Secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar has stressed that transparency and good governance is more important than political transitions, so that a change of power does not become a change of corruption, reports UNB.
"The end of one regime should not mark the beginning of another cycle of corruption. Over the past 15 years, we have seen those in power amassed immense wealth. This must stop," said Baidul Alam.
Baidul Alam, a member of the National Consensus Commission, was speaking at a mock parliament debate titled 'Only a Free and Fair Election Can Safeguard Democracy' at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation in the capital on Saturday.
The event was organised by Debate for Democracy to highlight the importance of the upcoming national election in restoring democratic accountability.
He observed that even after the departure of Sheikh Hasina, the 'autocratic legal and institutional frameworks' that had enabled authoritarian rule remain in place.
"These frameworks turned her into an autocrat. Now, during this ongoing reform process, there is an opportunity to change those structures. Without legal, institutional, and structural reforms, it will not be possible to replace authoritarian rule merely through elections," he said.
He further warned that if the next government fails to implement the July Charter, a proposed reform agenda aimed at dismantling authoritarian governance, its fate could mirror that of the previous regime.
"The implementation of the July Charter will pave the way for the abolition of autocratic structures. We hope the future leadership will remain alert to this necessity," Baidul Alam added.
Referring to discussions within the National Consensus Commission, he said the interim government will decide -- based on expert recommendations and political parties' opinions --whether a national referendum will be held simultaneously with the upcoming general election.Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron emphasised that ensuring free, fair, and credible elections is key to safeguarding democracy.
