Politicians on Thursday stressed the need for establishing an independent Election Commission to ensure fair elections and prevent the emergence of autocratic rule in the country.
They were speaking at a discussion organised by the Nagorik Oikya at the National Press Club.
Presided over by Nagorik Oikya president Mahmudur Rahman Manna, the event was addressed, among others, by Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Jatiya Party faction chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider, Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh secretary general Saiful Haque, Communist Party of Bangladesh general secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince.
Salahuddin Ahmed said that establishing an independent Election Commission was the only way to prevent the emergence of autocratic rule.
鈥業f a truly independent Election Commission is allowed to conduct elections under a non-partisan caretaker government, the roots of autocracy can be cut off at the source,鈥� Salahuddin said.
He said that weakening only the executive branch would not be enough to build a strong democratic framework.
鈥楾he executive branch of the state must perform its duties, the judiciary must be allowed to function independently and the legislature must fulfil its legislative responsibilities. Only then can a complete balance of power be established,鈥� he mentioned.
Salahuddin said that the BNP proposed limiting any individual鈥檚 tenure as prime minister to a maximum of 10 years and this measure alone could help curb authoritarianism and prevent the rise of fascism.
Mahmudur Rahman Manna urged all to remain alert against any conspiracy and to keep an eye on what was truly happening.
Referring to the ongoing debate in the National Consensus Commission over core constitutional principles, he expressed concern about the potential misuse of religion in constitutional discourse.
He said that a growing trend involved questioning whether religious belief would be incorporated into the constitution.
Manna said that for years, people had practised their respective faiths without constitutional enforcement.
鈥業 am a Muslim and I believe in my religion, but this state is also home to Hindus, Buddhists,
Christians. They may not agree with such a move,鈥� he said.