Dr. B and the third party

The Liberal Party in Britain, The Australian Democrats in Australia where this writer lives and there was one short-lived in New Zealand, are a few worth mentioning.

The Australian Democrats (AD) as a political party was formed and launched by one Mr Don Chipp who was a long time member of Liberal Party (one of the Australian major parties which is ruling party now) and an MP in the lower house where the government is formed. He had been a minister in late 60's and early 70's. He had a fall-out with the next Liberal PM Malcolm Fraser and was not included in the next ministry. He then resigned from the party and contested his seat as an independent but failed to win.

He then decided to form and launch his own party, Australian Democrats and contested upper house senate seats in various states. He won with one or two others in other states. The senate elections are run in a different system in Australia which is another story that can be told some other time.

Over the last few years, the AD party had strongly contributed to the Australian political system and is still continuing to do so. Don Chipp while launching his party was asked as to why he was doing this while fully knowing that he would never be able form a government. His simple answer at the time was "to keep the bastards honest". Since then AD had maintained a balance of power in the senate, the upper house of review in the Australian parliamentary system. Both the major parties all along had to negotiate with AD for the passage of their bills. Senate is the house of review in Australia and the bills can be rejected and sent back to lower house for amendment.

I regret to say, in the absence of true honesty in Bangladesh politics and a unicameral system, one wonders what sense will it make for third force in Bangladesh. New Zealand is a unicameral system, the third force has failed as it evolved. AD as a party is in decline among Australian public mind right at this moment because of internal leadership squabbles. The founding leader Don Chipp has long retired from politics. Another force, Australian Greens is growing fast in its place.

Dr Kamal Hossain and Dr B Chowdhury are two very highly respected veterans in Bangladesh political arena. I have no doubt about their honesty, patriotism and integrity but I have some doubt about how successful they would be in their endeavours. The public may view that they were part of the current system during their life time. However, anything that can be done would be a start and I wish them good luck.