Stop violence, use of force
Transparency International Bangladesh yesterday expressed deep concern over the ongoing inhuman and cruel manifestation of violence and use of force in an unhealthy competition for power at the cost of people's basic rights and prospect of democracy and good governance.
“By indulging in an unhealthy competition and show of force in the name of democracy, the two largest parties are crushing the basic rights of the people, particularly children, women and the youth. People are being deprived of the whole range of fundamental rights starting from right to life to right of normal death,” said Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TIB, in a statement.
The corruption watchdog called upon the political parties to refrain from any violence and undemocratic behaviour and find out a peaceful solution to the crisis.
“Having locked themselves in a zero-sum game of power, our political parties and leaders are not only exposing their political bankruptcy, but also expanding their distance from the people and public interest on a daily basis” mentioned Iftekharuzzaman.
He added: “Independence and professionalism of key institutions of rule of law and democratic accountability, particularly the law enforcement agencies, are being severely compromised.”
Political freedoms such as right of assembly, rallies, human chains are fundamental to democracy and democratic practice. However, violent programmes in the name of movement putting people's life and living at risk are absolutely unacceptable in any democratic society, said the statement.
“The way the law enforcement agencies like police, Rab and BGB have threatened use of disproportionate force and are apparently acquiring licence to become law-breakers is inconsistent with the spirit of our independence achieved thanks to highest sacrifice of millions of martyrs. These also expose the political space to militant and undemocratic forces to gain ground.”
The graft watchdog stressed the need for making efforts to reach a mutual understanding between the two top political leaders. “The key to overcoming the crisis and restore normalcy in public life are in the hands of the two top leaders. At the same time senior leaders in both the camps must also shun the confrontational path and practice restraint,” read the statement.
Meanwhile, terming the ongoing violence crimes against humanity, Sector Commanders Forum, Liberation War '71 in a press release called upon every quarter to exercise democratic restraint.
There is no place of destructive programmes in democratic politics, the forum observed.
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