Both AL, BNP trying to 'satisfy' foreign powers
Similar electoral pledges by both Awami League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to continue mega projects is a matter of “tremendous concern” as both parties are focusing on “satisfying” foreign powers, speakers said at a seminar yesterday.
They also said the “zero tolerance” policy against corruption in AL's manifesto is nothing but “eyewash” as corruption has reached an unprecedented level under its regime.
They were speaking at a seminar on “electoral system” and “reflection of economic issues in electoral manifesto” at the meeting room of Bureau of Economic Research, Dhaka University (DU).
Social Research Centre (SRC) organised the event where a number of researchers shared their opinions.
Prof Anu Muhammad, member secretary of the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports, alleged that the government has no intention of producing electricity in an environment-friendly way.
“…Because they have to satisfy China, India, Russia, America, [and] local business groups,” he claimed.
Economist MM Akash presented an essay titled “Electoral System”, written by Nazrul Islam of St John's University of New York, which shows that the existing electoral system in Bangladesh needs reformation and “proportional representation” could be an effective alternative.
Economist Binayak Sen presented his essay, titled “Reflection of economic issues in electoral manifesto”.
CPD fellow Prof Mustafizur Rahman said, “No system will work unless there is practice of intra-party democracy and tolerance.”
The seminar was conducted by Dr Tajul Islam, president of SRC. Prof Mahbub Ullah, Prof Ahrar Ahmed and Dr Kaberi Gayen, among others, spoke at the event.
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