Bangladesh cannot achieve sustainable economic stability without ensuring political stability and inclusive democratic practices, according to speakers at a discussion on Saturday.
The Centre for Governance Studies in collaboration with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung organised the event titled 鈥業nclusive Democracy鈥� at a city hotel, said a press release.
The event was aimed at fostering ideological dialogue among young politicians and promoting democratic coexistence and pluralism in Bangladesh, said organisers.
CGS president Zillur Rahman said that while elections were essential for democracy, they alone could not guarantee it.
鈥楨lections alone do not ensure democracy, but without elections democracy cannot work,鈥� he said, adding that public perception played a vital role in democratic practices.
As Bangladesh, he said, is moving towards the next national elections, it remains to be seen how the process would unfold.
Despite having around 55 registered political parties, only 18 had signed the July Charter, he noted, pointing out the underrepresentation of women and minorities in the political sphere.
CGS executive director Parvez Karim Abbasi said that the imbalance of power following elections often deepened the social and political divides.
鈥楾hose who win elections tend to become immensely powerful, while those losing virtually disappear,鈥� he said.
He observed that economic and cultural marginalisation had become entrenched, with privileges concentrated among the same groups while cultural domination was often imposed through coercion or state endorsement.
According to FES Bangladesh programme adviser Felix Gardes, democracy requires not just elections but also fairness, pluralism, and respect for minority rights.
鈥楾he tyranny of the majority is not necessarily better than the tyranny of the minority,鈥� he said, hoping that Bangladesh鈥檚 upcoming election would be free and just.
He said that since the post鈥揥orld War II period, FES had supported democratic values worldwide through research, dialogue, and public engagement, and the organisation was pleased to work with democratic forces in Bangladesh.
Writer and researcher Maha Mirza moderated the event that was participated by representatives from various student organisations and student wings of different political organisations.
Despite ideological differences, participants agreed on the need for inclusive politics, tolerance, and a stronger democratic culture as prerequisites for economic progress and long-term stability.