Dhaka:Prime Minister's Adviser on Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, expressed concerns about the undermining of Bangladesh's electoral system, stating that it deprives citizens of their democratic rights and leaves them powerless.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Zahed made these remarks during a discussion titled "The 1973 Election The Genesis of AL's Vote-Rigging Model" at the July Uprising Memorial Museum. The event was the third episode of the museum's Democratic Journey Seminar Series.
Dr. Zahed highlighted that the 1973 general election was marred by vote rigging by the then ruling Awami League, despite Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's significant role in the Pakistan movement and the Liberation War. He alleged that Sheikh Mujib's electoral fraud destroyed the democratic practice in Bangladesh, even though he was confident of winning the election.
He further criticized Sheikh Hasina for allegedly manipulating elections to retain power, contrasting her actions with those of Sheikh Mujib. Dr. Zahed also addressed criticisms against the BNP, suggesting that accusations of their sole focus on elections were tactics to deny citizens their voting rights.
Member of Parliament Mahmuda Habiba and Freedom Fighter Abu Sayeed Khan contributed to the discussion, with Habiba noting Sheikh Mujib's popularity could have easily secured him a government without vote manipulation. Khan reflected on rumors post-Liberation War about Sheikh Mujib's political intentions and the eventual single-party contest of the national election.
The discussion, presided over by July Uprising Memorial Museum Director General Ehasan Mahamud, emphasized the importance of remembering history to clarify Bangladesh's future. Mahamud described the period from 1972 to 1975 as a "dark era" due to state-controlled media.
The event, moderated by author and researcher Tuhin Khan, included participation from university teachers, researchers, lawyers, students, and civil society representatives. The next seminar in the series will focus on Bangladesh's foreign policy post-independence.