Reforms essential to institutionalise democracy: Badiul Alam Majumdar

Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, editor and Chief Executive of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), said that while a free, fair and credible election is vital for democratic transition, it is not sufficient on its own, stressing that deep legal, institutional and structural reforms are necessary to make democracy sustainable and truly institutionalised.

He made the remarks on Sunday (January 25) while speaking as the chief guest at a divisional dialogue titled “Aspirations of the Mass Uprising, State Reforms and Election Manifestos”, organised by SUJON Sylhet district unit at a city hotel.

Dr. Majumdar said the student-people-led mass uprising of July–August 2024 ended authoritarian rule, but the struggle to establish democracy remains unfinished. He noted that the core aspirations of the uprising include electoral reforms, accountability for human rights violations, and comprehensive state reforms aimed at building an equitable and just society.

Identifying major obstacles to credible elections, he cited the criminalisation of politics, the influence of money, ineffectiveness of the Election Commission, passivity of civil society, partisan behaviour of election-time governments, and excessive concentration of power.

Drawing from past experience, he said credible elections are not possible under partisan governments, underscoring the importance of a non-party caretaker administration during polls.

He also called for strengthening the Election Commission to ensure independence and accountability, promoting internal democracy within political parties, enhancing financial transparency, and taking effective measures to keep criminal elements out of politics. He urged civil society to act as a “watchdog, not a lapdog.”

The dialogue highlighted key reform issues, including balancing the powers of the prime minister and president, amending Article 70 of the Constitution, ensuring judicial independence, establishing a bicameral parliament, strengthening local government institutions, and ending the politicisation of constitutional bodies.

Speakers described the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election as a “foundational election,” saying it presents a historic opportunity not only for a change of government but also for institutionalising democracy.

Leaders of SHUJAN from Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj, Moulvibazar and Brahmanbaria also spoke at the event.