Thrust on inclusive, fair polls for sake of democracy

Speakers at a discussion laid emphasis Monday on holding a free, fair, credible and inclusive national election with the participation of all parties for the sake of democracy.

They said only the election commission (EC) alone could not hold fair elections rather it is the responsibility of all political parties to cooperate with the EC for holding a credible national polls.

People don't want to see the recurrence of violence that happened during the pre- and post-national elections in 2014, they added. The discussants suggested creating a democratic environment and a culture of respecting opponents' opinions and upholding humanity.

Their observation came at the discussion titled "Eleventh National Election: Present Political issue and Continuation of Development" organised by Citizen for Responsive Democracy at the National Press Club auditorium in the city. Senior economist of Policy Research Institute (PRI) Dr Ashikur Rahman moderated the discussion.

Joint general secretary of ruling Awami League Mahbubul Alam Hanif, MP, as the chief guest said the EC alone could not hold a free and fair polls without cooperation from political parties.

He called for cooperation from all political parties for holding a free and fair polls.

"If the political parties and politicians cooperate with the election commission then the national polls will get a festive mood," he said.

Former president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Asif Ibrahim said the economic activities of the country must not be disrupted through violence and confrontational politics.

He said the business community of the country wants to see national elections free from violence so that the ongoing economic progress of the country could not hamper.

Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of SUJAN (Citizens for Good Governance), said an unstable situation is always undesirable.

People of the country do not want to see poll-time violence that happened during 2014 polls. He suggested elections with the participation of all parties.

[email protected]