The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a press conference yesterday underscored the need of participation of the candidates from every stratum of the society in the country to establish a representative democracy.

They came down heavily on the existing political parties and the political system saying as that the political parties nominate candidates considering one's economic background.

Shushashoner Janya Nagorik (Shujan) organised the briefing to reveal the information about the competing candidates in the forthcoming national elections at DRU in the capital.

Secretary of Shujan, Badiul Alam Majumder in his keynote paper disclosed that both the parties Awami league and BNP, nominated more than 50 per cent businessmen in the upcoming polls. The 8th parliament did not function properly as it contained two-thirds businessmen as parliamentarians, he stated.

Prof Mozaffar Ahmad, Chairman of Shujan said the political system did not create any situation as representation of many professions could which the poll could bring out.

Speakers also disclosed that murder cases are hanging on the shoulder of at least 100 candidates competing in the forthcoming polls. Some alleged loan defaulters were also competing, they stated.

They also said candidates, who concealed information about them might be punished according to the existing law of the country.

Criticizing the Election Commission (EC), Mozaffar added, it seemed that the commission felt relieved after selecting the candidates in the forthcoming elections. If honest people did not get nomination, evil power would be voted to power, he said.

Speakers urged the candidates, if they are voted to power they need to make the parliamentary activities transparent to the people.