Let people decide who they want in power: speakers

A free, fair and peaceful election in Bangladesh today is a must for the future of the country’s democracy and national security, academics and civil society members said yesterday.

They said the election is consequential for the country as it comes after a mass uprising to end discrimination and restore democracy and human rights for all.

“We are really expecting a free, fair and violence-free election and that the parties will accept the result, whoever wins it,” said Dhaka University former vice-chancellor Prof Anwarullah Chowdhury at a discussion organised by the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS) and Citizens’ Forum at a city hotel.

FSDS Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar said a proper election is being held in Bangladesh after 17 years, during which around five crore young voters will cast their franchise.

“Let the people decide whom they want in power,” he added.

Dhaka University former professor Dr Mahbub Ullah said even though the Awami League is not participating in the polls, voter turnout is likely to exceed 60 percent. If that is so, it will be an acceptable election to the international community, he added.

“The only request is that whichever party wins the election should be accepted by the ones defeated,” he said.

After the formation of the government, the focus should be on strengthening state institutions, restructuring the economy, reviving the dignity of the nation, and ensuring its sovereignty and independence, he added.

North South University Vice-Chancellor Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said the new government must uphold the spirit of the July uprising and focus on employment generation for youths.

Rear Admiral M Khaled Iqbal (retd), former vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Maritime University, said the country must uphold the path of moderation, not extremism, in an age of globalisation where all countries are inter-dependent.

“Bangladesh will be definitely dependent on international trade as well as funding. The developed countries consider the values of gender equality and democratic values when supporting other countries, something that Bangladesh needs to remember,” he said.

Former inspector general of police Mazharul Haque said there are three stages of security during the polls: pre-election, election day and post-election.

“Preventing any sort of violence after the polls will be of paramount importance,” he stressed.

Dhaka University Prof Sukomal Barua stressed the need to ensure the security of religious and ethnic minorities during the election.

FBCCI former vice-president Abul Kashem Haider said, “We urge the political parties to ensure a fair and peaceful election for our future democracy and development.”

FSDS Principal Research Fellow Dr Ishraf Hossain moderated the discussion.