Election debate
Photo: Munem Wasif / Driknews
Let me begin by saying that it gave me great pleasure reading what appeared in a front page article of your daily on 15 October 2008, “With the completion of the electoral roll with photograph, Bangladesh is now also the proud owner of the world's largest electronic database of 8.11 crore voters” this is really commendable. I am not an expert on political matters, and therefore would not like to venture into some unfamiliar (and perhaps sensitive) territory by remarking about the nature and state of politics in Bangladesh and its various intangible ramifications. What I would like to do, however, is bring to your attention a fundamental practice of the electioneering process of one of the greatest democratic institutions it is the US Presidential Debate. A debate between the main contenders prior to an election helps define their respective positions. It is primarily on the basis of such debates that voters can decide which party to vote for. Those who aspire to take on the responsibility of governing a nation and leave a historic signature on the fate of its people owe it to the latter to not only inform them of their political intent but also be able to defend it. I strongly feel that the voters of Bangladesh will be denied a very basic right if the mainstream political leaders do not lay out their plans for the future of the country for the benefit of its citizens. Press conferences once in a while, and political speeches delivered in front of a group of screaming supporters, are not quite enough. The leaders who dare to take on the responsibility of what is to happen to the country in the next five years should also be able to face their adversary in a debate (or a series of debates) to be broadcast to the whole nation. The voters of Bangladesh have the right to be able to decide as to who is the better choice. The leaders, in turn, should be able to convince the electorate that what they bring to the table is good for the country and its people and be able to defend it standing face to face with their opponent. This is the kind of knowledge, courage and determination we would like our leaders to demonstrate. It is easy to score when the opposing team is not on the field. It is only when two teams face off each other that their true strengths, intents, values and morals are exposed. This is transparency at its best!
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