Political parties urged to show respect to democratic norms

To solve the prevailing political situation, major political parties have to show respect to democratic norms and the parliament should be the centre of all political debates, they said.

Prajanma Academy, a youth group, organised the roundtable on 'Current intolerant politics of Bangladesh: causes and remedies' in the city.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Presenting the keynote paper, columnist Farhad Mazhar blamed the attitude of the two major political parties to each other for the prevailing situation.

Genuine politicians of both the parties do not get priority in decision-making, he said, adding that rather, the businessmen now influence the process.

Law Minister Moudud Ahmed said democracy and intolerance cannot go together.

It is possible to stop infiltration of black money and criminals into politics if the BNP and the AL become sincere in this regard, he said.

The law minister also said political parties should evaluate dedicated leaders and workers while nominating candidates for the election.

Referring to the AL's demand for resignation of the government, Moudud said, "Please don't ask for resignation. We will not step down before our tenure is over and you (AL) have to wait till next general election."

AL presidium member Suranjit Sengupta said currently politics of the country was not only intolerant but also full of clashes.

He said the parliament is now running at the dictate of the prime minister and lack of respect towards opposition has aggravated the situation.

The AL leader also said the judiciary is now under threat as the government has appointed judges on the basis of political ideology.

Presided over by Prof Emajuddin Ahmed, former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University, the roundtable was also addressed by State Minister for Water Resources Goutam Chakrabarty, Advisor to ATN Bangla Saiful Bari and Advocate Abdul Baset Majumder.