Function of democratic institutions

Many people in the countries like ours are wondering why it's taking so long time to count votes in US elections. Some even expressed apprehensions that sitting President Trump as a candidate would manage to manipulate the institutions including the courts, to bring results in his favour. The latest results show he is rather more likely to lose although his team is filing lawsuits. Our friends in America said different institutions are so effective and laws are enforced in such a manner that even the head of the state cannot do whatever he likes.

We have something to learn in terms of keeping institutions functional. Those who voted in large numbers in America tried to say they are fighting for the soul of America - the pluralist nation, the melting pot, and the land of opportunity and so on. We in our case need to clearly define what our business is. Our values and culture are different but they need to be upheld. We need to build local institutions to ensure welfare and opportunities of our people, especially our children.

Sabrina Sadat

Dhanmondi, Dhaka

rrawnak61@gmail.com