Speech for Bangladesh seminar at House of Lords, London, on 25th.February 2008

Present Bangladesh government has declared THE ROADMAP TO PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION IN BANGLADESH, and the political parties wanting the government to implement it. So far, according to the roadmap, election will take place before the end of 2008. But, I must say, Roadmap for the sake of a roadmap is not desirable to so many people of Bangladesh. It must come with some sort of commitment and guarantee that Bangladesh will not go back to the situation just before the 11th. January 2007.  

We know that, we did have elected government and proper election in Bangladesh. Why do we need to ask for a ROADMAP for election now?

Therefore, we need to discuss and analyse the back ground and reasons for it.

BRIEF HISTORY SINCE 1971

I will start with a brief history since our liberation movement.

After a big sacrifice during the liberation movement in 1971, we had a democratically elected progressive government under Bangabandhu Shaikh Mujibur Rahman. His government was overthrown by a military clique after killing his whole family on 15th August 1975. I would like to say here that, the then military clique did not allow enough time for the new government, which has started from the ruins of destructions, to settle down and to do their job. The military clique ruled the country until 1990.

During the military rule, first General Ziaur Rahman came to power in 1975. He formed his political party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Then General Ershad came to power in 1982 after General Zia was killed by another military clique.  He again formed his own political party called Jatyo Party. Both parties were established when the generals were in power.

At the end of 1990 after a popular movement military rule ended. In 1991 we have proper election and have a properly elected democratic government.

Now the question is what have we achieved for all these years of democratic government?

10 years of B N P government gave us mostly corruption and corrupt practices in politics and in administration. During the 5 years of Awami League government, first 3 years was very good. But, final 2 years was as worse as BNP. At least this is what people think. Awami league, being a party gave leadership to the liberation struggle in 1971, failed to deliver what people expected from them.

People did not elect them to misrule the country through corrupt practices. People have elected them to develop the country by using the resources available so that general public can have a reasonable life. Instead of that, some corrupt politician became reckless to multiply their personal wealth at the expense of the state. Their party leaders did not or could not control them. This is the failure of the leadership. This is injustice to the general people of the country.

SITUATION JUST BEFORE 11 JANUARY.

Between November 2006 and 11 January 2007, there was no rule of law. Practically, the son of ex-prime minister of BNP was running the country. High court, Election Commission, Anti corruption Commission, civil administration etc were controlled by the officials of last government. These are unacceptable.

The president of the country, a member of BNP, became the chief advisor. He used to follow the orders from the ex- prime minister and from her son, when people expected him to be impartial as chief advisor.

In the name of saving the constitution, he was following the orders from his political party.

Virtually whole administration was used for the interest of one party.

In other words, although, BNP was not in power, they were misusing the power through their appointed President and chief advisor Iaz uddin Ahmed.

Opposition parties of 14 party alliances under the leadership of Awami League were rightly resisting this illegal attempt.

As a result, the country was in the verge of civil war.

HOW THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT CAME TO POWER

Under these circumstances, the patriotic army took initiative and asked the president to appoint the present caretaker government. Initially Awami league welcome them, and became proud supporter of this government, as they claimed, it is the result of their movement.

General public of the country were relieved as they have been saved from a civil war.

Present government supported by patriotic military force have taken an unprecedented measure and round up most of the corrupt politicians, administrators, businessmen and other corrupt people irrespective of parties. Lots of them fled abroad and some of them gone hiding, awaiting for this government to fall and they will come to surface.

Most of the peace loving people of Bangladesh supported these steps and welcome the present government. As far as we know, general Public is still supporting this government.

Because of the past bitter experience, people want present government to stay until the corrupted people are punished, so that, they cannot take control of the government again.  
 
NEXT STEP - ELECTION

Here the truth is, People also want elected government as soon as possible, but people want honest politicians to run it. They do not want the repetition of previous corrupt practices.

People are not against the politicians or against established political parties. People are against corrupt politicians of these parties. Therefore, respective parties should clean up themselves and modernise the party. End of the day establish parties or the alliances will be the main forces of the election. So, they should prepare themselves as the people expect them to be.

However, people still want present government must stick to their promised roadmap to hold election before the end of 2008. At the same time, it is the duty of the present government to clean up the political and administrative system before the election. At least, they should start the cleaning up process for the future government.

TASK INFRONT OF THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT BEFORE ELECTION:

We must recognise that, Individual persons or leaders are not the main factor for the country. Introduction of democratic leadership and reform within the parties will ensure the future capable leadership, which will be good for the political parties and for the country.  

Present government must ensure that, the independent judiciary, independent election commission, independent Anti Corruption Commission and other government institutions will remain independent. These institutions should not be used for personal or party political purpose.

Present government must also guarantee that, the war criminals, communal elements, and the political parties which, do not believe in man made constitution of the country, should be disallowed to take part in the elections.

Otherwise, the existence of democratic, secular Bangladesh is in danger. Our democratic secular friends abroad must note this fact.

To create a balance of power, if necessary, present government may continue to keep the task force with a central body composed of distinguished people of the country for few more years. It can be in the form of a security council with power and authority.

This is become necessary due to the failure of our present system.  

If the roadmap cannot guarantee the basic rights of the people, that roadmap is not going to be a successful one. Present government must not forget it.

5 POINTS FOR POLITICAL DIALOGUE

In my observation, recently declared 5 points conditions for political dialogue are mostly pro-people suggestions which will, up to some extent, guarantee a better future for the people of the country. These will help to take the country to the prosperity and make the country a respectable one in the world society.

Bangladesh has enough resources capable to transform the country as good as Singapore, Hong Kong or similar, provided we have good governance.

These 5 points are: (1). future parliament and the future government to approve the activities and amendments of present non-party government. (2). Approval of actions taken against corruption by the present government. (3). Stop Boycotting the future parliament, outlaw Hortals etc. (4). Not to nominate the corrupt people in future elections. (5) To Form national government for next three terms of the parliament.

The points about the role of students and trade unionists needed to be clarified. Their involvement in the party politics can be stopped, but their right to be involved to protect their members’ interest, or their involvement to a movement of national interest, should not be minimised.

Subject to the clarification sought as above, I do not see any reason for the political parties not to accept these conditions before the election. Accepting these conditions by the political parties will offer the people of Bangladesh better governance, which will minimise the anti people and corrupt practices from politics. If the politicians do not accept these conditions, people can ask about their motive? People may ask, do they want to take the country back to the pre 11 January 2007? People of Bangladesh have the right to live without the fear of corrupt powerful politicians and their supporters.

In conclusion, I would like to say,

So far, the indications are that, the election will be held by as per declared roadmap. The chief advisor, the president, the army chief and the election commissioner have said so. We have no reason to think otherwise.  

Now it is up to the political parties to co-operate, keep cool, reform the parties with modern thinking and not to create any unwanted situation, so that, any one can make any excuse to delay the election to be held before the end of 2008. Unrealistic demands from the politicians will not enhance their credibility.

By: Mahmoud A. Rauf, President, GONO FORUM, U.K.