Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah says, ‘We have still not reaped the benefits of such a great sacrifice as the Liberation War. Our Liberation War was controlled by a neighboring country. Post-Liberation democracy was directed by them as well. That is why a one-party stigmatized ruling system was established later. At this moment, the Awami League is the biggest obstacle on the path to democratic transition and peaceful coexistence. Due to their vindictiveness, there is a risk of disruption in the electoral environment and the country’s peace. Intoxicated by power, Sheikh Hasina had turned into a political malefactor.’
On Saturday, at the grand finale and award ceremony of the election debate competition organized by Debate for Democracy at FDC, prominent educationist Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah made these remarks as the chief guest. The event was presided over by Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy.
Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah said, ‘Behind the violent incidents occurring regarding the election, there is also the support of the fallen autocrat and the neighboring country. No situation has arisen in Bangladesh that would require any country’s embassy to recall its staff to their home country. India is unable to accept this change and election in our country, which is why they are taking such decisions.’
He further stated, ‘Through the upcoming election, the journey of fair democratic practice and peaceful coexistence will begin. However, much more remains to be done to firmly establish democracy. A fair election alone will not end the politics of vengeance. For that, a qualitative change in politics is necessary. So far, the electoral environment cannot be called fully satisfactory, but it must be ensured that violent incidents do not recur.
In his presidential speech, Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said, ‘People’s expectations for the upcoming election are much higher than for any previous election. This election is against fascist evil forces. It is an election for revenge for the blood of the martyrs of the July uprising. It is an election to reclaim voting rights and democracy. It is an election for societal change. It is an election against injustice, oppression, enforced disappearances, murders, killings, cases, attacks, imprisonment, and torture. Differences of opinion will remain in politics, and there will be competition, but they must not turn into vengeance. Excessive hatred, slander, and rage in the upcoming election campaigns and propaganda are making the political arena unstable. Taking advantage of this, fugitive groups involved in mass killings may try to make the election controversial and derail it.’
He added, ‘Post-election violence has been a dark chapter in our politics. To prevent violent incidents after the 13th National Parliament Election, the administration and law enforcement agencies must remain vigilant from now on. The fire of vengeance is extremely dangerous, as it turns people into oppressors. We hope that through the upcoming election, the politics of vengeance in the country will come to an end. Whoever comes to power through the people’s vote will take opposition views along to heal the wounds of Hasina’s fascist regime. They will establish good governance and accountability.’
In the competition, State University of Bangladesh became the champion, Eden Mohila College secured the runner-up position, and Tejgaon College took third place. The best speaker award went to Masnun Nabilah Alam, the team leader from Eden Mohila College. The champion team received Tk 200,000, the runner-up Tk 150,000, and the third-place team Tk 100,000, along with trophies, crests, and certificates. Additionally, the best speaker was awarded Tk 50,000, a crest, trophy, and certificate.
The judges of the competition were Professor Abu Mohammad Rois, Dr. S M Morshed, journalist Kazi Hafiz, journalist Maidur Rahman Rubel, and journalist Afrin Jahan. The topic of the final competition organized by Debate for Democracy was: “If the upcoming referendum and parliamentary election are fair, the politics of vengeance will end.”
