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The Rastro Songskar Andolon (State Reform Movement) is a Bangladeshi political party, which advocates for constitutional and institutional reforms in the country's government. The party began as a movement for state reform and that's why its name retains the word "andolon", which means movement.

Leadership

Hasnat Quaiyum, a lawyer and political activist, is the chief coordinator of the movement and has been its primary leader. His legal background has contributed to the organisation's focus on constitutional reforms.

Objectives

The party calls for institutional reforms that would create a more equitable distribution of power, resources, and opportunities across Bangladesh. Rastro Songskar Andolon stands against the concentration of power in a small political and economic elite, aiming instead to decentralize power and make governance more responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens.

Key activities and alliances

One of the movement's most significant contributions to Bangladesh's political landscape is its participation in the Ganatantra Mancha, a coalition of leftist and reformist political groups. This alliance, formed in 2022, aims to challenge the status quo and demand reforms in governance and the state apparatus. Through this coalition, Rastro Songskar Andolon has been involved in protests and campaigns against the government's policies, drawing attention to critical issues such as the violation of human rights and the lack of accountability in public administration.

Challenges

The Rastro Songskar Andolon faces challenges in the form of limited political leverage and opposition from established political elites. The party's strong critique of existing political structures also made it a target for government surveillance and legal actions aimed at curbing dissent during the previous government led by Sheikh Hasina. Members of the movement also have faced arrests and legal challenges.

Prospects

Rastro Songskar Andolon has emerged as a significant voice for reform in Bangladesh, and while its goals are ambitious, it continues to attract support from various segments of society, particularly from intellectuals, students, and civil society organizations.

References

1. সংস্কার এখন জাতীয় ঐকমত্যের ভিত্তি. protidinerbangladesh.com (in Bengali).
2. রাষ্ট্র সংস্কার আন্দোলন (in Bengali). Retrieved 2024-09-24.
3. "Laundered money: Int'l community urged to help recover". The Daily Star. 2023-09-08. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
4. ^ "Rastro Songskar Andolon's Pritam Das arrested under Digital Security Act". The Financial Express. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
5. সাক্ষাৎকার: অ্যাডভোকেট হাসনাত কাইয়ুম: বৈপ্লবিক প্রক্রিয়া নয়, আমরা বলছি সংস্কারের কথা. Samakal (in Bengali).
6. অন্তর্বর্তী সরকারকে রাষ্ট্র সংস্কার আন্দোলনের ৬ প্রস্তাব. The Dhaka Post (in Bengali). 2024-08-12. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
7. টাস্কফোর্সের মাধ্যমে সংস্কার রূপরেখা তৈরির আহ্বান রাষ্ট্র সংস্কার আন্দোলনের. The Daily Star (in Bengali). 2024-08-17. Retrieved 2024-09-24.

• Political parties in Bangladesh