Address some crucial issues urgently or they may cast a shadow on election
Holding a free, fair and credible general election may be mired in uncertainty if issues like spiralling prices of essentials, food shortage, unrest in garments sector and discontent over release of detained Dhaka University (DU) teachers and students are not addressed immediately on a priority basis.
Moreover, the ban on indoor politics and state of emergency have to be lifted soon for the election to be held as per the roadmap already announced. The caretaker government must also take initiative to bring the war criminals of 1971 to book for creating a congenial atmosphere for polls.
This was the unanimous view of participants at a discussion on “Existing economic crisis and way out--Election roadmap” organisd by Sammilito Samajik Andolon (SSA) in the capital yesterday.
The discussants made a six-point recommendation for resolving the crises now facing the nation.
The recommendations include building an adequate food stock by importing essentials on government initiative, flawless and timely distribution of food, proper market monitoring and control if needed, making public necessary information about food stock and distribution, considering food ration system for people with limited income and creating an investment friendly atmosphere to encourage local and foreign investors.
The discussants said the caretaker government has taken too many initiatives in different fields, which are beyond its responsibilities and might not prove a success.
Prof Dr Rangalal Sen said the country does not have required food security, and it is a vital issue that needs to be addressed urgently.
Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said the government should keenly observe activities of the Election Commission so that a flawless voter list is prepared.
To resolve the exiting economic crisis, it is necessary to have a government accountable to the people and committed to working for protecting their rights, the renowned economist stressed.
Writer and columnist Syed Abul Maksud said the country needs an elected government, and the main responsibility of the present government is to work to that end.
The present administration does not have commitments to the people, and this has resulted in problems in different fields, said Dr Sayed Anwar Hossain.
Saleh Ahmed, joint secretary of the SSSA, moderated the discussion while Rokeya Kabir and SSA President Shree Ajay Roy were among the other discussants.
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