"We cannot but emphasise the need for an effective consultative process for interaction between the caretaker government and all sections of people as we are aiming to move from the centralised mode of authoritarian governance in the past to a healthy mode of decentralised democratic good governance," the eminent jurist said at a press conference yesterday.

Support of the people is necessary for success of any reform programmes and participation of all concerned is a must to have a meaningful democratic government, he noted.

Gono Forum leader Zahirul Islam read out Dr Kamal's written statement at the press conference on 'Landslides in Chittagong and recent human disaster: State action is important' held at the Jatiya Press Club.

Dr Kamal expressed deepest sympathies to those who lost their near and dear ones and suffered from this terrible natural disaster.

"Wetlands, open spaces and hills within the cities have become the targets of land grabbers resulting in serious damage to the environment," he said expressing grave concern over this.

He emphasised an effective urban planning and effective regulation in relation to land use to avert disasters in future.

The legal expert demanded immediate implementation of the decision on separation of the judiciary from the executive. Terming it a major challenge before the caretaker government (CG) at this stage, he said, "Rules at long last have been made, but implementation measurers still remain to be taken along with provisions of necessary resources for the Supreme Court."

He urged the CG to form a human rights commission so that corrective actions are taken, rights are protected and awareness is developed. When formed, the commission could take initiatives to mobilise public support for overall economic and social changes in the society and play a dynamic role in the process.

"As a nation we have taken on the challenge of liberating our society from the disease of corruption, political violence, extremism and politicisation," he said. Capture of state institutions by owners of black money, patrons of armed cadres and extremists had undermined the rule of law and damaged the state institutions, he pointed out.

The jurist said protection of life and property was denied as there was no impartial and effective law enforcement in the recent past. "In this context, we would like to express our citizens' concern about the need to involve people at all levels in bringing about meaningful changes."

He said people's support could be mobilised through a proper consultation process and regular interaction and exchanges of views with different sections of the people. He also emphasised meaningful reforms in business sector so that its interest is represented properly.

Price hike of essentials is one of the major problems at present, Dr Kamal said. The government could consult appropriate representatives of business people directly involved in import, wholesale and retail distribution as well as of consumers for resolving this problem, he added.