Resolving Ongoing Political Crisis
National dialogue now essential
Suggests SHUJAN roundtable
A national dialogue involving representatives of political parties, the media, business community and civil society has become essential to resolve the growing political stand-off in the country, speakers told a roundtable yesterday.
The rigid stance of the major political parties on the issue of a polls-time government has made the upcoming election uncertain. A delay in resolving the political crisis may put the democratic system at risk, they said.
Shushashoner Jonno Nagarik (SHUJAN), a platform of civil society members, organised the roundtable, “Permanent solution of political crisis and thoughts of reforms”, in the capital’s Jatiya Press Club.
Eminent jurists, citizens, politicians and academics who attended the roundtable came up with a number of proposals on political and electoral reforms.
Addressing as chief guest, noted jurist Dr Kamal Hossain said people from all walks of life should press from their own positions for a greater dialogue immediately.
Pointing to the prime minister’s recent remarks that the next election would be held in line with the constitution, he questioned, “Election will be held following which constitution?”
Amending the constitution in one’s own interest and adopting such amendments in the name of the people is as good as deceiving them, he said.
The then premier Khaleda Zia had also said the same thing before the election in 2007 but that did not happen, he added.
Dr Kamal also said the country’s people did not get their due services in the last four and a half years.
Political scientist Prof Dilara Chowdhury said the way the country was getting fragmented both politically and ideologically had become a matter of concern.
The only way to resolve the crisis is by keeping the democratic process going, she added.
Stating that political parties start their campaigns before the announcement of the polls schedule, former election commissioner Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain suggested formulating a law to check such electioneering.
Nagorik Oikko Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna urged noted citizens to call for a convention in order to find a solution to the crisis.
Moderated by M Hafizuddin Khan, the roundtable was addressed, among others, by SHUJAN Secretary Badiul Alam Majumder, columnist Syed Abul Maksud and media personality Muhammad Jahangir.
-With The Daily Star input
