Be more accountable to strengthen democracy
They stressed the need for making parliament more effective to discuss various issues constructively.
The seminar titled 'How are we under parliamentary democracy system' was organised by the Society for Bangladesh Development Strategy (BDSS) at the National Press Club in the city.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Law Minister Moudud Ahmed attended the seminar as chief guest.
He said democracy in the country is yet to be matured.
" We should not expect much right now as our democracy is not matured yet and our economy is marginal. We should not be impatient in this regard," he added.
He however urged all to work together to achieve much more from a nascent democratic system.
"Democracy is comparatively stable now. But the politicians are not committed enough," said Dr Mizanur Rahman Shelley, former minister.
He said under the existing democratic system people are suffering due to corruption and price hike of essentials.
Citing a Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) report former education minister Sheikh Shahidul Islam said there are 122 smugglers in the present parliament.
'The politicians need to purify themselves," he commented.
Major (Retd) M A Mannan, general secretary of Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, said the alliance government does not work for the welfare of people.
"We are discussing the issue as people are not happy under this government," he said.
Dr Asaduzzaman, chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC), said democracy is meaningless when lawmakers fail to discuss important issues in parliament.
"We hear only meaningless discussions in parliament," he alleged.
Anisul Haq, former president of Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said general people have no respect for politicians now.
He said the tenure of a parliament should be reduced to four years.
Dr Hemayet Uddin presented a keynote paper at the discussion.
Dr Osman Gani, chairman of BDSS, conducted the seminar while Qazi Fazlur Rahman, former education secretary, chaired the session.
Syed Margub Morshed, former secretary, Sadeq Siddiqui, additional secretary general of Jatiya Party (Monju), Dr Giasuddin and Dr M A Mannan, presidium member of Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, also spoke at the seminar.