Realising the need for bi-partisan policies

National elections in Bangladesh need to put in power parties or forces with genuine democratic spirit, who would aim for good governance of the country. And to that end parliament's proper functioning must be ensured and accountability of the government also ensured. People must be allowed to exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms in all respects. The 'rule of law' must prevail. Corruption must be addressed uncompromisingly with iron hands. Only then, if these things are really fully or partly accomplished or convincingly tried, people will get back their full faith that democracy means good governance and that it makes sense to go on struggling for achieving democracy and maintaining it. It is imperative to create, maintain and build an understanding among the main political forces of the country. Governments may come and go. But these interests will have to be supremely upheld and promoted by whosoever comes to power. In political parlance, this is called 'bi-partisanship.' For example, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party in the USA have major differences. But they maintain a unity of views on issues of major public interest or core issues. Thus, the Democrats had strong reservations about former President Bush's overseas wars. But on coming to power, they were only seen carrying out these wars faithfully on realisation, rightly or wrongly, that continuation of the wars was in America's supreme interests of national security. Recently, the Democrats and Republicans again came together in parliament to approve of policies to raise the country's debt ceiling as they realised failing to do so on time would invite financial and economic disasters. Similar bi-partisan policies are noted in India and other big democracies. In fact, such bipartisanship is the only assurance that democracy would be preserved and vital national interests protected or promoted. Our politicians and political parties must absolutely understand the great need for such bi-partisan policies if not for anything else, at least for ensuring that parliamentary and elective form of government continues without facing disruption. The animosities and differences between the Awami League and BNP have become pathological. To avoid anything extra-constitutional, both parties must return to sensibilities and work for a convincing agreement on some major issues of national interests. The sooner this is done, the better. The agreement must include a meeting of minds on how and under what authorities and in what manner, the next national elections will be held. The agreement must also address certain aspects of Bangladesh's foreign relations, geopolitical interests and needs of physical and economic security.