Speakers at a dialogue on Saturday urged the government for arranging referendum to restore caretaker government system to save the country’s democracy, economy and industrial sectors.
Dialogue-2013 to protect democracy and national economy was held in the city’s Diploma Engineers Institute with eminent jurist Dr Kamal Hossain in the chair. Among others, former advisor of the caretaker government Dr Akabar Ali Khan, Professor Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, former deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank Khondaker Ibrahim Khalid, convenor of Jatiya Oikko Mahmudur Rahman Manna, former inspector general of police Nurul Huda, former BGMEA president Anwarul Alam Chowdhury Parvez, Gono Forum general secretary Mostafa Mohsin Mantu and senior advocate of Supreme Court Barrister Rabeya Bhuiyan also spoke at the dialogue.
“The existence of the country is under threat. We have to get rid of the situation. Dialogue is needed among the political parties to resolve the political stalemate,” Dr Kamal Hossain said.
The people have the right to ask for accountability to the government, he said, adding, “Rana Plaza incident is a wake up call. The persons responsible for the Savar tragedy must be punished.”
Free, fair and credible election is not possible under a political government, he further said.
“The government should hold referendum to decide whether caretaker government will be restored or not. Why are we being robbed of our rights?” Dr Akbar Ali Khan questioned.
He observed that a municipality mayor has to resign before holding an election; so the government cannot ensure free and fair elections by staying in power.
“We are living in a suffocating environment. No rule is functioning in the country and the nation has been divided. We have to raise our voices against the misrule of the government,” Dr Khan said.
Professor Jamilur Reza Chowdhury said that there is no monitoring system to ensure building code before constructions.
“Someone has to take the responsibility to ensure fault-free design and quality constructions materials during construction of buildings,” he observed.
Speakers also demanded exemplary punishment under criminal procedures for those who were involved in the Savar tragedy.
-With The Independent input
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