Speakers at a dialogue expressed deep concern over the stalling of key reforms, warning that the repeal of ordinances related to judicial independence and preventing enforced disappearances poses a grave threat to human rights and good governance.
'Voice for Reform' arranged the dialogue titled "Suspension of the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Ordinance and repeal of the Ordinance on the Independence of the Judiciary: A threat to the advancement of good governance and human rights " at its office in Karwan Bazar of the capital on Monday.
The speakers at the event included Hasnat Abdullah, a member of parliament from National Citizen Party (NCP) for the Comilla-4 constituency, Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (SHUJAN), political scientist Dr Dilara Chowdhury , Mujibur Rahman Manju, chairman of the AB Party, and former NCP leader Dr. Tasneem Zara.
Photographer and activist Shahidul Alam chaired the event.
Speaking at the function, Hasnat Abdullah said that if those in power back away from reforms by boasting about their majority, preparations for another uprising-similar to that of '24-will begin at some point.
Hasnat said that the mass uprising of '24 was not for a change of person, but for a radical change of the state structure.
He added, "If the previous old system is kept intact, any individual could become a 'Hasina' in the future. Hasina is not just a single person, but rather a collection of many fascistic ideas."
Shahidul Alam said, "Those who were once victims of persecution are the ones now raising objections to this enforced disappearance redress ordinance."
Highlighting the importance of preventing enforced disappearances, Alam said, "Those who were once persecuted are now objecting to this enforced disappearance ordinance-perhaps because they want to use it as a weapon in the future. I have personally spoken with the Law Minister. He stated that they want to introduce an even stronger law. But my question is-what was the problem with accepting the current ordinance for now and amending it later?"
Reflecting on the horrors of enforced disappearances, Alam said, "I have personally visited the Aynaghar (Secret Prison). The horror inside is beyond words. Such a thing is unacceptable in a civilised society."
Badiul Alam Majumdar said, "It is incomprehensible why there is hesitation regarding these ordinances even after the people gave their consent through a referendum".
He said, "It is irrational to suspend a decision by citing the note of dissent of only three members when 10 out of 14 were in agreement. A two-thirds majority has repeatedly emerged as a curse in our history. This 'absolute power' makes people lose their common sense."
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