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Confrontation should be in JS, press & courts: Milam

‘Democracy is a difficult practice’
Prof. AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury has called upon all Irrespective of political affilla tlons to help the government to flourish democracy in the country by practising tolerance and respecting rule of law, reports UNB.
"Democracy is a very diffl cult practice ... Every one has to contribute to nourish the hard-earned, newly achieved democracy and make It a sue cess", the Deputy Leader of the House In Parliament said yesterday.
He was addressing a discussion meeting on The Wave of Democracy" held at the Academy for Planning and Development at Nilkhet 1n city Friday morning.
US Ambassador In Dhaka William B. Milam presented the key note speech at the function also addressed by Dr
Kamal Hossain. Justice Maksumul Hakim. Abul Hasan Chowdhury. MP. Barrister Amlrul Islam and British High Commissioner tn Dhaka Sir Colin H Imray
The discussion, organised by International Relations Alumni Association of the Dhaka University, was chaired by Association President ATM Shamsul Haque.
Prof B Chowdhury also urged the opposition to play its due role In flourishing democracy tn the country.
Emphasising on a strong opposition for sound democracy. he. however, said the opposition should not compete only for power but must prepare Itself as an alternative government. "Unfortunately, the sense is still lacking tn our country."
On the law and order situa-
tlon. Deputy Leader of the House said the government is taking measures to root out terrorism and corruption from
Corruption has taken Ion almost an institutional shape threatening social peace, he said reiterating government's determination to wipe it out once for all.
Prof Chowdhury said the people now enjoy freedom of speech and choice. There Is also full freedom of press in the country, he said adding that none could city any violation of press freedom under the present government.
Ambassador Milam In his keynote speech dwelt on various aspects of democracy, Including do s and don'ts and the requirements without which democracy is unlikely to succeed.
He discouraged political confrontation tn the streets in the interest of sound growth of democracy In Bangladesh.
"In Bangladesh, ... political confrontation should be In the Parliament, in the press and In the legal system - not In the streets.
He said, There is Is no longer a need to use those means which were necessary tn an undemocratic setup".
“Government and opposition are both necessary for a democracy. Both have roles to play", Milam pointed out.
He said other agencies and institutions, apart from political parties, should have con trlbutlon to flowering the democratic spirit.
The US Ambassador greeted the Bangladeshis who fought to the last for establish Ing democracy in the country.
He outlined seven generally accepted requirements to make the democratic order a success:
Elected officials must have control over government decisions about policy, - Elected officials must be chosen frequently and fairly, - All adults should have the
right to vote in the election of these officials,
- All adults should have the right to run for elective office,
- Citizens should have the right to express themselves without danger of arbitrary punishment,
- There must be way to seek out alternative sources of Information.
- There must be the right to form Independent associations or organisations in par ticular political parties
Milam, in his speech "Democracy — Is It Inevitable, Is It Irreversible", also focused on various aspects of democracy in different parts of the world, particularly In Eastern purope, Central Asia and developing countries.
Dr Kamal Hossain urged the parliament to play a positive and constructive role In tackling the urgent problems facing the society.
He also called for practising democracy within the political parties saying "We can't expect parliamentary democracy as provided in the Constitution to work if party leaders seek Io concentrate powers in their own hands as in presidential system."
Transition from long years
of authoritarian rule to democracy is a difficult and uphill task, said Dr Kamal, a member of the Awaml League Presidium and Convenor of Democratic Forum.
‘Emergence of multi-party democracy following long years of authoritarian regime brings about Intense political competition between the government and the opposition."
Recalling the events of the past, Dr Kamal said It was a misfortune that the nation could not retain democracy that it had won at great cost. "Democracy was time after time supplanted by authoritarian regimes.
He also asked why the political parties were patronising armed cadres in their student organisations, unleashing acts of terrorism and vitiating the environment of higher education.
High Commissioner Imray lauded the success of democ racy tn Bangladesh and said it had an enviable record of achievement from the very beginning
He appreciated press freedom in the country but emphasised on more freedom for state -run TV and Radio for smooth functioning of democ racy.