Democracy is not just about voting

Bangladesh has a proud history of fighting for democracy and the rights of its people. From the Language Movement of 1952 to the Liberation War in 1971, the people of this country have always stood up for freedom, justice, and democracy. Today, Bangladesh once again stands at a critical point where the role of the people is vital. As an interim government prepares to conduct national elections, the responsibility of ensuring a peaceful and democratic transition does not rest on the government alone. The citizens of Bangladesh can and must play a strong and positive role in assisting the interim government and helping restore democratic values in the country.

Democracy is not just about voting. It is a culture, a habit, and a belief in fairness, equality, and justice. The people of Bangladesh have a great opportunity to show the world their commitment to democracy. One of the most important things the citizens can do is to stay informed and understand their rights and responsibilities as voters. Many people in rural and even urban areas are not fully aware of the electoral process or how their vote can make a difference. Public awareness campaigns, social media, schools, and community centres can help spread information about the importance of voting, how to check voter lists, and where to vote. This will encourage more people to take part in the elections.

Peaceful participation is another major way people can support the interim government. In the past, elections in Bangladesh were often marked by violence, unrest, and political chaos. This creates fear and prevents many honest citizens from coming out to vote. The people must reject violence and support peace. Community leaders, teachers, religious figures, and social influencers can encourage non-violence and responsible behaviour during the election period. Citizens can report any suspicious activities or attempts to cause trouble. A peaceful environment will help the interim government carry out fair elections and boost public trust.

Citizens can also support democratic efforts by resisting political pressure and refusing to be used by political parties for unfair purposes. Often, poor people, students, and unemployed youths are lured or forced to attend political rallies, block roads, or even engage in violence. This not only harms others but also weakens democracy. Every Bangladeshi should think about the future of the country and act responsibly. Saying "no" to illegal activities and standing firm against injustice is one of the strongest contributions a citizen can make to democracy.

Another way the people can assist the interim government is by demanding transparency and accountability from all political parties. In a democracy, all parties must follow rules and respect the rights of others. If any political group tries to boycott the election, threaten voters, or question the neutrality of the process without proper reason, the people must voice their disapproval. Through peaceful protests, letters to the editor, social media posts, and community meetings, citizens can express their desire for fair and peaceful elections. This public pressure can push political leaders to behave more responsibly and cooperate with the interim government.

Youths in Bangladesh have a powerful role. Young people make up a large part of the population and are full of energy, ideas, and hope. They can be active in voter education, election monitoring, and social media awareness. Many NGOs and youth groups already work in these areas. Young people can join hands with these organisations to become election volunteers, observe polling booths, and share positive messages online. Their honest involvement can prevent election fraud and help create a culture of clean politics.

Technology can also help. Citizens can use mobile apps, websites, and hotlines provided by the Election Commission or trusted civil society groups to report any irregularities, verify their voter information, or get updates on election-related news. These digital tools make it easier for ordinary people to take part in the election process. The more the people are involved, the more pressure there is on all players to play fair.

Women, who are often left out of political discussions, must be encouraged to participate actively. In many parts of Bangladesh, cultural barriers or lack of awareness prevent women from voting or running for office. But democracy cannot be complete without the equal participation of women. Families and communities should support the active involvement of women in all parts of the election process. They should be allowed to vote freely, speak their minds, and even run for positions if they wish. This not only strengthens democracy but also creates a more balanced and fair society.

Religious leaders can also play a powerful role. Bangladesh is a deeply religious country, and many people respect the words of their imams, priests, or monks. If religious leaders speak in favour of peace, unity, and fair elections during Friday prayers or community gatherings, it can have a big impact. They can help reduce tension, stop the spread of false information, and promote harmony during this sensitive time.

The media, both traditional and digital, can support the people in their democratic mission. However, the people also have a responsibility to be careful about what they read, share, and believe. False news and rumors can create panic and unrest. Citizens must check facts, avoid spreading unverified information, and trust only reliable news sources. If more people do this, it will be harder for anyone to misuse the media for political purposes.

Bangladeshis living abroad can also contribute to this effort. The Bangladeshi diaspora is large and influential. Through donations, social media campaigns, and letters to international human rights groups or the United Nations, they can raise global awareness about the importance of free and fair elections in Bangladesh. Their voice can bring international attention to the situation and add more pressure on all parties to respect democratic norms.

One of the most important actions that people can take is to vote. It may sound simple, but it is the heart of democracy. Every single vote counts, and every citizen has the right and duty to use it. If millions of people come out peacefully to vote, it becomes very difficult for anyone to manipulate the results. Voting is not only a personal right, it is a gift to the nation. It is a sign of hope, of belief in the future, and of support for a better Bangladesh.

The people of Bangladesh have the power to assist the interim government in conducting fair elections and restoring democracy. By staying informed, voting peacefully, rejecting violence, promoting unity, supporting women and youth, using technology wisely, resisting political pressure, and demanding honesty from leaders, ordinary citizens can bring about an extraordinary change. Democracy is not something that can be gifted, it must be earned and protected by the people. With unity, awareness, and peaceful participation, the people of Bangladesh can once again lead their country to a path of fairness, justice, and democratic strength.

Dr Mohammad Mizanur Rahman is Assistant Professor & Research Fellow at the Management and Science University, Malaysia.