**8Political parties should enter upon a national peace accord in order to achieve political stability and facilities a strong base for democracy and development as has been done in South Africa under Nelson Mandela, writes Abdul Khaleque***

WITH a live amarof peace and wuffly which are the prune issues ol life In Bangladesh we need to have social and political forces to create peace and maintain and detend it Peace is basically a matter of human rights — the rights to live our life without fear of devastation and violence, the right to security of property and person

In a realm of peace, the weak are sale and the strong are Just Peace is obviously a process ol solving what crops up because of quarrels, conflicting interests and intolerance of dissent. Even in* angukaK

likes and Tfishkes actions gen eftally agreed upon tn common interest may make the desired peace attainable, the most important point of attention in such a situation being the genuine interest in peace and self restrained attitude towards others.

Absence of peace illustrates that peace is the prospect of creation. and realization of dreams and developments Without any fear of contradiction we may say that intellectuals. scientists, social reformers

have genera lly called upon people to bridle forces and ini pulses opposed to peace and to banish disorder, and work lor fortification of peace and urged upon peace loving forces of dit ferent clashes and political convictions to a truly anu dis order alliance

The government of a country is the supreme peace-keeping institution, having at its dis poc^ * law .end x>rde^ fongo to work with utmost professional real and competence and pro fepsional independence. Bangladesh has been infested with petty and big crimes which are retarding development and political stability. From the concept of democracy citizens derive certain rights:'such as exercise of free conscience freedom of speech and expres sion. freedom of movement, political activity (procession meeting, protest demonstration. elections etc) In recognition ol citizen s inherent right

to choose government and hold it accountable at the polls, po llllcal parties and orgamza lions, political leaders and citizens In a democratic polity have to undertake obligations to refrain from incitement to violence crime and any I or in ol hatred intimidation reprisal, injury and mischief The vital tty of democracy depends upon Eace and a sensitive balance

tween Individual freedom and cpMaggive security, as dis-

In the context ol the prevail Ing law and order situation. I would suggest that the political parties (big and small) of Bangladesh should enter upon a National Peace Accord in orde r to achieve political stability and facilitate a strong base fee democracy and development has been done in South Africa under Nelson Mandela .'o achieve this goal, it would be s-

aetnial to set out a code ot con duct for political parties and organizations as well as cltl zens. which will constitute the hard core ot the proposed Na tional Peace Accord

The Peace Accord must have clearly defined principles and penmeter and instrument and mechanism lor implements tion and monitoring the crucial task in the process to restrain disorder and maintain peaqg. The pi4iicipies maybe:

UltThat in a st A of apace and national haritfbny npcial and economic develbpment can be achieved, other things being favourable

(2) That it is the responsibil ity of political parties to create a climate of peace and democratic tolerance and to desist from preaching violence. Intimidation. injury, mischief etc against another party

(3) That it is apprehensible to harbour and protect party members and supporters to the prejudice of the process of law and |ustice.

14) That it is unbecoming in a democracy to make false allega

tions against political opponents and tell lies, even in par liament against political op ponents. and to obstruct politi cal gathering, procession etc

(5) That political parties must tolerate opponents but must not tolerate illegal posses sion of firearms, explosives and lethal weapons

(61 That political parties must desist from interference with, police arid security forces in ike performance of profes siorial duty.

Fpr a proper implementation (of the national peace ac cord It would be necessary to constitute a national peace council permanently with eminent persons from Judges, lawyers and journalists, to be nominated by the political par ties by consensus, for a tenure of three years. The Chairman (the Judge) and other members shall be entitled to suitable honorarium and reasonable facilities

The National Peace Council shall have responsibility such as.

(1) To investigate immediate

and remote causes of violence and armed conflicts and crimes and devise way* and mean* of dealing with the cause* and to investigate par tlcuiar Incident and bring home to the Prime Minister and the political parties the result* of investigation Such investiga tlon. however, will not debar any legal process

(2) To monitor peace keeping function* of the police and other security forces.

(3) To resolve political ten sion by way of advice, discussion and persuasion

(4) To convene periodical assembly of signatory political parties for review of the peace situation and in case of neces • ttsy te *tegstia*e and onciude funfew articles ul accord , ,

The National Pepce Council shall have power to require any person and political party to Kt any document or evidence at disposal for the purpose of investigation There may be re gional Sub-Council to be consti-tuted on the model of the National Council, with functions and powers to be prescribed by the National Peace Council.

The National Peace Accord may have its legislative basis for fulfilment of its alm and purpose.

(The writer Is a former Inspector General of Mice!