Dhaka: Speakers at a discussion on Tuesday emphasized the urgent need for legal and institutional reforms to prevent the concentration of executive power and to ensure the independence of state institutions responsible for accountability, asserting that such measures are critical for safeguarding democracy and human rights.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the discussion, titled 'Democracy, Human Rights and Accountable Governance,' was organized by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) at its Dhanmondi office in observance of the International Day of Democracy. The speakers highlighted the necessity of inclusive and collective efforts, transcending political affiliations and ideologies, to reform the state and establish accountable governance.
TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman noted that while new opportunities for democracy have surfaced through the leadership of young individuals and sacrifices from diverse societal segments, obstacles such as financial influence, muscle power, religious factors, patriarchy, and majoritarianism continue to impede democracy, human rights, and good governance. He emphasized the need to abandon a political culture dominated by 'the winner takes all' approach.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman expressed concern over political parties, including the ruling party, not fulfilling their electoral promises of establishing an accountable governance system. He pointed out that ordinances enhancing the executive branch's power have been turned into laws, while those aimed at ensuring the independence and effectiveness of accountability institutions have been repealed or modified to maintain government control. He called for an environment enabling institutions like the National Human Rights Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, and Information Commission to operate independently.
The TIB chief advocated for comprehensive revisions to laws related to enforced disappearances, the Cyber Security Act, and the Special Response Battalion Bill. He also urged the immediate reinstatement of ordinances on judicial independence enacted during the interim government's tenure, emphasizing that the law-making process should not serve individual or group interests and that accountability requires inclusivity.
Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin, as the chief guest, stated that the current government derives its power from the people, with democracy reinstated through their mandate following prolonged authoritarian rule. He emphasized that genuine democracy can only be achieved through free, fair, and credible elections. Mahdi Amin asserted that the BNP government is earnestly working to protect freedom of expression and human rights, adopting a zero-tolerance policy against enforced disappearances and state-endorsed killings.
Barrister Muhammad Nawshad Zamir, MP, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, stressed the importance of qualifications over political identity in appointing individuals to significant positions. He advocated for constitutional changes to be accompanied by shifts in public thought and mindset in the national interest, urging unity under the slogan 'Bangladesh First.'
Dr. Manisha Chakraborty, a member of the Central Committee of the Bangladesh Socialist Party (BASAD), highlighted that nearly 60 percent of current lawmakers are businesspeople, alleging that Parliament prioritizes bills catering to business interests over those of ordinary citizens. She argued that democratic rights cannot be protected under a discriminatory system and accused the government of shielding loan defaulters despite the sacrifices of students, workers, and others during the July uprising.
Politician and physician Tasnim Jara remarked that elections should not be perceived merely as formalities held every five years. She stressed that justice cannot be achieved if oversight institutions meant to ensure accountability remain under control.
University teachers, students, representatives of the younger generation, and other participants at the discussion called for inclusive policies to address issues in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, protect the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, and eliminate discrimination in processes such as police verification and viva voce examination marks for government jobs.