FE Report
Politicians, professionals and civil society members at a roundtable discussion on Saturday said an inclusive, credible and participatory election is a must for the sake of the country's sustainable socioeconomic development.
Expressing concern over the existing political and governance climate, they opined that lack of good democratic practices has led to such a situation that encourages flatterers and unethical practices by limiting the space of transparency and accountability.
The speakers, at the same time, called upon the civil societies to get united and keep putting pressure on the political parties to ensure a level playing field where rights of everybody will be protected.
The observations and call were made at a roundtable discussion on "Participatory Election and Democracy in Bangladesh" organised by The Dhaka Forum (TDF) at National Press Club in the city.
TDF Founding Member and former Bangladesh Bank (BB) governor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed moderated the discussion where people from various professions gave their opinions on the 'crisis moment' the country is now going through.
Presenting a background paper on the topic, Ambassador M Serajul Islam said long-term development of a nation largely depends on how strong the particular country's democratic system is.
"So, participatory election and democracy are a must and necessity not only for political parties, for a nation as a whole. I want to see representatives of candidates of all major political parties in the polling booths. If they are there (booth), elections will be fair," he said.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the role of Election Commission (EC), former adviser to a caretaker government M. Hafizuddin Khan said, "No light of hope is being seen over holding a fair and participatory national poll."
He said the ruling party has been conducting election campaign at the state expenses while the real opposition - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) - is confined indoors which is not the sign of impartial polls.
"The EC has failed to ensure an equal field for all," he said. Talking about existing democracy and polls atmosphere, former
adviser to a caretaker government Barrister Mainul Hosein said the culture of flattery and corruption used to grow in a society where voters could not exercise their voting rights and such situation prevails here.
"Corruption and rigging in the polls are the creators of all kinds of corruption and unethical practices because they don't rely on people's voting," he said.
"Election is in captivity. We've to make it free from the captivity if we really want to have a participatory democracy," he also said.
Dr. Salehuddin said Bangladesh's socioeconomic development will not be sustainable unless inclusive and participatory democratic development.
For attaining such a goal of inclusive democratic development, the country needs to strengthen institutions at both micro and macro levels, according to him.
"Bangladesh is very strong on ideological ground. But it is very weak on reality aspect as its pillars, bricks and other things are not up to the mark," he added.
BNP senior leader and former commerce minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury accused the ruling party of intentionally destroying the country's three key pillars - parliament, executives and judiciary.
He was also critical of the government for influencing other state organs like EC whose role became questionable. "We are yet to see any sign that could encourage us for a fair and participatory poll."
Terming human development a real and sustainable development, political scientist Dr. Dilara Chowdhury said unfortunately a large number of the country's youths are addicted to unauthorized drugs while some others don't want to stay here in absence of congenial atmosphere here.
"Such unhealthy scenario exists in a society where democracy is not accountable. The civil society has to come up and keep putting pressure on the political parties to this effect," she said.
Admitting the importance of a fair parliamentary election, former state minister for foreign affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury said fair and participatory poll can't alone ensure strong democracy.
"If it so, then why we're in such a backward position even holding acceptable elections in 1991, 1996 and 2001. Institutions are vital here. We failed to institutional bodies that will strengthen democratic process. We should focus on it. Of course, we want participatory election for peaceful transition of power," he added.
Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury of Gonoshasthaya Kendra was critical of India's interference, saying that India is the main barrier to democratic development in Bangladesh.
"India doesn't want democratic development. They (Indian government) fear if the government in Bangladesh changes, they might be at security risk. This is unfortunate," he said.
He was also critical over the state of the country's education system that he believed creating a hindrance to human development.
Former bureaucrats Ali Imam Majumder, and Sohel Ahmed Chowdhury and barrister Rumeen Farhana, among others, spoke at the roundtable.
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