Reforms in political parties
Photo: Munir uz Zaman / Driknews
The Law Adviser in his recent remark on the subject expressed dissatisfaction about the pace of reforms in the major political parties. However, he was very right in his observation that it would take time to get rid of the bad practices that have continued for so many years. As a matter of fact we do not really see enough reasons that the political parties, mainly the bigger ones that governed the country most of the time since independence, will sincerely opt for any meaningful reforms that the people, like the Law Adviser, are demanding. As of today, we find no change or reform in the AL & the BNP except a big crack in the latter. The section of the people (their numbers being negligible compared to the total population) who actively support and work for these political parties do not want any change to introduce democracy and transparency in the parties as that would close the door of corruption on which they depend for their livelihood. I think everyone will agree that it is not necessary to spend money & energy to go to power for serving the people because this service can be rendered any time without being a part of the party in power. Now many people, like Mr. Shaheen Subhan of Atlanta, the USA, is asking why the CTG is going to hold the election! If election is held without any drastic reforms in the bigger political parties (mainly the AL & the BNP) then the same history will be repeated and the hard earned achievements of the CTG and the people's hope will be lost . So let the Election Commission design a system encompassing democratic norms & practices which all political parties must adopt if they want to take part in the general election, so that only the honest and dedicated individuals are elected to parliament that will form the next government. For this to materialise, the CTG should take extra time, if needed and can even go for people's mandate through a referendum so that no one can question its legitimacy.
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