The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The development of political institutions for creating a strong parliamentary democratic system in the country was stressed at a discussion in the city.

The need to create a friendly atmosphere to involve more women in mainstream politics was also emphasised.

Speakers came to this conclusion at the discussion organised by Citizens Rights Movement (CRM) at the National Press Club on what to expect from the National Parliament, President, Speaker and MPs after the elections in 2008.

Founder Vice-president of the CRM, Fakir Delwar Hossain presided over the meeting, while the CRM Secretary General, Tushar Rehman moderated and delivered keynote speech in the programme.

Tushar presented 26-point of demand in his keynote including the demands of the autonomy of Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television.

Former MP of Awami League, Col (retd) Md Faruk Khan said the post of the speaker should be neutral. Two posts of Deputy Speakers should be created, one would come from the opposition and the other a woman. We should try to elect a person as the President who is above controversy, he added.

GM Kader, former MP of Jatiya Party said the concept of caretaker government could not be found in any other country except Bangladesh. This practice proved we were not enough honest.

Prof HKS Arefeen, Prof Mahbuba Nasrin of Dhaka University, Ruhin Hossain Prince, Member of Central Committee of Bangladesh Communist Party, among others, spoke at the discussion.