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Search body formation lacks transparency

Shujan roundtable on EC reconstitution told

Staff Correspondent
The search committee formed to recommend names to the president for reconstitution of the Election Commission has lack of transparency as it was not formed in a democratic manner, observed some civil society members yesterday.
If the EC is reconstituted on the basis of the committee's recommendations, it will come under question and it will not be acceptable to the opposition and the people, they said.
It would be more acceptable had the
search committee been formed on the basis of recommendations of all lawmakers after discussion in the House, they viewed.
The views came at a roundtable titled "Election Commission Reconstitution and President's Recommendation" organised by Sushashoner Janno Nagorik (Shujan), a civil society platform working for good governance, at the National Press Club.
Addressing the discussion, noted jurist Dr Shahdeen Malik suggested passing a law in parliament immediately to reconstitute the EC to ensure transparency and make it acceptable to all.
He suggested that the government place a bill in parliament in this regard and the main opposition BNP take part in the House proceedings.
Criticising BNP for its rigid stance on reinstatement of the caretaker government system only, Dr Malik said they should raise voice and make suggestions about reconstitution of the EC.
Former adviser to a care-taker government M Hafizuddin Khan strongly criticised the government for not including the AntiCorruption Commission (ACC) chairman in the search committee despite the president's recommendation.
Presiding over the roundtable, he
emphasised the need for transparent and open discussion on the search to select names for reconstitution of the EC.
The recruitment procedure of those, who have been appointed in the search committee, was transparent in their respective job, said Khan, also the vice-president of Shujan.
As for why it is important to restore the caretaker government system, he said, "It is not possible to hold a fair and impartial election under a political government as the administration has been severely politicised."
Noted columnist Syed Abul Maksud said ambiguity over the search committee has intensified the crisis in the country's political arena.
Strongly criticising the lawmakers, Maksud alleged they are committing corruption because they do not join parliament though a huge amount of money is spent
on running the parliament sessions.
Shujan Secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar suggested arrangement of public hearing to ensure more transparency in the search committee activities.
Former adviser to a caretaker government ASM Shahjahan, Democracy Watch Executive Director Taleya Rahman, among others, spoke at the function.
The government on Sunday formed the search committee following suggestions from the president as the tenure of the incumbent EC is ending in midFebruary.
Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, a judge of the Appellate Division, Justice Md Nuruzzaman, a judge of the High Court, the Comptroller and Auditor General and the chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC) have been appointed in the search committee.