Debapriya tells discussion
Eminent economist Debapriya Bhattacharya yesterday said voter confidence remains fragile, with many fearing the election may not be held at all and, even if it is, uncertainties persist over how free, fair, acceptable and participatory it will be.
He made the remarks at a regional pre-election consultation meeting of Citizen's Platform in Rangpur.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Debapriya, the platform's convener and distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said participants expressed concern over a possible rise in political violence in the run-up to the polls. They observed that political consensus has not been reached fully, which may influence the election outcome.
He said several critical issues remain unresolved, including updating the voter list, determining the number of polling booths and ensuring voting rights for expatriate Bangladeshis.
"People expect the government to play a stronger and politically neutral role," he said.
On law enforcement agencies, he said citizens want police, administration and the military to operate independently and effectively.
"The election is very close. If existing problems are not addressed immediately, the situation may worsen. The government must recognise this," he said.
Speaking at the consultation, Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, said, "While sitting in Dhaka, we hear the concerns of people from Dhaka. We learn about their experiences. However, we must listen more to those who live outside the capital -- women and men in rural areas, the youth, the marginalised and excluded communities. We must understand what they think and the realities they face."
She said ordinary citizens, particularly marginalised people, were openly expressing their opinions in the meeting.
"They are sharing their thoughts, concerns and expectations regarding the upcoming election. The most important thing is that they have now become aware of their rights and are expressing them without hesitation."
Citizens, teachers, researchers, lawyers, representatives of political parties, businesspeople, entrepreneurs, professionals and members of marginalised communities from across Rangpur took part in the meeting.
Participants discussed the election around three core questions: what will guide their voting decisions in the 13th national election, what they expect from the Election Commission to ensure credible polls and their primary demands from the next elected government.
Key issues raised included establishing the rule of law, women's empowerment, improving living standards, ensuring freedom of expression, building a corruption-free state, improving education quality, strengthening the EC and increasing citizen participation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Responding to journalists' questions, Debapriya said the concerns of marginalised and disadvantaged groups remain underrepresented in electoral discussions. To address this, he said Citizen's Platform is preparing a "Citizen Manifesto" that will prioritise opinions collected from grassroots stakeholders.
Citizen's Platform Fellow Professor Mostafizur Rahman and several researchers were present at the event.
Earlier, Citizen's Platform held similar consultations in Sylhet on October 23, Rajshahi on November 15, Barishal on November 19, Khulna on November 20 and Mymensingh on November 24.
