Academics, politicians, a former EC commissioner and journalists along with various professionals have said the political parties are incapable of ensuring democratic practice in the country. As a result, the electoral procedure is replete with malicious practices.
Taking part in a discussion, they expressed the hope that the trend of democratic practice will be in action owing to the upcoming election in December. They expressed their hope for a positive impact in light of the recent dialogues among the political parties with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the ruling Awami League. They were appreciative of the fact that all political parties had decided to take part in the next polls to give shape to democratic stability in the country.
The discussants came up with these remarks at a seminar organized by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at its auditorium yesterday in the capital with Professor Ataur Rahman in the chair. The keynote paper, titled Electoral Politics and People’s Right to Vote, was presented by Brigadier General M Shakhawat Hossain (Rtd.), explaining the need for a free, fair and participatory election on December 30.
Barrister M Amirul Islam, as the guest of honor, said political governments in Bangladesh are used to moving in a wrong direction due to lack of accountability of the executive authority. He pointed to the growing politicization of state institutions, controversial electoral activities, together with fraudulent devices to turn the whole procedure into a packaged framework.
Barrister Islam also said the basic need is to enhance the empowerment of people. The people of the country must feel comfortable when they cast their votes and elect their desired candidates.
In his remarks, Professor Syed Anwar Hossain said Bengali culture and heritage is strong enough to make the nation go forward in the right direction. However, not all elections after the achievement of independence, national and local, have been free of flaws.
Awami League Law Secretary Advocate S M Rezaul Karim said the activities of political parties in Bangladesh have to be turned into creative action in order to make democracy stable. At the same time, the nation’s intellectuals, civil society members and various professionals should be more careful in their comments so that their opinions as expressed in the media can positively influence the people.
Speaking at the seminar, Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Jahiruddin Swapan said the attitude of the political parties differs at different times, especially when they are in opposition and then find themselves in power. Democratic culture between the ruling party and its adversaries should grow and indeed their relations should be amicable if participatory pluralism is to be strong and sustainable, he said.
The seminar was addressed, among others, by Awami League Joint General Secretary Mohammad Hanif, journalist Naimul Islam Khan, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumder, Dr. Mohammad Abdul Majid, Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Huq, Lieutenant General Md. Mainul Islam (Rtd.) and others.
News Courtesy: www.dailyasianage.com