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Establishing democratic culture a long term process

Says Akbar Ali

Staff Correspondent
Completion of the tenure and peaceful transition of power through a free, fair and credible election are the only two measuring units which can determine whether a government is successful or not, said Dr Akbar Ali Khan yesterday.
"In a democratic state they (the ruling and opposition parties) do not wrestle, instead, they engage in debates and discussions to reach a level of understanding,” he emphasised.
Quoting from Wendell Phillips, Dr Akbar said, "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”
While criticising the extent of success or failure reached in establishing a democratic culture, it must be also remember that the whole process is long term, he added.
Dr Akbar was addressing as chief guest a mock parliamentary debate competition, “The present democratic context of Bangladesh”, organised by Debate for Democracy at ATN Bangla's studio in Bashundhara City in the capital.
On how far the Awami League-led government achieved the qualitative changes in national politics, by promoting mannerism, openness and averting confrontation, as promised in its
electoral manifesto, is a matter of observation, he said.
“As a freedom fighter I think it will be a great big failure of ours if we are unable to materialise the vision of a Sonar Bangla (a prosperous nation) of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," he added.
Debate for Democracy Director Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, addressing as the chair, said a dialogue between the government and the opposition is essential and the duo must act responsibly to sustain the country's democratic practices.
TWo teams of students from Eastern University and Green University debated as the government and opposition respectively.
Debating on a draft resolution, “The country enjoys democracy to the fullest”, proposed by the government, the opposition raised issues of forced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, murder of the journalist couple and jailing of its leaders, including eight lawmakers.
The ruling party defended the resolution, claiming that people were experiencing the rule of law, improved law and order situation and democratic practices.
Afterwards, the parliament dropped the resolution, as supported by the majority of the House when the speaker placed it for a voice vote.