Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik, speaking at a press conference on 'Call for a Proper, Peaceful and Acceptable Election' at the National Press Club in the city on Monday — FE photo Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) on Monday expressed doubt whether the upcoming national election will be free and fair under a political government.
The civil society platform also called upon the Election Commission (EC) to play its due role in holding an acceptable election dispelling the 'doubt prevailing among the country people' about the forthcoming 11th parliamentary polls.
Sujan made the call at a press conference at the National Press club on Monday to place the demand for holding a free, fair and acceptable national election.
Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, central secretary of the citizens' forum working for good governance, Dilip Kumar Sarkar, central coordinator, and Camelia Chowdhury, Dhaka city unit vice president, attended the conference, among others.
Speaking at the press briefing, Mr Alam said active participation of all stakeholders, including political parties, media, mass people and government, is required for holding the national election.
"Everybody must play their respective roles in due manner for holding a fair and participatory election in a peaceful environment," he said.
He hoped that the political parties will nominate qualified candidates saying, the role of the EC will be most important during the election.
The EC is now a very powerful agency, which can formulate various guidelines as to the statutory rules, he observed.
Bangladesh's Election Commission is even more empowered than that of neighboring India, he said.
"Having capacity is not enough; they are required to show their strength practically," he added.
He also said an acceptable parliamentary election is essential to restore the faith of Bangladesh's youth in the democratic process, as they will lead the nation in the future.
However, he expressed doubt over the next election being fair and free under a political government.
During the elections that took place so far in the country under a political government, the results went in favour of the ruling party, he said.
Sujan also called upon the EC, incumbent government, political parties, law enforcement agencies, mass media, voters and conscious citizens to put up their utmost efforts for presenting the nation an all inclusive general election.
It placed a 16-point recommendation for the EC, including working out a coordinated plan for successful holding of the polls, ensuring a level-playing field, and refraining MPs from influencing the election.
Shujan also placed a seven-point recommendation for the law enforcement agencies, that includes supporting the EC, not harassing anybody, ensuring free movement of the voters, and checking any kind of criminal activities before and after the polls.
Dilip Kumar Sarkar briefed the media about Sujan's upcoming activities involving the 11th national election, scheduled to be held on December 30.
The civil society platform will organise press conference in various constituencies urging the voters to elect qualified candidates.
It will organise various discussion sessions where electoral candidates will face the voters in various regions.
The organsiation will arrange cultural activities, human chain and rallies to create awareness among the voters.
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