Secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar on Saturday said transparency and good governance must take precedence over political changes to ensure that a mere transfer of power does not lead to a transfer of corruption.
“The end of one regime should not mark the beginning of another cycle of corruption. We have seen in the past 15 years how those in power have amassed immense wealth. This must stop,” said Baidul Ala, who is also a member of the National Consensus Commission.
He was speaking at a mock parliament debate titled “Only a Free and Fair Election Can Safeguard Democracy” held at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) in Dhaka.
The event was organised by Debate for Democracy to highlight the importance of the upcoming national election in restoring democratic accountability.
He observed that even after the departure of Sheikh Hasina, the “autocratic legal and institutional frameworks” that had enabled authoritarian rule remain in place.
“These frameworks turned her into an autocrat. Now, during this ongoing reform process, there is an opportunity to change those structures. Without legal, institutional, and structural reforms, it will not be possible to replace authoritarian rule merely through elections,” he said.
He further warned that if the next government fails to implement the July Charter—a proposed reform agenda aimed at dismantling authoritarian governance- its fate could mirror that of the previous regime.
“The implementation of the July Charter will pave the way for the abolition of autocratic structures. We hope the future leadership will remain alert to this necessity,” Baidul Alam added.
Referring to discussions within the National Consensus Commission, he said the interim government will decide—based on expert recommendations and political parties’ opinions—whether a national referendum will be held simultaneously with the upcoming general election.
The event was chaired by Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron who emphasised that ensuring free, fair, and credible elections is key to safeguarding democracy and restoring public confidence in the political process.
In the debate competition, teams from Tejgaon College and Primeasia University were jointly declared winners.
The panel of judges included Professor Abu Muhammad Rois, Dr Tajul Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, senior journalist Mainul Alam, journalist Md Humayun Kabir, and journalist Zakir Hossain Liton.
At the end of the event, trophies, crests, and certificates were awarded to the participating teams.