The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a function yesterday laid emphasis on practicing democratic culture within political parties with a view to institutionalising democracy in the country.

Democracy cannot get strong footings if there were no strong political parties. Only political stability guarantee's national development and investment, they added.

Democratic cultures need to be established within the political parties for cultivating the spirit of tolerance and accommodation in politics, they noted.

They were speaking at a roundtable on " Democratic Practice within Political Parties in Bangladesh " organised by online newspaper the Editor at CIRDAP auditorium in the city.

Selim Omrao Khan, editor of the online newspaper Editor presided over function while Dr Shamim Haider Talukder its Managing Editor, moderated the roundtable. Former Awami League minister Prof Abu Sayeed presented the keynote paper.

Abdur Razzak, Presidium Member of Awami League, Gayeshwarchandra Roy, Joint General Secretary of BNP, Hasanul Huq Inu, President of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Mujahidul Islam Selim, General Secretary, Communist Party of Bangladesh, GM Kader of Jatiya Party, Naimul Islam Khan, editor of the daily Amadershomoy, Nurul Islam of Democratic Party, Dr Shahdin Malik, President of Gonotantri Party and Shirin Akter, President, Karmojibi Nari among others, took part in the discussion.

Most of the speakers were of the view that politics sans violence and vengeance and practice of democracy within political parties will inspire young talents to join politics for the good of the country.

They were highly critical of political parties for shunning democratic practices and depending on particular person on decision-making matters.

Organisational reforms, selection of competent party leaders and giving nomination to capable candidates are a must, otherwise, democracy would not be flourished in the country, they observed.

They said majority of MPs in the last parliament were not political persons.

They called upon political parties not to give nomination to black money holders, corrupt persons, anti social elements and war criminals.

Abdur Razzak said Awami League is the only party which follows democratic culture despite some minor lapses. He suggested establishing democracy at all levels of the state.

Gayeshwarchandra Roy said reforms of political parties and democratic exercise are necessary and it should be done in a democratic way. He called upon the Government not to dictate political parties for reforms.

Hasanul Huq Inu said there is democracy in his party. He urged the Government to hold a free, fair and participatory election in the country.

Mujahidul Islam Selim said people need to be politically conscious, otherwise all the efforts for reforming political parties would go in vain.

Prof Abu Sayeed said democratic exercise is must a within the political parties. He suggested audit on the income and expenditure of leaders of the parties and giving nomination to the candidates for the election on the recommendation of the party leaders at the grassroots level.

He said good governance, accountability, transparency and collective leadership among the political parties are important for establishing a sustainable democracy.

"The event of 1/11 has given paved the way to establish neutral Election Commission, independence of Judiciary, National Security Council and arrest corrupt people and plunderers of public wealth," he mentioned.