Elect legislators from all communities

They said all candidates must disclose all relevant information including their assets and liabilities so that voters can elect honest and competent people in the next general election.

The workshop titled 'Study report on democracy, electoral process and the role of citizens' was organised by the Institute for Environment and Development (IED) at BETS centre in the city.

The speakers said the benefit of democracy cannot be achieved without electing competent candidates from all groups including woman, indigenous and minority communities.

Indigenous leader Sanjib Drang demanded five out of 300 parliament seats for indigenous people.

He said the election commission should identify the constituencies, for example, Bandarban can be designated as indigenous constituency so that all political parties nominate their candidates from that community.

Prof Muzaffer Ahmad, a noted economist, said honest and patriotic candidates will not dare to contest the next general election if election expenditure is not restricted strictly.

He suggested displaying voter list at all union parishad offices to end discords about it.

Justice Abdur Rouf said democracy cannot be practised properly without strengthening citizens' role during the election.

He urged the election commission to create public awareness about competent candidates in the next general election.

While presenting the keynote paper, Monwar Mostofa said proportional election system should be introduced as around 72 percent people have no faith in present political leaders.

Robayet Ferdous, assistant professor of mass communication and journalism department of Dhaka University, laid emphasis on the survey of different political parties to know about their ideology, objectives and activities.

Dr Salahuddin M Aminuzzaman moderated the workshop where Jyoti Chattopadhay, Noman Ahmed Khan and representatives of some NGOs also spoke.