Dhaka: Speakers at a round-table discussion here on Wednesday said the country’s current Parliament has created renewed public expectations for democratic governance, though its long-term success will depend on performance, inclusiveness, and institutional reforms.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the discussion titled ‘The Current National Parliament: A New Milestone in Democratic Politics’ was arranged by the Citizen’s Forum, Bangladesh (CFB) at a city hotel where BNP Standing Committee Member Abdul Moyeen Khan spoke as the chief guest. In his speech, Moyeen Khan said the current Parliament could become a milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic history if democratic institutions are established on strong foundations. ‘If we can strengthen our democratic institutions on solid foundations for the future of democracy in Bangladesh, this Parliament will certainly remain a milestone in the country’s democratic history,’ he said.
Chairing the discussion, former Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury said the July mass uprising should not be termed a ‘second independence’ or a classical revolution. ‘Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971 through the sacrifice of 30 lakh martyrs. So, there is no question of a second independence,’ he said. Referring to the characteristics of historic revolutions such as the French, Russian and Chinese revolutions, he said the 2024 movement did not fit that framework. ‘Rather, it was a successful mass uprising, led by students and young people, achieved through the sacrifice of nearly 1,400 martyrs, which brought an end to authoritarian rule,’ Anwarullah said.
He described the movement as a form of ‘renaissance’ or awakening, comparing it to the European Renaissance in terms of public consciousness and collective awakening after years of repression. The academic said the uprising reflected a societal awakening after 17 years of authoritarian rule and created an opportunity for democratic renewal. He also emphasized the need for a knowledge-based and humane society, saying democracy cannot flourish without proper education reforms, calling for an urgent education commission. ‘Bangladesh needs a unified, employment-oriented education policy capable of producing skilled and responsible citizens.’
Regarding the current Parliament, Anwarullah said it was too early to make a final judgment after only one session. ‘But morning shows the day. From what I observed, there has been cordiality and sincerity between the treasury and opposition benches, which is a positive sign,’ he said, praising the spirit of cooperation among parliamentary parties and stressing the importance of national unity in safeguarding democracy.
University Grants Commission of Bangladesh Chairman and Citizen’s Forum, Bangladesh Chief Coordinator Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed said Bangladeshis strongly prefer parliamentary democracy and maintain a close connection with Parliament because they directly elect their representatives. ‘People consider this Parliament their own because they voted directly after a long time. That is why public expectations are very high,’ he said. Mamun Ahmed said such expectations themselves could serve as an effective mechanism for accountability.
The keynote speaker, Prof Dr Burhan Uddin Khan, Chairman of Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (BILIA), reviewed the history of Bangladesh’s parliaments and said many earlier legislatures failed to complete their full terms. The current 13th Parliament naturally appears as a new milestone because people once thought they might never again get the chance to vote freely, he said. Burhan Uddin said both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition were elected MPs for the first time in their political careers, as well as around 260 out of 350 MPs, including reserved-seat lawmakers.
He also pointed out the emergence of the National Citizen Party (NCP) as a new political force, saying the party secured six seats within a short period after its formation. The BILIA Chairman described the first parliamentary session as somewhat ‘confusing’, especially regarding the oath-taking process, where different parties followed different procedures. He, however, said later debates inside Parliament became lively and constructive.
Noting that Parliament inherited a major legislative burden after the previous interim administration promulgated 133 ordinances within a short tenure, Burhan Uddin said, ‘Out of constitutional obligation, Parliament had to process many of those laws within 30 days and already passed 94 of them,’ he said. He identified constitutional reform as one of the biggest challenges facing the current Parliament, especially in relation to the ‘July National Charter.’
The BILIA Chairman questioned the legal aspect of the July Charter Implementation Order, saying it was neither an ordinance nor a constitutional amendment, yet it contained provisions implying automatic constitutional amendments if Parliament failed to act within 180 days. He said Parliament must carefully determine how to address such constitutional complexities, stressing the importance of mentoring first-time MPs and ensuring that Parliament does not become authoritarian like some previous legislatures. ‘Democracy is not a destination; it is a continuous journey,’ he said.
Calling the current Parliament a potential ‘lighthouse’ for the country, he said lawmakers must ensure that the sacrifices of the July uprising are not wasted. SHUJAN’s Badiul Alam said the success of the current Parliament will ultimately depend on its activities and conduct. ‘Our assessment of Parliament will depend on what activities it undertakes and what kinds of initiatives it remains involved in,’ he said. Referring to the first parliamentary session, he said there were reasons for optimism as lawmakers appeared willing to work together and resolve problems collectively. ‘At the same time, we have also noticed certain deviations, which are undoubtedly not positive,’ he said.
Among others present at the discussion were Prime Minister’s Speech Writer Mahfuzur Rahman, economist Mahbub Ullah, Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar, former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury, journalist Shahidul Alam, Jamaat MP Mardia Mamtaj, Poet Abdul Hye Sikder, former Inspector General of Police Ashraful Huda, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Ahsanul Mahboob Zubayer, NCP MPs Atiq Mujahid and Nusrat Tabassum, and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader Abidul Islam.