President hopeful about formation of a neutral, competent EC
President Abdul Hamid has expressed the hope that formation of a competent, neutral and acceptable Election Commission (EC) would be possible through discussions with the political parties.
"The tenure of the present EC will end soon and with an aim to form a new EC, I have already started talks with different political parties that they are placing their proposals in this regard," the President said today while inaugurating the newly constructed 'EC Bhaban' at Agargaon in Dhaka.
Side by side with the EC, good intension and cooperation of political parties, candidates, their supporters and general people are essential for holding a free, fair and neutral election, the President said.
He said the role of EC is very important in practicing democratic values and maintaining continuation of democracy.
Its role in preparing voter lists with photos, using transparent ballot-boxes and introducing smart national identity card deserves appreciation, he said, adding that as the EC has set up office at regional, district and upazila levels, its activities have been expanded across the country and people are getting services from their respective area.
Abdul Hamid said the EC is not only maintaining democratic process and its onward march, it is also playing huge role in the national development and progress.
If the election process gets hampered, democracy faces hurdle and aspirations of the people are dashed, he said, adding that the democratic process that has been established in the country will have to be maintained unitedly for the sake the country and the people.
"The EC will have to be cooperated properly so that it can carry out its responsibilities properly and peacefully. According to the section 126 of the constitution, it is the duty and responsibility of the all executive bodies to extend cooperation to the EC in discharging its duties," he added.
The President said the main attraction of democracy is election but holding only election is not enough for practicing and flourishing democracy. Political and administrative transparency and accountability is needed to give democracy a firm footing, he said, adding that participation of political parties that conduct activities democratically in election is the main precondition to holding a real democratic election.
Mentioning the recently concluded Narayanganj City Corporation election, the President said this election has drawn the attention of the countrymen as it has been completed peacefully with cooperation of all quarters.
"I think, this election will be considered as a model for any election in future," he added.
Abdul Hamid said the prime aim and objective of doing politics is ensure people's welfare and for this reason, country's interest rather than the interest of individual and party gets priority to an ideal politician.
Economic freedom is important to make the political freedom meaningful, he said, adding that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had worked throughout his life to achieve economic freedom side by side with political freedom for the people.
To fulfill this dream of Bangabandhu, a peaceful political atmosphere is needed first, the President said, adding that mutual confidence, trust and tolerance are essential to ensure a congenial democratic environment in the country.
Bangladesh is now on the highway of development, he said and urged all to work together to turn Bangladesh into a middle income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041.
Secretary of the EC secretariat Mohammad Abdullah presided over the programme while Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmed, EC Mohammad Abdul Mobarak and Project Director of Election Resource Center SM Ashfaq Hossain, among others, spoke on the occasion.