Speakers at a discussion on Tuesday stressed the need for legal and institutional reforms to prevent excessive executive power and ensure the independence of state institutions responsible for accountability, saying such measures are essential to protect democracy and human rights.
They also called for inclusive and collective efforts, regardless of political affiliation or ideology, to reform the state and establish accountable governance.
The speakers made the observations at a discussion titled “Democracy, Human Rights and Accountable Governance,” organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) at its Dhanmondi office, marking International Day of Democracy.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said new possibilities for democracy have emerged through the leadership of young people and sacrifices by people from all walks of life, but money, muscle power, religion, patriarchy and majoritarianism remain major obstacles to democracy, human rights and good governance.
He said the country must move away from a political culture where “the winner takes all” in governing the state.
“Although all political parties represented in Parliament, including the ruling party, have made commitments in their election manifestos to establishing an accountable system of governance, it is deeply concerning that ordinances that further empower the executive branch have been converted into laws, while ordinances aimed at making accountability institutions independent and effective have either been repealed or are gradually being turned into laws in ways that, in practice, keep them under government control,’’ Iftekharuzzaman said.
He called for creating an enabling environment for institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission and Information Commission to function independently and effectively.
The TIB chief also called for comprehensive revisions to laws concerning enforced disappearances, the Cyber Security Act and the Special Response Battalion Bill, and urged the immediate reinstatement of ordinances on judicial independence enacted during the interim government’s tenure.
“The law-making process cannot remain hostage to the interests of any individual or group. Ensuring accountability requires ensuring the inclusion of all,” he said.
Iftekharuzzaman also urged political parties and the bureaucracy to engage in introspection based on the lessons of the July uprising to fulfil the aspirations for democracy, human rights and accountable governance.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, speaking as the chief guest, said the present government derives its power from the people and that democracy has returned through their mandate and support following the end of prolonged authoritarian rule.
He said genuine democracy can be established only through free, fair and credible elections.
The BNP government is sincerely working to protect freedom of expression and human rights and has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against enforced disappearances and killings with state patronage, Mahdi said.
Barrister Muhammad Nawshad Zamir, MP, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, said the key consideration in appointing people to important positions should be their qualifications rather than political identity.
He said constitutional changes must be accompanied by changes in people’s thinking and mindset in the national interest, urging everyone to work together under the slogan “Bangladesh First.”
Dr Manisha Chakraborty, a member of the Central Committee of the Bangladesh Socialist Party (BASAD), said nearly 60 percent of current lawmakers are businesspeople and alleged that Parliament is passing more bills serving business interests than those of ordinary citizens.
She said democratic rights could not be protected while a discriminatory system persists and alleged that loan defaulters are being protected despite the aspirations of students, workers and people who sacrificed their lives during the July uprising.
Politician and physician Tasnim Jara said elections should not be viewed merely as a formality held every five years.
She said justice cannot be established if oversight institutions responsible for ensuring accountability remain under someone’s control.
University teachers, students, representatives of the younger generation and other participants at the discussion called for inclusive policies to address the sensitive situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, protect the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, and eliminate discrimination in processes such as police verification and marks awarded in viva voce examinations for government jobs.