Speakers at a discussion yesterday underscored the need for strengthening foundation of democracy to face external threats to our country.

Sovereignty and independence of our country would not exist if we fail to strengthen our democracy, theyadded.

Titled 'Killing incidents by BSF in Bangladesh border areas,' the discussion was organised by Forum for the Silent Majority at the National Press Club in the city.

Addressing as the chief guest, former chief justice and chief adviser to a caretaker government Latifur Rahman said in the age of globalisation, all the problems should be solved through discussions. Nothing can be done though creating pressure.

Pointing at the governments of India and Bangladesh, Latifur Rahman said, “We hope that two elected governments (of the two countries) will take bold steps to solve the problems related to border and other issues."

"If we cannot organise ourselves, we will not be able to sustain in future," he added.

Former chief election commissioner (CEC) MA Rouf said, many countries wan^ to . 'pAayA wjth, Bangladesh, but Bangladesh, will have to realise which is better/or its

own policy.

He further said days of keeping silence are over, now we will have to practise tit for tat policy, adding, “We will have to be vocal regarding border issues. The present government cannot play a strong role as they are not elected one.”

"We will not remain silence any more, we will not tolerate if any of our people are killed," the ex-CEC said.

About the recent city corporation and municipal elections, Rouf said the Election Commission has the authority to hold local body elections.

Former director general of Bangladesh Rifles Maj Gen (retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman, also convener of Nirdolio Jono Andolon, strongly criticised India for its 'aggressive' attitude towards Bangladesh.

“We will have to resist India taking the help of our other neighbouring countries," he said, adding that there is no country in the world that can defeat us.

Editor of the Amar Desh Amanullah Kabir said city corporation elections and the results will not be acceptable as the government does not have any right to hold local body electip^and as die election was held undqrthe state of emergency. ’