Fellow of the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, said “The country is currently going through a transitional period. The countrymen want fair, participatory and dignified elections. There is apprehension among the people over the elections. The government and the Election Commission must take responsibility to remove that tension.”
He said this at a program organized by the Citizen Platform at an auditorium in Barishal on Wednesday afternoon.
Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya said, “The Chief Advisor of the interim government was enthusiastic about the reform process. But there has been discouragement among his advisory board and bureaucrats. In order to complete the remaining reforms, civil society must provide pressure to include it in the election manifesto.”
Noting that there have been attempts to pit the 1971 and 24 movements against each other recently, he said, “We are not with those who are trying to do this. Rather, the great liberation war of 1971 and the mass uprising of 24 complement each other.”
In the pre-election regional consultation meeting, prominent people from various classes and professions, including local leaders of various political parties, participated in the discussion. During the programme, speakers raised various complaints in writing and in their speeches regarding online voting. The civil society's statements highlighted the deterioration of the law and order situation in the country, causing insecurity, and fundamental reforms. Above all, they urged the government to work to ensure good governance.
The CPD also said that it wants to see a free, impartial and fair election nationwide. The organization is also holding consultation meetings of this civic platform in important district headquarters including seven divisional cities of the country.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
