Tanvir Ahmed :
To understand what people from various walks of life are thinking about the forthcoming parliamentary elections, the monthly ‘Alochona’ magazine has organized a roundtable meeting on at Government Mujibur Rahman Women’ College in Bogura.
The roundtable, titled ‘Future Bangladesh: Thoughts and Expectations of the Common People Regarding the Thirteenth Jatiya Sangsad Election’ attended by Dr. Muhammad Hasanat Ali, Vice-Chancellor of Naogaon University, as the Chief Guest. Professor Dr. Belal Hossain, Principal of Government Mujibur Rahman Women’s College, presided over the meeting.
The keynote paper was presented by Farooq Hossain, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Government Mujibur Rahman Women’s College. Alochona Editor Pratik Omar moderated the event. Teachers, engineers, doctors, advocates, businessmen, entrepreneurs, student representatives, and politicians attended the roundtable meeting.
Speakers at the roundtable stated that a responsible and accountable leadership would be established in the country through an acceptable election. They also stressed the importance of voters focusing on the candidates’ personality, integrity, and past actions, beyond their party affiliation.
They believe that a free, fair, and impartial electoral system must be ensured so that the public can choose their true representatives. It must also be ensured that the candidates are corruption-free, dedicated to public welfare, and possess honest character.
Furthermore, political stability and public security should be maintained in the post-election period. The elected government should ensure good governance and work for the country’s economic and social development. The future of Bangladesh largely depends on the outcome of this national election.
They hoped that this election could herald a new chapter for the nation. The Election Commission, political parties, and all concerned parties must step forward to create an inclusive and festive electoral environment, honoring the thoughts and expectations of the common people.
In the meeting, Chief Guest, Dr. Muhammad Hasanat Ali said, “Bangladesh stands at the threshold of a new political chapter, and the upcoming Jatiya Sangsad election is extremely important for the nation. A free, fair, and acceptable election is the long-held expectation of the people of Bangladesh.
“We have seen various discussions and criticisms about elections in the past years. The common people’s main concern is that they should be able to cast their votes without hindrance, and their opinions should be accurately reflected. It is crucial to ensure equal opportunity for all and maintain confidence in the Election Commission,” said Dr. Hasanat.
He further added, “This election is a huge opportunity for us to build the future Bangladesh. The people want to see a government that will ensure good governance, establish a corruption-free administration, and prioritize people’s fundamental rights.”
The youths seek a developed and prosperous Bangladesh with employment opportunities, improved education quality, and political stability, he said, adding: “I believe the recommendations and opinions gathered from this roundtable discussion will be helpful in organizing a fair election and fulfilling the people’s expectations.”
In his speech, Professor Dr. Belal Hossain said, “The importance of elections in a democratic state is immense. It is the constitutional right of the people to express their opinion and choose their preferred government. Today’s discussion is a platform for consolidating the common people’s thoughts and expectations.”
“I believe that the sincere desire and cooperation of all are essential for organizing a peaceful and participatory election. The recommendations arising from this roundtable will help strengthen the country’s electoral system and democratic process. We want the upcoming election to inspire new hope in the hearts of the common people and serve as a milestone in building a developed, prosperous, and stable Bangladesh.”
Among others, Subar Shah Lotus, Editor of Dainik Duronto Sangbad; Vice Principal Abdus Sabur Khandaker; Rezaul Hasan Ranu, Acting Editor of Dainik Bogra and President of Bogra Press Club; Dr. A.H.M. Mushihur Rahman, Director of Bogra Nursing Home; Dr. Matiur Rahman, Deputy Executive Director of TMSS; Khayyam Kader, former Vice-Principal of Government Azizul Haque College; Poet A. K. Azad; Adv. Mehedul Hasan Swapan, Lawyer of the Bangladesh Supreme Court and Member of the Central Convener Committee of the National Lawyers’ Alliance (NLA); Poet Monju Rahman; Nazma Akter, General Secretary of Bogra District Mohila Dal; Abdul Jalil, General Secretary of the Petrol Pump Association Rajshahi Divisional Committee; Emdadul Haque Babu, Proprietor of Padma Foods; Dr. Bappa Azizul, Psychiatrist; Emdadul Haque; Dr. Sani, Central Leader of NCP Labour Wing; Ferdousur Rahman, Treasurer of Bogra Journalists Union; A. M. Z. Shahriar Juhin, Convener of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti Bogra District Branch; and distinguished bankers Moniruzzaman and Jahidul Islam, also spoke, among others.
The event concluded with a special prayer and munajat for the quick recovery of national leader Begum Khaleda Zia.
