Social Justice, fairness, equality and human rights – How long, how far the true democracy in Bangladesh?

Social Justice, fairness, equality and human rights –How long, how far the true democracy in Bangladesh?

Why Bangladesh is unrest? Why the politics of Bangladesh is broken? 

(Personal opinion and thoughts)

So many questions have been banging inside my head since couple of months. What are the obstructions against establishing social justice, fairness, equality and human rights in Bangladesh? Why are we far from democracy? It is a big debate too -why? 

There is no denying that political situations in Bangladesh today are not the way they ought to be, let alone what they promised to be. After 43 years, people of Bangladesh are facing mortal challenges while they are remembering the supreme sacrifices and gallantry of the country's bravest and enlightened people but till now, is Bangladesh free from any blueprint? Secularism, democracy, scarcity of essential livelihoods, freedom of rights even tolerance, and communal harmony are being thrown overboard today. Country which follows a democracy form of government is yet in the hands of politicians and business syndicate groups. Political conflicts, inefficiency of local administration, taxation fraudulent, corruption at government levels, cartel of business syndicates are barricading the country from prospering ahead and achieve development as it was supposed to have. The malady of political instability has no easy way out of our society. Political instability is the greatest threat to the economy of Bangladesh. Dynastic politics, inadequacies of the constitution, mistrust among people, power hunger, etc. promoted political instability.

The nation who have battled against the discriminations, who fought against the injustice, who fought against the Pakistan government to gain their rights; why they are now unstable and disappointed? They fought for fairness and equality without compromise. Objectives were only to make Bangladesh prosperous, happy and rich. We all know our history of the liberation war. I don't want to repeat that long history again here. Just to remind our people that during the liberation war around three million people died. Hundreds of thousands brave freedom fighters sacrificed their life for the motherland. Why- because they loved the motherland. They had dreams and hope if the country become independent there will be no injustice, no discrimination, no poverty, and hunger. There will be no fighting with each other's, no fighting for the power, money and wealth. No corruption, looting and nicking of public money. There will be peace and happiness everywhere. It will be a peaceful, happy and prosperous green Bangladesh. Where everybody together with hand to hand, shoulders to shoulders will be engaged with love, dedication and patriotic spirits to build a new, happy and prosperous Bangladesh. Yes; I could see and felt those dreams were in their eyes that time. They forgot their mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, fiancés or wives. Because to them sacrificing life for the motherland was sweeter than love of dearest one. They never dreamed to be an MP or Minister. They never thought about money or richness. They did not sacrifice their life either for Awami league nor BNP or any other parties. Their sacrifice was only for the motherland.

But what we can see now? Oppositions supporters are fighting for only to send their parties in the power. They are killing innocent people every day just for creating violence and threats to the government. They are destroying, damaging public and private properties; burning public transport and assets. Killing each other, robbing and nicking from innocent people. Sometimes killing for political conflict or local control of power or sometimes by jongibadi/terrorist attack in the name of religion. Making the country unrest as their objective is power. But the power for whom? Is it for the two big parties - Awami league or BNP? This political instability is probably a never ending problem for Bangladesh. In fact to my understanding politics today is just a business. In this business, one just uses the connections through abuse of power to achieve one's goal. Ethics and morality are underrated. As a result, we witness the reality of the tremendous decline of our ethics and morality. This instability of politics has imparted severe problems in the education system, economy and poverty reduction already. Moreover new problems like Jongibad, terrorism, moulobad spreading high all over the country. 

I have no idea how many people agree with present destructive political movement. My question to BNP who gave you the authority to collapse entire country by road barricades and strike for a long time? Who gave you authority to hostage the people only to fulfil your power dream? Are you representing the entire nation desires to do this? How many people gave you consents to do this? Is it the entire nation? Are you not committing offences by breaching fundamental rights of people by impeding to enjoy their life with peace and comfort due to your so called destructive political activities? Did you ask yourself ever this question? Are you doing politics for people or power? If for the people then why strike, destruction, violence, petrol bombing and killing every day hundreds of innocent persons. You are killing these people to make the country unrest. Your main objective is power not the development or nor the change of socio-economic conditions of the state. If you have any development plan and policy then why not you explaining to the nation. Last two years you have been doing movement for power not for country's development otherwise you will tell the nation what is your future planning for people if you be elected. Let people know how you want to change the conditions of people and problems of the country. Let people know what long terms plan you have to solve the unemployment, poverty, education and health sector developments and problems. That action and voice people want to see and hear from you. But all your efforts and time you have been spending since long for destroying the Awami league government. Same as well Awami league spending all their times destroying BNP and Jamath

Whereas you AL keep claiming that the present violent situations are because of continuous combating acts of vandalism and terrorism by the BNP. The opposition BNP accusing that government is trying to create a one-party state. Both sides have a point. People don't want to see and hear those anymore. You both parties wasting your time talking about against one another years long. Keep blaming one another for any killing or destruction happened. That is not our expectation from you. We voted you for development and to solve our problems. Why you two parties with the help of other aliens destroying democracy, our peace and happiness only because of your power greediness. If the politics is for people then please try to be fair and honest with the people. Don't do dirty politics with the people. People will not forgive you. Just remember father of the nation  has sacrificed entire of his life for the nation. As well, the late president Sohid Ziaur Rahman has sacrificed his life for the nation. Obviously they both have contributions to the country. I don't want to raise debate whose contributions was high. People will judge that. Whatever there wrong or right but they did well for the nation. We should not spend time debating who did well or wrong or whose contribution is high. One truth we should admit that the last couple of years Bangladesh has been doing well even though our political situation ls not good. That is a good sign for the economy. Obviously a big credit should go to the present government as at their tenure a lot of successes we have achieved. I think so indisputably it happened because of their sincere efforts and perfect policy at a right time. But still a lot of issues pending since a long time to solve as these are public demand in the interest of a true democracy.

My question to the ruling party and opposition who will bear the billions of BD Taka's economic loss due to the last couple of month strikes, road barricades, mass killings, arson attacks, violation and vandalising public properties for a demand of fair election under a neutral government? We should never support violation and destruction as a medium of the demand to force the government bound to accept the demand. I personally believe that is a complete wrong by opposition parties mainly BNP. I like to ask a question to BNP who gave you authority to do these types of politics. Do you represent 16 crore people?

At the same time, I will say to the government please be honest with the people. If you want true democracy and prosperous Bangladesh then immediately take actions to separate the judiciary, executive, and legislative body of the state from each other's. Give election commission full power and no control over them by the government. If you believe in fair democracy then you have to do it. We are fed up seeing argument with each other since long on these issues. Don't blame each other. This is easy and simple. Need only your honest intention, interest and proper initiative for the betterment of democracy and people. 

This is 21st Century. Whole over the world now the main priority by a state is the economy and economic development of their country. According to my understanding and opinion there should be no strike and road obstruction in the name of politics. We must find alternatives to strike-blockades in their present form in Bangladesh. The political parties have to find an alternative, non-intrusive means of expressing protest and disagreement in a democratic way. Unfortunately last couple of years strike, blockades, provocative and aggressive procession in the street ultimately leading towards the barbaric forms of protest like vandalism, public property damage, cocktail attack, arson attack on bus and people, destroying environment, burning public and private property, and so many ways of destruction that all hurts people’s fundamental human rights and causes pain, injuries and violence. Moreover, destroying peace and comfort of the citizen and overall the economy.To gather support for getting strike banished society’s leaders should hold debates, seminars and other forms of public awareness programmes. We will urge the BNP and its allies to abandon its blockade and strike programmes in the greater interest people and state economy. People have to pressure to the political party to band these destructive political weapons. This is no longer a suitable way of protest in the perspective of Bangladesh and also in the context of modern civilized and highly developed countries.

This is high time to ban all these destructive types of political weapons as these are a big obstruction for the economy of the state. No procession in the high street should be allowed. Street is for transport and walks not for the processions and demonstrations. All procession and demonstration should be held in a selected places and road. Now we have so many types of way to protest and concern the people about the government bad deeds. Just remember no dictator government ruled entire of their life. They will destroy history says that. So please do something for the nation. Declare a new fresh election under a neutral election commission and separate everything before election. You can take time, but there should be an election soon at least in the middle term because a big portion of people did not attend the last election. I will not tell whose fault it is. But for a real and fair democracy you have to ensure all parties attended the election. 

My appeal to the people please don't be blind. Say white if it is white and say black what is black. Don't be politically bias. Your identity is Bangladeshi, not AL, BNP or other parties. Please, come out from dangerous and wrong culture of politics. Otherwise, we will be destroyed. Dear citizen don't give any more chance to politicians to play with us. I know it is difficult, but someone has to show up and lead the nation to save from this dangerous dirty game. Time has come for all sensible Bangladeshis to become conscious enough from now on to join their hands and stand up together against the growing threat of intolerance and extremism before it becomes too powerful and devours us. In many ways, our people today are at a crossroads. They must be able to decide quickly and definitively whether they would remain on the path of the ideals generated by the liberation war or on the track of modernism and progress or roll back towards in a swamping obscurity.

We need to establish social justice, fairness and equality in every aspect of life of citizens. People's rights should be the priority. State will not be bias deciding equality and fairness. There will be no gender discrimination. Gender equality must be protected. There should be accountability. Politicians are not above the law. Government officials will not be above the law. Everywhere there should be proper practice of law. Rule of law should be practices everywhere. We should understand the true democracy upholds the civil liberty like basic human rights of its citizens as outlined in its laws, agreements or constitution. These rights include freedom of religion, freedom of speech, equal protection under the law, the right to a fair trial and a right to privacy without unwarranted intrusion by the government. Citizens also should have other rights, such as the right to an education, the right to assemble and the right to publish their opinions. Citizens should be protected from discrimination based on their sex, race, religion or a disability. Very interestingly in a true democracy rule of law is very important. Fundamental criteria’s of rule of law in a true democracy are that -

1. Law will protect the rights of citizens, maintains order, and limits the power of government. 

2. All citizens are equal under the law. No one may be discriminated against on the basis of their race, religion, ethnic group, or gender. 

3. No one may be arrested, imprisoned, or exiled arbitrarily. 

4. If you are detained, you have the right to know the charges against you, and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to the law. 

5. Anyone charged with a crime has the right to a fair, speedy, and public trial by an impartial court.

6. No one may be taxed or prosecuted except by a law established in advance. 

7. No one is above the law, not even a king or an elected president. 

8. The law is fairly, impartially, and consistently enforced, by courts that are independent of the other branches of government.

9. Torture and cruel and inhumane treatment are absolutely forbidden

10. The rule of law places limits on the power of government. No government official may violate these limits

11. No ruler, minister, or political party can tell a judge how to decide a case. 

12. Office holders cannot use their power to enrich themselves. Independent courts and commissions punish corruption, no matter who is guilty. 

The question- do we really practice the above principle as a democratic country? If not then why? What is the obstruction doing so? It is in fact kind of true that our policy makers are no longer in a position to offer and maintain a good government as they themselves is no longer good. Therefore, we are now dreaming about "Good Governance" without any clue on how to achieve it. Today we talk about good governance, but we do not really mean it or want it. It is just a bluff. Yes; to practice real democracy Election commission, Judiciary and police force should be separated from Executive part of the state immediately. Selection and appointment of these departments employee will be no longer under the control of politicians. Judges should be appointed on merit and reputation basis by a special committee which will be made with an honest, scholar, learned and experienced judges. Election commission employee will be selected by a special committee made with honest and reputed judges and government officials, educated, famous and neutral senior citizens. All above these organs of state will not have any relation with government. There should be another special committee who will monitor them. None of these committees selection will not have any influence and power from government. 

We need to follow the world developed countries those have a real practice of fair democracy like UK, USA, India or some European countries. Parliament will have the power over this committee but any decision against these organs must be disclosed to the public and should take public comments and scholar comments before any decision. Obviously cancelling any committee should be approved by parliament passed by two-third majority. Every person should be concerned and fair about social justice, fairness and equality in every aspect of social life. We should not be blind. We should not support if the party which we support do wrong and should not say they are correct even if they are wrong. Election commission will need to follow strong regulations. Should do neutral and fair practice and rule of law must be observed in every case.

This is the 21st century. Now it is everywhere priority is economical emancipation. Development of state should be the prime objective of all parties. Need to find out an alternate solution of protest. Now there is so many ways to spread out your message to the people. I think so e-petition is a good way to pressure government to discuss a issue in the parliament. If 200000 people signed a e-petition and submit it to the parliamentary committee then that issue should place before the parliament for open discussion. So people can protest this way against government any conflict and wrong which goes against the public interest. In that case no need to call strike or call for road barricade. If the parliament don't take the right decision because of a single majority then media can play a good role for public support and awareness. If the issue has public demand then it must send to the judicial committee for recommendation. So judicial committee which can take action if the government does anything against the public interest. They can force the government to take action except any law making or changing .

Politics should not be the profitable business. Politicians should not have so much power except law making and development. Example they should not have power to transfer or recruit of government employees. Anti-corruption department also should be separated from executive bodies. Should be powerful in reality. In any circumstances, politicians will not have any influence and power on any of the state organs and police department. 

If the political post is not profitable then there will be no abuse of power. There will be no investment of corrupt money in the politics because that money will not be covered if they elected. We must ensure the system of accountability of government officials and politicians. Every major financial expense should be disclosed half-yearly basis to the public. How the budget money invested for the development that should be disclosed at least half yearly basis. There should be independent audit commission. This independent audit commission will not have any control or influence by the government. Public should know how their money is utilizing. Should disclose half yearly basis the success and failure of commitment they promised before the election.

It is not a so easy matter but indeed it is possible. Before an election, every party should declared their manifesto and visions to the public if they elected what they will do. How they want to change life of people. In next election, they will have to clear how much they have done according to their manifesto. If not successful then need to explain why they couldn't be successful. Then people will decide which party will form next government. Every party should explain in their manifesto what they will do if they elected and how they will do. They have to define their vision for the future. 

No explanation or proof is needed to believe or accept the fact that we have failed as a nation over and over again. This leads us to believe that we must be doing things seriously wrong, and not learning anything from our mistakes. Nothing is new to us or to the politician. What is new is our thinking. We need to think in a new way because this era is very challenging. We don't have time to waste our time for chilly political issues. 

The present age is a digital age. Need to spread our spirit of our muktijuddo to the thoughts and feelings of each and every Bengali that we need to go forward. We have to balance with the advanced world. We cannot be backbencher any more. 16 crore people should be networked each other should hold the hand to hand, should stand shoulders to shoulders to protect them from wrong politicians, Against the wrong politics and to challenge the difficulties. The dream what our martyrs were seen we must fulfil their desires and dreams of happy Bangladesh. There should be no place for dirty politicians and power greedy political parties in the heart of people. Raise your voices and aware the people about your choices and aware the political parties what you want really. Don't give them any more chance to play with you only to serve their interest.