Agargaon: Stressing the need to restore public confidence in democracy, eminent journalist, poet, and litterateur Mahbub Morshed today urged the Election Commission (EC) to take strict measures to stop the use of money in politics, saying financial influence must end to ensure a transparent, fair, and credible parliamentary election.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Morshed, who is also the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the agency, was addressing a views-exchange meeting with editors and senior journalists of print media at the EC Secretariat in Agargaon. The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin and attended by four election commissioners, editors, representatives from different print media, and senior EC officials.
Morshed urged the commission to enforce laws strictly once the election schedule is announced to prevent nomination trading, vote buying, and attempts to influence administrative officials. ‘Those who plan to buy nominations or votes, or manipulate officials, must be brought under the laws from day one of the election process. Only then we can expect a meaningful parliament,’ he said.
The eminent journalist cautioned that elections should not be treated as a one-day event but as part of a continuous democratic process. He emphasized the importance of setting an example by ensuring that public opinion is not distorted by monetary influence the night before an election.
Referring to the country’s political transition, Morshed highlighted the challenges Bangladesh faced after the fall of an authoritarian regime, noting that the previous government rigged votes and took control away from the people. He criticized how businessmen, contractors, and vested interest groups entered parliament, corrupting the law-making process.
Morshed lamented that many lawmakers in previous parliaments were inactive and disengaged, merely following party instructions without genuine legislative involvement. He called for elections where candidates earn people’s trust through merit and integrity, rather than wealth or power.
He praised the Election Commission for maintaining neutrality so far, emphasizing the need to preserve public confidence in the institution. Morshed expressed hope that a transparent and credible election would restore people’s faith in democracy.
During the discussion, journalists proposed various measures, including campaign expenditure limits, transparency in the nomination process, updating voter lists, punishing code of conduct violators, and ensuring media freedom. CEC Nasir Uddin welcomed these suggestions, stating that the EC would take a tough stance from the beginning of the election process.
Morshed concluded by underscoring the media’s crucial role in safeguarding democracy, emphasizing that democracy begins long before voting day. He urged the media to serve as the eyes and ears of the people, speaking out against injustice to ensure a parliament that truly reflects the voice of Bangladesh’s people.