CPD urges parties to refrain from abusing state agencies

Political parties in Bangladesh need to stop using state agencies and state resources to reward supporters and punish opponents to promote democracy in the country, said Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) on Saturday. It observed that the rule of law, a critical element of democracy, cannot be established unless the political parties refrain from using the state to promote partisan interest. The observations were made at a function, titled ‘Political Parties and Democracy in Bangladesh’, held at BRAC Centre Inn in the city. Water Resources Minister Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed, Sujon secretary Bodiul Alam Majumder, BNP chairperson’s adviser Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, CPD executive director Prof Mustafizur Rahman were present. CPD distinguished fellow Rounaq Jahan presented the keynote paper in the discussion chaired by CPD Chairman Prof Rehman Sobhan. Rounaq Jahan said parties need to stop the practice of boycotting parliament when they are in the opposition. They need to make parliament the central agency of holding the government accountable, she said, according to UNB.