The New Nation - Internet Edition

ONE of the very positive developments after the takeover by the present government, was suggestion from powerful figures within the major political parties that they would embark on a process of reforming their organisations. This was also well received by the people who were witnesses to the manner in which the political parties had conducted their affairs. Thus, when the present government itself lent its full support to inner political party reforms, the same seemed to have acquired a momentum. The issue that came up most at that time was democratisation of the parties. It was recognised that the major parties were dominated undemocratically by some people and it meant that efficient and scrupulous persons had no way to come to controlling positions in the parties. There was no scope for changing leadership through elections within the parties. Thus, there existed little scope for merit and honesty to bloom in the parties. Rather, everything in the parties seemed to be dominated by political pedigrees.

Other issues for party reforms included doing away with the system of giving nominations by the party top brass without transparency and accountability. The qualifications of the nomination seekers were hardly any consideration nor their backgrounds. No wonder, therefore, that in these circumstances whoever won elections and formed government the country continued to be affected by such despotism. Apart from these issues affecting directly the political parties, other reforms were also expected in the political spheres such as the parties agreeing to a code of conduct in their behaviour that would strengthen democracy and create sustainable political environment. But these issues of political party and associated reforms, seen as indispensable for cleaner politics and good governance of the country, are now receding in the consideration of the political parties. The enthusiasm noted earlier for inner party reforms, appear to have disappeared almost completely. Even the leading figures in the parties who earlier were seen at the forefront in suggesting party reforms, have become silent on the issue, it seems.

The Chief Adviser had put special stress while telling newsmen recently that the political parties ought to give highest priority to reforming their own houses or to at least start that process convincingly before they sit for dialogue with the government. But the parties seem to be getting ready to pile up pressures on the government for the release of their jailed leaders and for the early holding of elections. Early holding of elections without carrying out reforms in the political field, will only mean the country once again falling into politically induced uncertainties, conflicts and troubles of the sort that peaked early last year. Bangladesh needs political stability and high quality scrupulous leadership for creating a brighter future. For this to happen, there is no substitute for reform of the political parties as these are the institutions that would be creating the leaders for governing the country in the future.