Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJON), has said that the struggle to establish democracy in Bangladesh is far from over, stressing that the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election will be a “foundational election” for the country.
He said the election offers an opportunity not only for a change of government, but also for giving democracy an institutional shape. Emphasizing the role of civil society, Dr Majumdar said it must act as a watchdog, not a lapdog.
He made the remarks on Sunday at a divisional dialogue organized by Sylhet district SUJON on the aspirations of the mass uprising, state reforms, and electoral manifestos. The event was held at a hotel in Sylhet, with Sylhet district SUJON President Shirin Akhter in the chair and General Secretary Mizanur Rahman moderating the session.
Dr Majumdar said that although a free, fair, and credible election is a prerequisite for democratic transition, it is not sufficient on its own. He stressed that deep legal, institutional, and structural reforms are essential to make democracy sustainable and truly institutionalized.
Referring to the July–August 2024 mass uprising led by students and the public, he said that while authoritarian rule was brought to an end, the core aspirations of the movement remain unfulfilled.
He identified major barriers to a credible electoral system, including the criminalization of politics, the pervasive influence of money, the ineffectiveness of the Election Commission, civil society’s inactivity, partisan conduct of governments during elections, and excessive centralization of power. He also said fair elections are not possible under a partisan government, underscoring the importance of a non-partisan administration during election period.
Dr Majumdar also called for strengthening the Election Commission to make it independent and accountable. He emphasized the need for internal democracy within political parties, financial transparency, and effective measures to keep criminals out of politics.
Leaders of SUJON from Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, and Brahmanbaria districts also addressed the dialogue.
