Timely election a must for democracy
Sylhet citizens' dialogue told
Speakers at a citizens' dialogue in Sylhet yesterday said free, fair and acceptable elections with people's participation must be held in time so that the nation can have the end of undemocratic regime.
All concerned should come up with active participation in the process of paving the way for an effective democracy in the country, so that we do not have to back to the pre-1/11 situation, they said.
Nagoril Sanglap Ayojak Committee, Sylhet organised the dialogue on 'Notion for building desired Bangladesh' (Kankhito Bangladesh Gorar Protyoy) at the city's Saroda Hall.
Dr Kamal Hossain, who attended the occasion as chief guest, said people's share in running the country's administration should be ensured through establishing effective democracy at an earliest.
“We want to see right people at right places,” he said.
“The university teachers and students should remain off from the political activities as we want the campuses as centre of excellence and totally free from violence.”
Stressing maintenance of communal harmony, Dr Kamal said misuse of religious freedom in the name of anything cannot be tolerated.
Exploitation of natural resources including gas and coal is a must for national interest, but there should be realistic way of handling those by our experts, he said.
“There is no problem in holding the local bodies' election before the national elections if the atmosphere is maintained. The next parliament should represent the common people in real sense and creating mass awareness for an effective parliament election is very much needed.
“The government will have to hold meaningful dialogues with the people of professional groups and political parties for overcoming the problems and communication gap between the government and people should be removed.”
Terming the Women Development Policy as a realistic approach, Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal said, “We will have to make way for the women.”
Former advisor of the caretaker government, Sultana Kamal, said the nation does not want to back to the pre-1/11 period but concerned quarters should ensure a free and fair election in time so that the people can exercise their basic rights.
Columnist Syed Abul Maksud said, “We want a multi-party and pluralistic society so that everyone can express his or her opinion freely.”
Shahin Reza Noor emphasised trial of the war criminals for ensuring a just society.
Scientist Dr Abed Chowdhury, barrister Manzur Hasan of Brac, Projonmo Ekattor General Secretary Shahin Reza Noor and Prof Bahauddin Zakaria also spoke on the occasion presided over by educationist Prof Md Abdul Aziz.
Vice Chancellor of Metropolitan University, Sylhet, Prof Kabir H Chowdhury moderated the dialogue participated by freedom fighters, students, lawyers, businessmen and leading personalities.
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