Political analysts, journalists and teachers at a discussion on Thursday called for national unity to make the interim government鈥檚 programmes of reform a success.
They said that to fulfil the aspirations of the people in the July student-led mass uprising, democratic reform of different institutions was a must and all quarters including, political parties, should cooperate in meeting the people鈥檚 expectations.
They came up with these remarks at the discussion titled Journey towards Democracy: Imminent Challenges and Ways to Overcome jointly organised by Bangladesh Research Analysis and Information Network and Adarsha Publications at Abdur Karim Sahityabisharad auditorium of Bangla Academy in the capital.
Commenting on the election of 2008 as a planned rigged election, the speakers said that this election was conducted by intimidation聽 of the one-eleven government.
At the discussion, law, justice and parliamentary affairs adviser to the interim government, Asif Nazrul, said that for a good democracy, not only elections but reforms should be given importance.
鈥楻eforms should be made to prevent new fascists from coming to power. Reforms are needed to reflect the will of the people, not just for elections,鈥� he said.
The adviser also alleged that ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina was responsible for the hike of commodity prices as she made syndicates.
She is responsible for attack on people on the premises of court and police inaction, the adviser added.
鈥榃e need unity. If there is no unity, all our possibilities will end,鈥� he said.
Head of Constitution Reform Committee Ali Riaz said that the spirit of July-August mass uprising would be foiled if the democratic institutions were not properly reformed.
He suggested ensuring accountability of political parties alongside the government.
Student Movement Against Discrimination convener Hasnat Abdullah demanded that Awami League be brought to justice for killing democracy by declaring the past three elections illegal.
He said that the constitution of 1972 was now irrelevant.
Political analysts Zahedur Rahman and Saied Abdullah, journalists Monir Haider and Sahed Alam, Student Movement Against Decimation leaders Umama Fatema and Sarjis Alam, BRAIN executive member Sadik Mahbub and Adarsha Publications聽 publisher Mahbub Rahman spoke at the discussion, among others.