Efforts to Disrupt the Election Must Be Resisted: Munira Khan

Those attempting to sabotage the election must be resisted, said Munira Khan, President of the election observation organization Fair Election Monitoring Alliance (FEMA).

She made these remarks on Friday (January 9) at a shadow parliament organized by Debate for Democracy at the FDC in the capital, titled “An Acceptable Election Will Play a Role in Restoring Democracy.”

Munira Khan stated that the election must take place and cannot be stalled. However, a certain group is actively working to undermine a good and acceptable election. Expressing concern, she said there could be attempts to disrupt the upcoming election, and those behind such efforts must be resisted.

She noted that maintaining law and order during the election is one of the biggest challenges. The highest measures must be taken to recover illegal weapons. At the same time, tackling the “three Ms”—Money, Muscle, and Manipulation—requires responsible roles from the government, the Election Commission, and political parties, alongside essential public awareness. In addition to the interim government, political parties must also play a strong role in ensuring a good election.

She further said that former Chief Election Commissioners Nurul Huda and Habibul Awal could have resigned due to their failure to conduct fair elections. Instead, by violating their oath, they delivered questionable elections.

Addressing voters, she urged them not to vote based solely on symbols, but to consider the manifesto and the candidate's qualifications. Otherwise, instead of restoring democracy, fascism could return.

Regarding independent candidates, Munira Khan said the provision requiring signatures from 1% of total voters to be submitted to the Election Commission is contradictory to the constitution. This provision needs to be changed. She also expressed dissatisfaction that, despite all political parties agreeing in the July Charter to nominate at least 5% women candidates, none have followed through in practice. She was particularly critical of Jamaat-e-Islami for not nominating even a single woman candidate.

The event was presided over by Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy.

In his address as the Speaker of the shadow parliament, Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the February 12 election will be the people's verdict against Awami League's misrule. Voters, who have long been deprived of exercising their voting rights, will now have the opportunity to express their accumulated anger. Through genuine votes, the nation will be freed from the stigma of tainted elections, and a government of the people will be established.

He said that instead of politics of revenge, an inclusive, discrimination-free, and harmonious state will emerge—where social justice, rule of law, and human rights can be ensured.

However, he cautioned that ending an autocratic regime is not possible through elections alone. Without ensuring good governance and accountability, a merely acceptable election will not be sufficient to restore democracy.

Hasan Kiron further stated that elections are not just about transferring power. Ordinary people expect relief, security, and peace from their elected representatives. They want balance in income and expenditure, education, employment, and healthcare guarantees. People will be satisfied only when their minimum basic rights are realized.

In the shadow parliament competition, debaters from Dhaka International University defeated those from Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology to win. The judges were Prof. Abu Muhammad Rois, journalist Mainul Alam, Mashiur Rahman Khan, Zakir Hossain Liton, and Kawsara Chowdhury Kumu. At the end of the event, trophies, crests, and certificates were awarded to the participating teams.

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Killing of Osman Hadi Linked to Plot to Sabotage Upcoming Elections, Say Speakers at Shadow Parliament

Political analyst and former member of the Election Reform Commission Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman has alleged that the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi was a targeted assassination aimed at creating a culture of fear to derail the upcoming national elections.

Speaking as the chief guest at a shadow parliament organised by Debate for Democracy on the topic "Young Voters Will Determine Victory or Defeat in the Next Election" at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) on Friday (December 19), Dr. Zahed described the incident as a "targeted killing."

"No one in the country has not felt grief over Hadi's assassination. The atmosphere created after his death is regrettable," he said, criticising the vandalism and arson attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star following Hadi's death."While there may be criticisms of Prothom Alo and Daily Star, those who loved Hadi should not have resorted to vandalism and setting fire to these media houses. The government failed to handle the situation properly. Domestic and foreign vested interests are involved behind this. When disunity emerges among us and one side threatens the other, vested interest groups take advantage," Dr. Zahed added.He warned that various vested groups active in Bangladesh do not want the country's stability.

Presiding over the event, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran said despite maximum efforts, Osman Hadi could not be saved. "We are pained, heartbroken, ashamed, and alarmed by his assassination. The killers of Hadi will remain despised in history as cowards. This assassination will be recorded as a tragic dark chapter for the nation."

Kiran emphasised that Hadi's blood must not go in vain. "If Hadi's blood goes in vain, the spirit of the July uprising will fail. Although the defeated fascists have fled, their accomplices are still constantly trying to sabotage the election through threats and conspiracies. Hadi was killed as part of that effort."He noted that demands have arisen for security for national leaders and candidates following the incident. "I hope that after BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returns to the country, the government will ensure his highest security through the SSF."

The judges at the shadow parliament were journalists Kazi Hafiz, Md. Alamgir Hossain, Zakir Hossain Liton, Kazi Zebel, and Md. Atikur Rahman.

In the debate competition, the team from Dhaka Cantonment Girls' Public School and College emerged victorious, defeating Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College. Participating teams were awarded trophies, crests, and certificates at the end of the event.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of the 2024 student-led uprising and spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha, was shot in the head on December 12 in Dhaka's Paltan area while campaigning as a potential independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. He died on December 18 while undergoing treatment in Singapore, triggering widespread protests and violence across the country.

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RAJUK Bears Responsibility for Faulty Buildings: Chairman Admits

The Chairman of the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), Engineer Md. Riyazul Islam, has admitted that “RAJUK cannot evade responsibility for all the faulty buildings that have been constructed in Dhaka city.” He went further, saying his position as RAJUK Chairman feels “very much like standing in the dock of an accused.”

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a mock parliament organised by Debate for Democracy on Friday (5 December) at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) auditorium. The topic of the debate was “Responsible behaviour by building owners can reduce earthquake damage.” Engineer Riyazul Islam said RAJUK is responsible for both plan approval and supervision. He suggested that handing over the supervision responsibility to another agency would be more logical and effective. “Not just RAJUK – many government agencies have a role in preventing earthquake risks,” he added.

Referring to the recent earthquake on 21 November, he said the owner of the faulty building in Kosaituli is still untraceable, but local building owners are cooperating with RAJUK to resolve issues.The RAJUK Chairman informed that electricity meters of illegal buildings are being seized. If that does not work, cases are filed and buildings are demolished. Action is also being taken against engineers and architects who sign designs without ensuring compliance. Those who obtained multiple plots through fraud and concealment of information have been brought under the law. RAJUK is taking a tough stance against housing companies filling wetlands in Keraniganj, Bosila, Demra and other areas and constructing buildings without approval.

Presiding over the programme, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the country is highly vulnerable to earthquakes and a major disaster could strike very soon. “We have fear of earthquakes, but no awareness. The current Building Code is outdated and must be modernised immediately. Short-term and long-term roadmaps are essential to tackle earthquake damage.”

He criticised that although huge amounts of money were spent during the previous government to create awareness about earthquake risks, little was done in terms of actual preparedness. “There are flaws in all government agencies involved in earthquake-risk management. Bureaucratic complications are the biggest obstacle,” Kiron said, pointing out that almost everyone in the Department of Disaster Management is a bureaucrat – there is hardly any engineer or geologist.

Despite being under RAJUK’s jurisdiction, housing companies around Dhaka are blatantly violating the Building Code and approved designs, he alleged. “They are constructing 15- to 20-storey buildings without following any rules. Even when there are specific complaints, RAJUK is not taking legal action. Some dishonest RAJUK staff are involved in illegal construction. Strict measures are needed to stop irregularities in RAJUK. In the past, nothing moved in RAJUK without money. However, the corruption of the past cannot be rectified overnight,” Kiron remarked.

He stressed that building owners have limited capacity and the government must take the lead in earthquake preparedness. All infrastructure the government is building – roads, metro rail, flyovers, elevated expressways, gas and electricity lines – must also be earthquake-resistant.

In the mock parliament competition titled “Responsible behaviour by building owners can reduce earthquake damage”, the debaters of Shaheed Bir Uttam Lt. Anwar Girls’ School and College emerged victorious by defeating St. Joseph Higher Secondary School.

The judges were Professor Abu Muhammad Rais, journalists Mainul Alam, Masud Karim, Saidul Islam and Dr Shakila Jesmin. At the end of the competition, participating teams were awarded trophies, crests and certificates.

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DRU expresses profound grief over death of Mizan Shajahan’s mother

Mariam Begum, mother of Mizan Shajahan – permanent member of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) and Staff Reporter of ATN Bangla – passed away on Sunday night (30 November) at the age of 60 (Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un).

The janaza will be held today (Monday, 1 December) after Zohr prayers, followed by burial at the family graveyard.

She had been suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes for a long time. She breathed her last at her own residence in Ulania village under Mehendiganj upazila of Barishal district.

She is survived by her husband Master Abdul Khaleque, three sons, two daughters, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law and numerous relatives and admirers.

DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel have expressed deep shock and sorrow at the demise of Mariam Begum. The DRU leaders prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed profound condolences to the bereaved family.

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Those Fearful of Losing in Election Want to Prolong Unelected Govt

 

Bangladesh Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haq has alleged that those who fear defeat or heavy losses in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election are the ones trying to derail the electoral process and extend the tenure of the unelected government. 

Speaking as the chief guest at a mock parliament organised by Debate for Democracy on Saturday (29 November) at the BFDC conference hall in Dhaka, Saiful Haq said the Election Commission has so far taken no visible or effective steps to curb the influence of black money and muscle power in the election.

“The next parliament, like the previous ones, will largely become a club of the super-rich and owners of black money. This raises serious concerns that the core objectives of last year’s mass uprising may indirectly be defeated,” he warned. He pointed out that the election expenditure limit has been raised from Tk 25 lakh to Tk 35–60 lakh depending on the number of voters in a constituency, while candidates’ deposits have more than doubled. He criticised the finalisation of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) without consultation with political parties.

Referring to the Awami League’s 15–16-year rule, Saiful Haq said the previous government “staged farcical dramas in the name of elections” and completely blocked the democratic path to power alternation. “To overthrow that system, more than 2,000 martyrs had to sacrifice their lives in last year’s July-August mass uprising,” he added.

However, he expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming polls: “We are not going to enter heaven through this election, but at least citizens will be able to exercise their voting rights without fear, threats or inducements and vote for the party or candidate of their choice.”

Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran said no vested quarter would be able to obstruct the election by resorting to isolated acts of terrorism or arson.  Addressing the ongoing debates within BNP-Jamaat circles, Kiran remarked, “The arguments and differences of opinion within BNP-Jamaat will not hinder the forthcoming election. Such disagreements are the beauty of democracy. However, criminalisation in politics and elections must be stopped. There should be alternation of power, not alternation of corruption.”

He further stated, “Body-worn cameras for police at polling stations have been planned this time. If the Election Commission, political parties and voters do not act responsibly, ballot boxes may again be found in paddy or jute fields as in the past — something we do not want. I believe the party that forms the next government will run the state giving due importance to the opposition and dissenting views.”

In the mock parliament debate competition, Eden Mohila College emerged as champion while Dhaka College became runner-up.

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Government Misleads Youth with Perks: Subrata Chowdhury

Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, Acting President of Gonoforum, has alleged that the interim government has misled certain youths by offering them various privileges and facilities. He further stated that not signing the July Charter amounts to duplicity on the part of July fighters. The NCP should sign the charter without bargaining.

Speaking as the chief guest at the Debate for Democracy’s Shadow Parliament debate competition titled “What Needs to Be Done to Implement the July Charter” held on Saturday (November 1) at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) in the capital, he made these remarks.

Referring to the interim government’s act of misleading some youths with benefits, Subrata Chowdhury said, “They are interfering in DC and UNO offices and various institutions. A government within the government has been formed. As a result, reforms and the rule of law are being obstructed.”

Dismissing fears of conflict over differences between BNP and Jamaat on the referendum issue, Subrata Chowdhury said, “The referendum and national election will be held on the same day in February. To those advocating participatory elections, I say—if 70 percent of votes are cast in the national election, it will be considered participatory.” Urging political parties, he added, “Do not engage in nomination or position trading in the future. Reform and democratization within parties are urgent. A functional parliament should be formed with competent individuals.”

Terming former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s interview labeling the July Uprising as a “violent movement” as “ridiculous and childish,” the Gonoforum acting president said, “The trial of Sheikh Hasina’s crimes against humanity will continue unabated. She fled after committing massacres. We urge India not to give her shelter to make provocative statements. Stop her. Do not create hostile relations with us.”

The event was chaired by Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran, Chairman of Debate for Democracy. He said the July Mass Uprising overthrew fascism through the blood, lives, disabilities, and blindness of students and the masses. Today’s Bangladesh stands on the blood of July martyrs. The unity that made the July Uprising successful is now cracking over the implementation of the July Charter.

Describing the July Charter as a “historic national document and political settlement,” Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury said, “The future of Bangladesh depends on its implementation. If the spirit of July fails, the state will fail, and the interim government will fail. No one—BNP, Jamaat, NCP, or anyone else—can escape this responsibility.”He further stated that through the July Charter, the people wanted a united Bangladesh. But sharp disagreements among political parties over its implementation are creating a divided Bangladesh. If fascist forces return as a result, no party will escape the fire of vengeance. Hence, anti-fascist unity is now indispensable.

Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran noted that domestic and foreign nefarious forces are conspiring to derail the upcoming national election and fueling divisive politics. A tripartite political struggle is currently underway. The nation must be relieved from this situation. The interim government must work not only for political parties but also to fulfill the people’s aspirations.

In the shadow parliament debate titled “Political Will Is More Crucial Than Legal Framework for Implementing the July Charter,” Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT) emerged victorious by defeating Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College. Trophies, crests, and certificates were awarded to the participating teams at the end of the competition.

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Ensuring justice for domestic workers in Bangladesh requires unwavering political resolve

Bangladedshi Politicians Will Essential to Ensure Wages and Dignity for Domestic Workers, Says Women’s Affairs Reform Commission Chief

Shireen Parveen Haque, head of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission, emphasized the critical need for political goodwill to ensure fair wages and dignity for domestic workers. She expressed hope that future governments will prioritize appointing an ombudsman and creating a legal framework to protect domestic workers in their action plans.

She made these remarks on Saturday, October 25, 2025, during a shadow parliament session on protecting domestic workers’ rights, jointly organized by Debate for Democracy and the Mass Literacy Campaign at the FDC. The event was supported by Nets Bangladesh and Education Out Loud, and chaired by Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy.

Shireen Parveen Haque noted that the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission’s report did not specifically address domestic workers’ rights, though it should have. She highlighted the absence of specific proposals for their wage structure and stressed that a minimum wage for domestic workers should be set, considering the cost of living. Appointing an independent ombudsman would foster accountability and protect their rights. She reiterated that political goodwill is essential to ensure their wages and dignity.

She further expressed hope that future governments would prioritize appointing an ombudsman and establishing a legal framework for domestic workers’ protection in their agendas. Haque criticized the derogatory use of terms like “bua” to address domestic workers, urging society to avoid such disrespectful language. She also advocated for registering domestic workers to enhance their social recognition and rights.

In his speech, Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy, stated that a compassionate and caring policy cannot be expected in an autocratic social system. He criticized the previous government for failing to implement any measures for the welfare of sensitive labor groups like domestic workers. Despite policies being drafted, none were enforced, leaving domestic workers in conditions akin to British-era slavery, deprived of their rightful recognition and rights. They lack fair wages, defined working hours, medical care, leave, and recreational opportunities, unlike other workers. Kiron remarked that, despite the abolition of slavery, the inhumane treatment of domestic workers resembles a modern version of it in a civilized society.

He added that if society fails to show humanity toward domestic workers, no amount of democracy, voting rights, or good governance will make the state truly humane. Protecting domestic workers cannot be achieved by the government alone; families, society, NGOs, and the media must also step forward. However, he emphasized that political goodwill is indispensable for safeguarding their rights. He urged political parties to include commitments in their election manifestos to ensure domestic workers’ wages, leave, bonuses, and other rights, which would boost public trust and support. Kiron expressed disappointment that, post-independence, no discussions on domestic workers’ rights have taken place in Bangladesh’s parliament, and MPs have not raised their voices for their legitimate demands.

He expressed hope that the parliament formed after restoring democracy would address domestic workers’ rights and demands. He particularly urged women MPs to form a caucus with other parliamentarians to advocate for their protection, playing a vital role in securing their rightful entitlements.

Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron’s 10-Point Recommendations for Domestic Workers’ Rights:

1. Include domestic workers under the Labor Act through Advisory Council meetings, ensuring prompt implementation of wages, bonuses, working hours, and leave as per the law.

2. Make written contracts mandatory between employers and domestic workers, specifying job nature, hours, wages, and leave.

3. Establish skill development training programs for domestic workers through government and NGO initiatives.

4. Ensure accessible complaint mechanisms with law enforcement agencies.

5. Create a registration system and database for domestic workers.

6. Introduce health insurance, accident insurance, and provident funds for domestic workers through public-private partnerships.

7. Launch awareness campaigns through media, educational institutions, and religious organizations to promote humane treatment of domestic workers.

8. Ensure appropriate compensation for families of injured or deceased domestic workers.

9. Take effective measures to stop the employment of child domestic workers.

10. Establish rehabilitation centers, healthcare, and legal aid for abused or unemployed domestic workers.

During the shadow parliament session titled “Not Just Laws, but a Humane Perspective Can Protect Domestic Workers’ Rights,” organized by Debate for Democracy and the Mass Literacy Campaign, debaters from Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College defeated Bangladesh University’s team. The competition was judged by Professor Abu Muhammad Rais, Dr. Tajul Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, Dr. S.M. Morshed, poet Jahanara Parveen, and journalist Md. Al-Amin. Trophies, crests, and certificates were awarded to the participating teams at the conclusion of the event.

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