Discussion at Manik Mia Foundation: Civility, tolerance must for democracy

Staff Reporter :Speakers at a discussion on Saturday stressed the need for civility, respect and tolerance among the political parties to establish Bangladesh as an ideal democratic state.Pointing to the lack of democracy in the country, they said, it is totally impossible to restore democracy here if the political parities do not practice tolerance. The discussion was organised by Manik Mia Foundation to mark the 52nd death anniversary of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy at the Foundation’s Auditorium in Ittefaq Bhaban at RK Mission Road in the city. Professor Supernumerary Abul Quasem Fazlul Huq attended the function as chief guest while Secretary General of the Foundation Syed Tosharraf Ali moderated it.Veteran journalist Reazuddin Ahmed and Mahfuz Ullah, Professor Syed Anwar Husain and Professor Amena Mohsin took part in the discussion while the Chairperson of the Foundation Barrister Mainul Hosein, Advisory Editor of the Weekly Robbar Kazi Siraj and senior journalists of The New Nation were present, among others. They also underlined the need for following the ideals of the Champion of democracy Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy to reestablish democracy in the country. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy had dedicated his life for the welfare of the people as well as establishing democracy. “The true goal of the Liberation War was to achieve right of franchise and establish strong and institutional democracy in the country. But it has long been neglected on the land of independent Bangladesh. Abul Quasem Fazlul Huq said Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy had played a pivotal role in all the crucial political development of this land since 1920s. He worked for establishing democracy and rights of the people. Referring to the initial stage AL formation, he said, the party had never socialism in their political agenda.He called upon the politicians to practice the spirit of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy and to establish inclusive democracy. Noted journalist and Editor of The News Today Reazuddin Ahmed said the people of the country fought against the Pakistani occupation forces for establishing democracy and their rights to franchise. “Although the prime purpose of the Liberation War was to establish democracy, the spirit is being neglected now,” he said. “We failed to imbibe the spirit of Liberation War. We failed to protect democracy. Due to the absence of democracy we are in fear,” Reazuddin said. “It is impossible to dominate the people’s right to speech. The democracy will be established here again, but we need brilliant and brave leadership. We can get inspiration from Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy,” he said. Syed Anwar Husain said Suhrawardy was a man of strong personality and talent. He practiced politics for establishing democracy. But unfortunately there is total lack of democracy in every sphere of life now.”Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy had played an important role to create awareness about democracy and its norms. No doubt he was the teacher of politics and our great leaders were the students of Suhrawardy. We should not forget his contribution. “We have to take the lesson from his ideals to protect democracy in the country,” he said. Syed Anwar Husain observed that the democracy is now absent in the country but hoped that democratic atmosphere would return if we follow the ideals Suhrawardy. Speaking at the discussion, senior journalist Mahfuz Ullah said the sacrifice and contribution of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy was unprecedented for establishing democracy. Mahfuz Ullah said that Suhrawardy and Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani were our great leaders and they made a lot of contributions to nation building, democracy and achieving rights of the people. “It is evident that the ruling Awami League (AL) government does not remember them with due respect. Even, it erased the biography of Bhashani from the text book creating frustration to the democracy loving people of the country,” he added. The nation still can learn many things from the Suhrawardy’s life as he established the idea of the democracy at the cost of his life. He was not only a prime minister but also the champion of democracy who established the voting rights of the people and freedom of expression.Commenting on the country’s present democratic atmosphere, he said, “The government has established its own ‘brand’ of democracy for their interest where the characteristics of the genuine democracy are almost absent. “The freedom of expression, rights to franchise and people’s active participation in politics are absent now resulting in a downslide in the rule of law, democratic accountability and state building,” he added.He also said that the crime incidents have increased across the country due to lack of democratic environment.”Nobody’s life is safe in the country as people have already lost their constitutional rights. Even the government does not show the tolerance and respect to the opposition,” said Mahfuz Ullah Commenting on present democratic environment, Professor Ameena Mohsin, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, said, “We all are responsible for the contaminated politics of the country which also destroyed our education system and other democratic institutions.” “We do not find any strong opposition in the country which is undermining the democracy,” she observed.Ameena Mohsin said, “Suhrawardy liked open politics and did not support the underground activities.”He led a very simple life and he had Tk 13,000 loan when he died though he hailed from a rich family. She said that the government should create the environment for free and fair elections to establish rights of the people taking lessons from Suhrawardy’s life.