Speakers at a dialogue on Saturday emphasised inclusive representation from all regions and sectors in rebuilding the country and strengthening democracy.
They came up with the call while addressing the regional 鈥楧ialogue for democratic Reconstruction鈥� organised by non-governmental think tank Centre for Governance Studies at Rajshahi Shilpakala Academy.
Teachers, students, lawyers, politicians, industrial entrepreneurs, civil society members, media professionals, human rights activists, small business owners, women entrepreneurs, volunteers, and others joined the dialogue.
Rajshahi University pro-vice-chancellor Professor Mohammad Main Uddin and Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik Rajshahi district unit president Ahmed Shafi Uddin addressed the dialogue as guest speakers while Centre for Governance Studies director Zillur Rahman moderated the event.
Professor Mohammad Main Uddin said that reform was imperative as the immediate past Awami League regime had destroyed all the institutions.
鈥楾he student revolution has opened the door for reform. But we have to think carefully whom we will entrust with the authority for reform,鈥� he said.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party鈥檚 forest and environment affairs secretary Mosaddeque Hossain Bulbul said that the interim government was establishing different committees for different tasks but those committees lacked inclusive representation.
National minority organisation Jatiya Adivasi Parishad鈥檚 president Ganesh Mardi said that since independence in 1971, the government had no representative from their community.
He called for greater inclusivity and recognition of the marginalised communities in every sector and institution.
Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik Rajshahi district unit president Ahmed Shafi Uddin said that the term 鈥榞overnance鈥� or 鈥榬egime鈥� should be replaced with 鈥榞ood governance.鈥�
He criticised decisions made by the elite class being imposed on 180 million people and underscored the need for decentralisation.
He also recommended that opposition parties should build a shadow government to address existing challenges.
Stressing immediate reform in the political parties, journalist Faisal Ahmed said that after the fall of the despotic Awami League regime on August 5, it was political party leaders and activists again who were extorting and looting people.
Centre for Governance Studies director Zillur Rahman said that one fascist regime must not replace another. Echoing other speakers鈥� call for immediate reform, he reminded everyone that 鈥榬eform is a never-ending process鈥�.
He emphasised accountability and tolerance to criticism for an effective democracy.
BNP chairperson鈥檚 adviser Mijanur Rahman Minu said that if his party ever rose to power through national elections, they would offer a new Bangladesh.
Participants at the dialogue gave recommendations, including barring individuals from competing in elections after serving two consecutive terms; decentralisation of national budget and power structure; resolving systemic issues in governance and public sectors, including health and human rights; building a more accountable and inclusive society.
