Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, a member of the National Consensus Commission and Secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (Sujon), stated that a referendum could still be held even if political parties fail to reach a consensus. He made these remarks during a shadow parliament session titled “A Fair and Acceptable Election Will Ensure Democracy’s Protection,” organized by Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Saturday morning.
Dr. Majumdar expressed hope that political parties would sign the July Charter, emphasizing that the National Consensus Commission would recommend to the government whether the referendum and the national election should occur simultaneously. However, he noted that the final decision would be made through discussions between the government and the Election Commission.
Highlighting the need for public support, Dr. Majumdar stressed that efforts must be made to ensure a “yes” vote in the referendum. He criticized the autocratic framework left by the Sheikh Hasina government, underscoring the necessity of reforming it through the adoption of the July Charter. He warned that if the next government fails to implement the charter, it could face consequences similar to those of the previous regime. Dr. Majumdar also emphasized preventing a change in power from becoming a mere shift in corruption, advocating for a fair election, the rule of law, and the protection of political rights to safeguard democracy.
The Sujon secretary called for the establishment of a caretaker government during elections, urging the elimination of thuggery from politics and elections, and the strengthening of the Election Commission’s independence and effectiveness.
In his keynote address, Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy, expressed optimism about the upcoming national election scheduled for February, stating that consensus on the July Charter has progressed from a “silver lining to a golden one.” He noted that all democratic political parties aspire for a fair, transparent, and acceptable election, with citizens eagerly awaiting the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidates.
Kiron added that the July Charter is set to be signed on October 15 under the leadership of interim government chief Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. However, he cautioned that political rivalries could hinder this process, risking the democratic process and stalling justice for the atrocities committed during the past 16 years of fascist rule, including murders and enforced disappearances during the July uprising. He warned that failure to hold elections could allow fallen fascist forces to regain strength, emphasizing that there is no alternative to elections to restore democracy and voting rights. Kiron urged anti-fascist political parties to unite, setting aside divisive politics, to ensure the national election takes place in February.
The shadow parliament featured participation from debaters of Tejgaon College and Prime Asia University. The judging panel included Professor Abu Muhammad Rais, Dr. Tajul Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, senior journalist Mainul Alam, and journalists Md. Humayun Kabir and Zakir Hossain Liton. Trophies, crests, and certificates were awarded to the participating teams at the conclusion of the competition.
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