Political parties must take responsibility to build democracy: Ali Riaz

The absence of a robust institutional framework remains one of the biggest challenges to Bangladesh's democratic transition, said Prof Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser. He urged political parties to take genuine responsibility for building democratic institutions and ensuring the implementation of reforms.

"Political parties must decide whether they are truly committed to creating institutions that uphold democracy," he said, speaking at a seminar titled 'Peaceful Election and Prevention of Violence: Grassroots Experiences', organised by the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Wednesday (28 January).

Prof Riaz noted that the July mass uprising was driven by a fundamental demand for justice. "Those who committed injustice must be held accountable. The core objective of the uprising is to prevent fascism or feudal domination from returning to Bangladesh," he said.

He emphasised the importance of accountability and electoral participation, adding that the authority over referendums, elections, and constitutional reforms belongs to the people. "If we want justice, reforms, and a new democratic political system, there is no alternative to elections," he said.

The July National Charter, he noted, is a pact between the people and political parties, and the parties themselves are primarily responsible for implementing it. "Thirty political parties formulated these agendas through uninterrupted discussions over nine months. This is not something imposed from above; it is meant to realise the dreams of countless martyrs," Prof Riaz said.

He warned that it would not be possible to build a "new Bangladesh" while keeping the existing constitution unchanged. "If we believe that the future Bangladesh can be built by preserving the current constitution as it is, then we are making a fundamental mistake," he said.

Calling for collective action, he urged citizens to exercise their voting rights freely and independently in the upcoming referendum on 12 February and to vote 'Yes'. "That democracy must be strengthened so that every citizen feels they are an owner of the state," he said.

A BEI survey conducted among 400 grassroots men and women, 200 local influential figures and political leaders, and district- and upazila-level administrators found that only 30% of respondents believe the July Charter will be implemented, while just 40% were aware of the referendum. The survey also showed that 50% expect the country's situation to improve after the election, while 60% anticipate a violence-free poll.

Other political leaders at the event highlighted additional concerns. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair called for realistic measures from the Election Commission to enable voters to exercise their rights safely and for visible action against election violence and misconduct. He also stressed the importance of women's meaningful political participation.

AB Party's Joint Secretary Altaf Hossain highlighted the threats faced by women during elections, including abusive messages, digital misinformation, and intimidation. He urged authorities to ensure women's safety and comfort at polling stations and take swift action against threats and violence.

NCP Joint Member Secretary Alauddin Mohammed pointed to confusion surrounding the referendum, noting that not all political parties are clearly communicating their stance to voters. He also raised concerns over low female representation, with only two female candidates contesting among NCP's 30 seats, highlighting the need for greater participation.

NDP President Abdullah Al Harun called for a peaceful election with maximum voter turnout, urging voters to base their decisions on merit and justice rather than religion or fear.

Dr Mushtaq Hossain, member of Bangladesh JASAD's Standing Committee, said cultural and systemic reforms are needed to ensure a peaceful election environment. He warned against the perception of electoral victory as a "license to earn huge profits" and highlighted the importance of promoting a culture of debate and accountability among political leaders.

On constitutional reforms and the referendum, he said, "Discussing or proposing changes to the constitution is not treason; rather, unlawful occupation of power or unconstitutional amendments should be treated as punishable offences."

He also stressed that Bangladesh's foreign policy should prioritise national interests and sovereignty over the influence of any particular neighbouring country. "The primary goal must be to build a strong parliament, foster a culture of peaceful dialogue, and prevent the return of authoritarianism," he added.

The event also featured the presentation of a BEI survey report by Chowdhury Samiul Haque. BEI President and former diplomat M Humayun Kabir and former ambassador Faruq Sobhan delivered welcome remarks.