'Fine aspirants who daubed public places with graffiti'

They also urged all intending candidates to take vow with their holy books in their hands during the election campaigns that they will not embezzle public money if they are elected in the upcoming parliamentary election.

The roundtable titled 'Next election: Public concern' was organised by Bangladesh New Society Movement at the National Press Club in the city.

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Criticising the parliamentary democracy in the country, Panna Chowdhury, a member of the society, said except three general elections there was no nourishment of democracy in 15 years after the overthrow of Ershad's dictatorship.

In a written statement, he alleged that no government had taken significant steps to separate the judiciary from the executive and set up an independent anti-corruption commission during the period.

Panna also blamed major political parties for 'nomination business' ahead of the national election.

"A large number of lawmakers engage themselves in recovering the money that they spent before the election for nomination and campaign just after getting the chance of entering parliament," he added.

Brigadier General (Retd) Shakhawat Hossain, a defence specialist, said there is no possibility of ending political confrontation among the leaders.

He called for self-refinement of political leaders and parties to help end the present crisis.

Shakhawat congratulated Dr Muhammad Yunus for winning the Nobel Peace Prize and said the achievement is a message of hope amid the deadlock created by the political leaders.

M Sajjad Hossain, executive president of the Centre for National and Regional Studies, urged the political parties to place all their demands and grievances in parliament.

The other speakers expressed concern over the ongoing conflict between the two top most political parties.

Saiful Haque, general secretary of Workers' Party, Sadek Khan, columnist, Sabih-ul-Alam, an artist, and representatives from civil society also spoke on the occasion.