Reforms in politics
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
POLITICAL parties in Bangladesh continue to be dominated by cult and family where the services of competent and enlightened members of civil society at the highest positions of these parties are practically barred. As long as the democratisation of the political parties does not take place, it would be futile to expect that the leaders of such parties would behave democratically in parliament or, more importantly, promote genuine interests of the people, instead of their coterie interests.
A survey was conducted by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) on the resourcefulness, or otherwise, of the members of Bangladesh's earlier parliament, particularly since the middle of the last decade. It came up with shocking revelations about the background of the MPs. A large number were identified as linked to serious crimes and smuggling. The educational background of many such MPs was also poor. As any good observer of the political scene can understand under the given circumstances why the quality of the MPs has not improved. Would it be different for in the ninth parliament of the country to be set up after the coming election?
Bangladesh must attempt and achieve major reforms in its political culture, in its political institutions and in strengthening and empowering its democratic institutions. The socio-economic benefits that its people expect to come from a democratic way of life will remain as elusive as ever until such reforms are actually carried out.
Anisul Haque
Mohammadpur, Dhaka.
A survey was conducted by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) on the resourcefulness, or otherwise, of the members of Bangladesh's earlier parliament, particularly since the middle of the last decade. It came up with shocking revelations about the background of the MPs. A large number were identified as linked to serious crimes and smuggling. The educational background of many such MPs was also poor. As any good observer of the political scene can understand under the given circumstances why the quality of the MPs has not improved. Would it be different for in the ninth parliament of the country to be set up after the coming election?
Bangladesh must attempt and achieve major reforms in its political culture, in its political institutions and in strengthening and empowering its democratic institutions. The socio-economic benefits that its people expect to come from a democratic way of life will remain as elusive as ever until such reforms are actually carried out.
Anisul Haque
Mohammadpur, Dhaka.