‘All must work unitedly to institutionalise democracy’
City Desk :
Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and Bir Muktijoddha Abdus Salam has said everyone must work unitedly to give democracy an institutional form.
He emphasised the need to allow the government elected by the people to function while cooperating in implementing necessary reforms.
Abdus Salam stated, “March 2 is a historic day. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) does not believe in distorting history.”
Highlighting the necessity of compromise in democracy, he said democracy is not possible without compromise, as it would otherwise risk one-party rule. Instead of harshly criticising the government elected by the people shortly after it assumes office, it should be given time to perform.
He made these remarks at a discussion meeting organised by the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) on the occasion of March 2 Flag Hoisting Day, held on Monday at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club.
He urged advising the government on necessary reforms and evaluating progress after a specific timeframe.
Abdus Salam said the country endured 17 years without democracy, during which many lost crucial phases of their lives. Now an opportunity has arisen to institutionalise democracy.
He stressed ensuring acceptable elections and government changes only through elections. He also mentioned holding elections under a caretaker government, setting term limits for the Prime Minister, and ensuring power balance between the President and Prime Minister.
Abdus Salam said despite differences among political parties, unity must be maintained on national interests, democracy, and preventing extremism.
He laid emphasis on giving the government time and cooperating in implementing reform programmes.
He claimed that individuals who participated in the post-Liberation War struggle for establishing democracy made great sacrifices, and their political activities were aimed at changing the fate of the nation’s people.
Referring to the historic March 2, he said ASM Abdur Rab’s courageous role holds significant importance in history, and there is no scope to deny it. History can be distorted temporarily but cannot be changed or erased.
To ensure the country’s progress, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam urged avoiding division and focusing on establishing democracy, holding regular elections, and strengthening state institutions.
The meeting, chaired by JSD Senior Vice-President Tania Rab, featured speeches from Nagorik Oikyer President Mahmudur Rahman Mannaa, Rashtra Sanskar Andolon President Hasanat Kaiyum, and Gonoforum President Advocate Subrata Chowdhury.
Those present included JSD General Secretary Shahiduddin Mahmud Swapan, Vice-President Siraj Mia, and JSD General Secretary Nazmul Haq Pradhan.
