Press Release Author = Magna News & Feature Service Inc
Industry = Media
Press Release Summary = The process of political dialogue initiated by the government with the opposition after a couple of years of expression of mutual mistrust has come to the people as a sigh of relief, even though the dialogue itself is yet to begin, because they do not want instability that would not only stall their tireless efforts to improve their lot but also steal the valuable time that right now needs to be gainfully utilized to march forward with others in the race to stay competitive in a gloablised world. With the government making its stand clear about the composition of its team for the said talks, the Awami League-led opposition, it is hoped, would finalize the composition of the opposition team.
Press Release Body = The process of political dialogue initiated by the government with the opposition after a couple of years of expression of mutual mistrust has come to the people as a sigh of relief, even though the dialogue itself is yet to begin, because they do not want instability that would not only stall their tireless efforts to improve their lot but also steal the valuable time that right now needs to be gainfully utilized to march forward with others in the race to stay competitive in a gloablised world. With the government making its stand clear about the composition of its team for the said talks, the Awami League-led opposition, it is hoped, would finalize the composition of the opposition team. Success of the would-be dialogue depends on the sincerity of the key actors to effect some reforms to the electoral process on which there is a broad consensus.
The opposition demand is, however, also for reform of the provision for caretaker government in the Constitution, and the AL and its allies want the chief adviser of the caretaker government to be chosen on the basis of consensus instead of following the existing constitutional provisions.
While reform of the electoral process can be easily brought about through the enactment of ordinary laws or by amending some existing laws and rules, provisions of the caretaker government can be changed only through amendment of the Constitution with the support of two thirds of members of Parliament. Of course the present government has enough strength in Parliament to pass a constitutional amendment, but no party or coalition of parties may agree to do something which they do not support or do not consider right.
The opposition thus has done one good thing by voicing its demand for the said reforms in Parliament and submitting those in the form of a proposal. Some leading members of the ruling coalition have, however, pointed out that the AL could have introduced a bill or moved a resolution in the House for the purpose. In fact these are the recognized methods of effectively pursuing political lines of thought in the legislature. The opposition in some cases succeeds to compel the treasury bench to enact laws or pass resolutions in keeping with their demands when bills or resolutions initiated by them are strongly backed by popular support that the government can afford to ignore only at its peril.
The learned leaders and members of the two benches of Parliament definitely know better than others not having seats in the august body that consensus decisions on contentious things or issues are difficult to achieve, and not even a constitutional amendment should ever make provision for something to be done or decided on the basis of consensus. Because it is difficult to say what happens in case there is no consensus. And would those parties and leaders who are serious about consensus be ready to acquiesce with their opponents' viewpoints in case the latter remain stubborn? Clearly things in the supreme law of the land - the Constitution - or even in ordinary laws cannot be left to chances. Because such state of things can only lead to anarchy. So the best option left is to accept the decision of the majority and the composition of the majority is bound to change after an election.
Experts are of the view that the fledging democracy in Bangladesh would be rock-solid strong after another three tolerably free and fair general elections, no matter whichever party comes to power. The people want power to change hands through elections, and elections alone. They also want freedom of expression, freedom assembly and movement, and respect for their all other inalienable rights. So while the majority decision prevails, the minority has an opportunity to tell the people if such decisions are unjust or imposed by using strength of brute force. This process of checks and balance is the beauty of democracy. Whatever the differences, decisions have to be made in all situations and those making decisions also have to take the credit for or the liability of those. The people are the best judge, and our political leaders would do the greatest service to democracy if they make sure that their electors are freer to vote for the causes the find just. This would also guarantee that those who would fight for the just cause would not lose an election.
2022
