Law event
Signature Campaign
Migrant's voting rights
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Former adviser to the caretaker govt. Sultana Kamal participates
the campaign. |
In an all-inclusive democracy, denial of voting facilities is a denial of the fundamental right of any citizen. The cornerstone of democracy is the right of voters to elect the decision-making bodies of political assemblies at regular intervals. If the right to vote is to be truly universal, it must be granted to all residents of the territory concerned… Universality, in the original sense of the word, would imply that all residents, irrespective of place, status, are included in the electorate.
Support to legal instrument
On December 10, 1948, The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, It affirms in article. 2 that “Everyone is entitle to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political, or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self governing or under any limitation of sovereignty”
Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares “everyone has a right to take part in the government of the country directly or through their chosen representative. The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of the government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or equivalent free voting procedure.”
Likewise, the Constitution of Bangladesh gives the right to every citizen to vote “Citizen means a person who is citizen of Bangladesh according to the law relating to citizen.” In addition, constitution also says, “a citizen inside or outside the country wherever are will be considered as Bangladeshis” and the article #27, “All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law.”
Similarly, article 29.1, “There shall be equality of opportunity for all citizens in respect of employment or office in the service of the Republic.” So citizen of Bangladesh would treat equally wherever employed s/he is. More succinctly, article#11, about democracy and human rights, “Republic shall be a democracy in which fundamental human rights and freedoms and respect and worth of the human person shall be guaranteed, and in which effective participation by the people through their elected representatives in administration at all levels shall be ensured.” So why our migrant's workers could not get voter rights in order to participate to the upcoming election.
Access towards development
It is estimated that around 7 million Bangladeshis, currently living in abroad. Bangladesh is a hugely labor surplus country and consequently participates in the supply side of the global labor market. In 2007, alone 800,000 people migrated. It is generally accepted that migration leads to transfer of skills, ideas, knowledge, creates links and interpersonal networks, contributing to economic development of both home and host countries. Remittances are important yardstick of contribution, particularly to the development of home countries. In 2006, US$ 268 billion were transferred as remittance and of this, US$199 went to development countries. This amount is double than official development assistance to these countries.
Contribution of migrants in Bangladesh building
Official remittance flows have increased from US$3.71 million in 1972 in -03 to US$6.4 billion in 2007. Traditionally, Saudi Arabia was the source of 50% of the remittance flows. However, this flow has fallen to 30% over the last couple of years. Since 2000, USA has become the second largest remittance sending country. Followed by UAE and the UK. Given the current trend of labor migration of the country, in 2008 Malaysia may become the second largest migrant receiving and remittance sending country. The projected remittance of 2008 end will be around 9 billion, which proved that migrants are the national blood of Bangladesh.
Migrants and voter rights
IMA Bangladesh felt, Migrants are really afraid if this attempt suddenly stopped. Previously we have seen same voice raised in the wake of election and later on run out from the syllabus. Colossal contribution of migrant workers which are nearly 7.5 million around the world has been representing Bangladeshi flag, should deserve to cast their vote for bringing true democracy in Bangladesh. To bring true democracy through participating to all Bangladeshi citizen inside or outside (migrants) of the country in next election is our top agenda.
Government should meet this rational demand by working out what things are necessary to do. In that regards Bangladeshi embassy residing abroad could do all jobs such as voter registration, voter ID card and voter polling centers. In addition NRBs should cooperate with the respective embassies in their countries led forgetting any sorts of petty interests. Seconds after seconds, election has been coming to us so Election commission should change the law relating in order to quick passing it from the adversarial cabinet, should be sole responsible of Election commission now.
Conclusion
To keep this pace rolling, IMA Bangladesh has been working with Bangladeshi migrant workers across the world and calling to be united in order to create pressure on Government. Government should remember the contribution and nation-building role by our national heroes. Previously they did not get anything from the government but some fake promises; if this stopgap government could do then they will be memorable all the time high in our mind.
Migrant's plight should not be unnoticed. In the wake of country need, they always come first, it is the time to repay their loan and give them space for enlightening democracy in Bangladesh.
Do ensure your participation by singing supporting signature at www.imabangladesh.org.
