Democracy will not function without proper democratic cycle: Amir Khasru

Democracy will not function if only elected governments are in place but democratic cycles are absent, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said today (27 September).

"Bangladesh's democracy will only work when Bangladesh's people integrate into it, participate as equal stakeholders," he said while addressing a seminar titled "Reform Elections: Context of National Unity" held at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) auditorium.

The BNP leader said democracy must extend beyond politics into the economy, adding, "Just as people must have equal access and a level playing field in politics, they must also have equal access in the economy."

To build the Bangladesh of tomorrow, we must enter into an entirely democratic process, he said.

Khasru pledged that his party will provide one crore jobs within 18 months and ensure free primary healthcare for all citizens if elected to power.

"Bangladesh's problems are endless, so every political party should present their vision of a future Bangladesh to the people. On behalf of the BNP, we are trying to do that. We will create 10 million jobs within 18 months, and we have decided to provide free primary healthcare to the people of Bangladesh," he said.

He emphasised that every political party must present a philosophy and a roadmap for the future, saying, "Go to the people with your future roadmap regarding the next election, come to the parliament with a mandate, and then pass it."

After restoring democratic order through fair elections, the main priority should be to create an environment where everyone can work freely, political parties can express themselves openly, and equal rights for all are guaranteed, Khasru said, adding, "Instead of doing this, we are engaging in various processes that only create confusion."

The BNP leader alleged that instead of focusing on consensus, new demands were being introduced, which he claimed was dividing the nation.

"In countries where divisions followed post-uprising periods, they have ended up in extremely bad conditions," he noted, stressing the need to restore democratic order in Bangladesh through elections that truly ensure people's rights.