The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Chittagong

US Ambassador James F. Moriarty yesterday said his government hopes to see the holding of the upcoming elections in Bangladesh without emergency as they consider the December polls as a major step forward in democracy.

Appreciating the government steps to relax the emergency to some extent, he said, "It is a good sign."

The American diplomat made the observation while talking to the media after a meeting organized by Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry at a city hotel.

Giving special emphasis on the fourth 'D'-Decentralization-he said decentralization must take root in Bangladesh for strengthening democracy. The fourth D is a vital component of democracy as it is practiced in the USA.

He said, "The December 18 parliamentary elections will mark a major step forward in democracy in Bangladesh while December 28 upazila elections could also mark a major step forward in Bangladesh's democracy-if the people of Bangladesh decide that they want functioning local government structures headed by representatives freely elected by the people."

"If allowed to do so, elected Upazila chairmen could do much to build democracy at the grassroots. Just as important, upazila elections could help create Bangladesh's next generation of political leaders. But again, these are decisions that the people of Bangladesh must make," he said.

The American envoy emphasized that Bangladeshis themselves have to decide 'what sort of democracy suits them best".

He noted that in the United States, democracy is practiced not only at the national level but also at the local level, much closer to home.

"But the people of Bangladesh must decide the future of their own country-and the shape of their own society. No political system is perfect, and no two societies are exactly the same," the US Ambassador told his audience-underlining the need for homespun polity of each country.