Intraparty democracy dims

A year ago on December 29, people spoke for changes. They voted for a qualitative change in politics leading to socio-economic development.
But their hopes seem to be fading with the ruling Awami League and opposition BNP looking like their usual selves.
In the year outgoing, the two parties that dominate the country's political landscape did little to foster intra-party democracy.
The call for reform of the political parties grew louder during the state of emergency proclaimed in January 2007.
To promote transparency and democratic practices within the parties, the Election Commission introduced a number of electoral reforms including making registration mandatory for an organisation to contest the parliamentary polls.
The EC succeeded in its efforts to ensure a credible and fair election. But the parties remain a far cry from what people expect them to be.