Prominent election reformer Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar warned on Sunday that the public may be forced back into streets if upcoming national elections are conducted without curbing deep-rooted corruption and malpractices.
Dr. Majumdar, head of the Election Reform Commission and Secretary of SUJON, made the remarks as the chief discussant at a seminar titled ‘Prospects and Challenges of the Thirteenth National Parliament Election,’ marking the launch of the ‘Voice Network’.
He lamented that elections have historically been plagued by corruption involving political parties, leaders, bureaucrats, and businessmen, turning politics into a lucrative business.
"If the election is held as before, without stopping corruption, the people may have to take to the field again," he stated.
He stressed that an impartial and powerful Election Commission (EC) is essential for a credible vote. He also expressed hope that the structural reforms, including a referendum proposal, would pass and pave the way for democratic transition.
Saiful Huq, Secretary of the Biplobi Workers Party, questioned the impartiality of the upcoming election, citing concerns over government advisors potentially running for office.
He emphasized that the EC and the government must work to restore public confidence by ensuring law enforcement neutrality and preventing the use of black money and center-capturing (forcible takeover of polling stations).
Sarwar Hossain Tushar of the NCP voiced concern over the EC's lack of clarity on how it will manage voting in centers deemed "67 percent risky," while Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Advisor to the BNP Chairperson, called for electoral boundaries to be determined through dialogue with political parties.
Sharif Osman Hady (Inkilab Manch) demanded the use of CCTV cameras in all centers to prevent irregularities.
Dr. Dil Rowshan Zinnat Ara (Pro-VC, Open University) suggested that any individual associated with the previous "fascist party and government" should be barred from the election, citing their alleged role in destroying democratic institutions.
Professor Waresul Karim of North South University criticized the role of the 'so-called mainstream media,' calling it a major enemy of democracy for its perceived bias.
Professor Jinnat Ara of Open University stressed that the media has a significant role to play in ensuring a fair election.
Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer (Assistant Secretary General, Jamaat-e-Islami) urged the EC and the administration to demonstrate impartiality and competence in all appointments to meet the high public expectations for this election.
The seminar, which highlighted the need for level playing fields and reduced distance between the people and the administration. A keynote paper was presented by Dr. Md. Shahabul Hoque, professor of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology.
The programme was presided over by Voice Network Chairperson Dr. Jasim Uddin and moderated by Member Secretary Ekramul Hoque Sayem.