professions. They emphasized that the platform will provide space where experts, as well as democratic citizens regardless of caste, religion, or ethnicity—particularly youth—can voice their opinions and offer advice.

Through this process, specific proposals will be developed to assist in policy making. Central to all discussions will be the eradication of inequality and the creation of a “new arrangement of responsibilities and values” that upholds equality, human dignity, democracy, and social justice.

Meanwhile, Shahidul Alam, one of the co-conveners, noted that while several platforms already exist, they will serve as collaborators in this initiative. He emphasized that Bangladesh has achieved significant progress, which must be preserved to prevent regression.

He added that some urgent actions are needed, such as ensuring treatment for those injured during recent movements, many of whom are laborers who may not be receiving adequate care. He also highlighted the importance of addressing security concerns.

Co-convener and central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Shahinur Sumi, read out a prepared statement.

She said that Voice for Reform seeks to reach people from all walks of life in Bangladesh through a timely, non-partisan, and free-thinking platform, allowing experts and patriots, regardless of caste or religion, to contribute. She emphasized that the platform particularly encourages young citizens to express their views and suggestions.

Shahinur Sumi, who is a coordinator at Eden Mohila College, said that their goal is to create actionable, public-oriented proposals through an independent, meaningful, and open exchange of ideas, which will contribute to the policymaking process. She added that Voice for Reform aims to keep citizens engaged in discussions on vital issues to help repair the state.

The speakers at the press conference underscored the massive challenges facing the interim government. The platform, therefore, hopes to foster dialogue, not just to present demands to the government but also to encourage citizens to take responsibility in their own roles.

Lawyer and journalist Manzur-Al-Matin explained that their objective is clear: to revive the belief that positive change is possible. He said their task is to coordinate and present thoughts and actions from various levels of society in an organized manner.

Publisher and researcher Mahrukh Mohiuddin remarked that, despite 53 years of independence, the country has not advanced on the basis of principles of equality and justice. She emphasized that this is an opportunity to learn from past mistakes, which can no longer be repeated. Every citizen, she added, has a role to play in this process.

The co-conveners of the Voice for Reform initiative include human rights activist Ashok Barua, lawyer and journalist Manzur-Al-Matin, and Nazifa Jannat, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at Rajshahi University, along with many others.