The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a function yesterday laid emphasis on reforming political parties with a view to institutionalise democracy in the country.

If we fail to shun the politics of vengeance and violence that prevailed for the last 35 years in the country than we cannot bring young talents in politics, they added.

They said organisational reforms as well as selecting competent party leaders and giving nomination to eligible candidates was a must, otherwise democracy could not be flourished in the country.

Their observation came at a discussion on " Reforms within Political Parties" organised by Bangladesh Heritage Foundation (BHF) at BILIA auditorium in the city.

Wali-ur-Rahman, Chairman, BHF gave the welcome address. It was also attended, among others, by Prof Ataur Rahman, Prof Imtiaz Ahmed of Dhaka University, GM Kader of Jatiya Party, Mahi B Chowdhury, Barrister Ziaur Rahman Khan of Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, Maj Gen (Retd) AMSA Amin of Awami League and former President of FBCCI Mir Nasir Hossain, Panakaj Bhattacharya of Gono Forum and Shafiqul Gani Swapan.

They said if the next election was held peacefully than it would help in consolidating democracy.

Wali-ur-Rahman said the last parliament had over seventy per cent people from the non-political class.

"If democratic culture within the political parties was restored than it would be possible to establish a democratic culture and tolerance in the country," he mentioned.

Prof Ataur Rahman blamed political parties for abusing power once they assumed power.