Let's be practical

Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), jointly with Prothom Alo, The Daily Star and channel-i, organised a series of regional dialogues on " National election 2007: Civil Society Initiative for Accountable Development". The Reporters' Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) organised another similar seminar styled 'Election-2007: Free flow of information and Election Commission', held in the capital. Eminent personalities from various professions, respected civil society representatives and representatives from different political parties took part in the discussion.

During discussions, everybody stressed the importance of overall political stability, different constitutional rights and the crisis the nation is facing. However, the speakers emphasised reforms needed in the country's electoral process, in order to hold a free fair election. They also severely criticised the role of the current Election Commissioner and rightly demanded his resignation. The dialogue discussed ways to solve this political crisis, and it came up with several recommendations to be placed in front of both the government and the opposition. Some participants in the discussion blamed the govt. for not taking steps on the reforms and feared that the situation might get worse, as time is a factor.

The seminars brought forth opinions from some of the country's most renowned and respected citizens. Eminent jurist Dr. Kamal Hossain spoke against the current political and electoral atmosphere. Others taking part in the meetings included some of his colleagues from the Supreme Court Bar Association, Editors of some leading newspapers, bureaucrats, economists, and representatives from other socio-cultural organisations.

The opposition also lauded the meetings' recommendations because they have been shouting for reforms since a long time. No nation can move forward without reforms and there is nothing wrong in it. But, the need for serious and critical electoral reforms cannot be fulfilled overnight or in a short time. Why didn't the Awami League at all think of this during their tenure of fives years? Now apart from creating anarchy in the country, they cannot do anything to make the BNP accept the demand.

This culture of holding seminars and roundtables is nothing new to us, but it has very little impact on the political situation. The common people are totally frustrated with the political leaders.

I often try to differentiate between the role of the civil society and the role of the corrupt inefficient political leaders (from all parties). I feel very disappointed when intellectuals like Dr. Kamal Hossain and others cannot come up with any constructive or effective proposals when it comes to solutions to our problems.

I am in no way blaming the civil society solely, the blame should be shared by all. It's time we should start thinking a bit differently and make productive efforts.