Maintaining law and order main challenge for elections: Badiul Alam Majumdar

Maintaining a law and order situation conducive to elections is the biggest challenge at present. The collapsed policing system must be restored, said Shujan Secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar.

He said the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi has created apprehension regarding the holding of the upcoming election. Although the defeated forces have fled, their allies are continuously issuing threats and engaging in conspiracies to sabotage the polls. Therefore, all democratic forces must remain united against such elements.

Badiul opined that despite individual political loyalties among some members of the interim government, the administration remains non-partisan and is committed to delivering a free, fair and acceptable election by confronting all threats and risks in order to steer the nation towards democratic transition. 

"The capacity of the Election Commission is crucial to holding a credible election. In some instances, the commission has failed to demonstrate strictness in enforcing electoral laws. 

"The affiliated organisations and overseas branches of registered political parties violate electoral laws; they must stop this practice. To overcome failures in governance, constitutional and institutional reforms through an acceptable election are essential," he said while speaking as the chief guest at a shadow parliament organised on preventing misuse of social media in the upcoming election at the FDC today (13 December).

The programme was chaired by Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran, chairman of Debate for Democracy. In the competition, the debaters of Hazaribagh Government College emerged victorious, defeating Dhaka Commerce College. The shadow parliament was organised by Debate for Democracy.

Badiul emphasised that politicians must return to the path of clean politics by establishing good governance instead of engaging in a race to accumulate wealth. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a major challenge in the present time. Its misuse can mislead people and even influence fair elections and results. Therefore, the Election Commission and the government must establish special cells to counter the negative impact of AI.

In his speech as chair, Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran said the shooting aimed at killing Inkilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi within 24 hours of the election schedule announcement proves that domestic and foreign conspirators are active in efforts to derail the election. The attack was intended to obstruct the democratic journey and must be resisted at any cost.

He said the incident should serve as a lesson, making unity among anti-fascist political parties imperative. Otherwise, such unwanted incidents may recur.

Kiran expressed hope that the meeting between the Chief Adviser and leaders of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP immediately after the attempted killing of Osman Hadi would further strengthen national unity against fascism. 

He stressed that ensuring the security of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman must be the government's top priority upon his return to the country. He expressed hope that following his return, anti-fascist forces would become more united in rebuilding post-July uprising Bangladesh.

The shadow parliament titled "Preventing misuse of social media will be a major challenge in the upcoming election" featured a panel of judges comprising journalists Mainul Alam, Saidul Islam, Mosiur Rahman Khan, Maidur Rahman Rubel and Md Atikur Rahman. At the end of the competition, trophies, crests and certificates were awarded to the participating teams