<i>No alternative to democracy</i>
When ancient Athenian invented democracy, they believed that ordinary people must have say in the government and rich oligarchs should not rule them by force. They were rightly concerned that oligarchy would ultimately lead to tyranny. The ancient Athenians realised tyranny is a kind of government that rules through fear. The symptoms of tyranny they identified are: A tyrant does not accept criticism; a tyrant does not listen to advice from those who don't agree with him; and a tyrant tries to prevent those who disagree with him from participating in politics.
Democracy, with its emphasis on freedom, is opposite to tyranny. The essence of Athenian freedom was the right of any citizen to speak in the Assembly of free citizens (parrhesia). This runs counter to one of the worst features of tyranny that bars outsiders from having a voice in governing. Although the Athenian way of giving all citizens the right to speak in the Assembly is not practicable in our complex world, the right of the ordinary citizens to be heard remains germane to this day. Parliaments offer the representatives the chance to voice the concerns of the ordinary citizens.
Unfortunately, on many occasions, parliaments have become a playground of politicians for their own partisan and personal interests. The freedom the Athenians wanted was not just release from bondage of tyranny, but the right to help decide their own destiny through active participation in government. But without any channel to express public opinion, any form of government may degenerate into tyranny. Tyranny may come painlessly at first, bringing an end to disorder, and promising stability that people want. Many ordinary Athenians at first favoured the tyrant Pisistratus at a time of disorder. But their lawgiver Solon had seen tyranny coming, and he warned the people about their complacency. But the Athenians welcomed Pisistratus and gave in to his promise of peace and stability. But the cost of tyranny was exorbitant and the Athenians later realised that order and stability without freedom was no answer and later they removed Pisistratus and his tyrannical sons.
Democracy remains the only way to stem tyranny of one-man rule. Democracy is now blossoming in every part of the world. However imperfect, democracy is the only way in which the ordinary people can express their views. Elections and daily participation of elected representatives is by far the most effective way to stem any oligarchy that might emerge. Bangladesh must return to democracy with some safeguards against political leaders from misusing public trust. A citizens' forum on the line of Athens Council may be formed to keep a watch on political leaders to prevent any misuse of power. A free press might also serve that role.
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