50 years of JS: Shun path of conflict

President Abdul Hamid has called upon all to cooperate in flourishing democracy, reaching a consensus through dialogue, and forgetting the path of conflict.

He said the development that occurs in the absence of democracy can never become universal, rather it becomes individual or group-centric.

Hamid was addressing the Jatiya Sangsad yesterday on the occasion of its golden jubilee.

The first session of Bangladesh parliament was held on April 7, 1973. Yesterday, the House went into a special session to mark its golden jubilee.

"The 12th national election is approaching. An election is the only way to go to power or to bring changes. The politics of violence and hatred in the name of movement can never bring good for the country, society and economy… It darkens the political environment. We all should cooperate on flourishing democracy, reaching a consensus through dialogue, and forgetting the path of conflict," the president said.

He said all have to contribute in establishing a tolerant democratic system by ending hatred and conflict.

It is the expectation of all people that the people of Bangladesh will enrich the history of the democratic practices in the country in the light of established democratic norms and the constitution, he added.

Mentioning that the number of veteran lawmakers was decreasing gradually, Hamid said if this trend continued, the need might arise to invite external experts to examine, evaluate and analyse bills placed in parliament.

"Development and democracy advance in tandem. Development and progress move forward if democracy prevails in the country. Again, development is hampered if the democratic system does not prevail in the country.

All should contribute to establishing a tolerant democratic system by ending conflicts Politics of violence and hatred in the name of movement can never bring good for the country

"Democratic institutions should be strengthened and the democratic practices should flourish at the grassroots if development is to be made permanent and sustainable."

Jatiya Sangsad is the principal focal point for institutionalisation of democracy, Hamid said, adding that there may be differences of opinion, principles and ideals in politics, but there cannot be any dissentabout making parliament the focal point of democracy and development.

"I therefore urge you fervently to get united for making parliament effective."

He said transparency and accountability of the government can be ensured if the JS standing committees on differentministries can be made truly effective under the parliamentary system.

Hamid said the then Speaker felt embarrassed when any lawmaker spoke against Bangabandhu in parliament, but Bangabandhu himself didn't.

"In 1973, there were some MPs who belonged to opposition parties in parliament. I saw even then that they got the opportunity to speak whenever they wanted, and Bangabandhu used to facilitate that by talking to the Speaker.

"It was a democratic strategy of Bangabandhu to take the opposition parties into confidence. No matter how dissimilar their political ideologies might have been, Bangabandhu used to speak showing due respect to the leaders of opposition parties. In fact, there is no alternative to good manners and tolerance of others' opinions in politics."

The president said in a parliamentary system the Jatiya Sangsad is the centre of all powers.

"Parliament is made more effective through constructive criticism of the government by means of effective and intensive supervision, which ultimately ensures overall public welfare."

Hamid said free and sovereign Bangladesh and the Jatiya Sangsad are the results of the country's independence which havebeen achieved through a war fought under the leadership of Bangabandhu. Therefore, it is the responsibility and obligation of all, irrespective of party or opinion, to make the JS the focal point for realising the hopes and aspirations of the masses, he said.

"We can learn how to make the parliament lively and effective if we study Bangabandhu's statements recorded in the parliamentary proceedings from 1972 to 1975."

Stating that the JS is the nucleus of Bangladesh's democratic tradition, the president said lawmakers have the vital responsibility of setting ideal examples in the area ofaccountability of all government departments with the objective of ensuring good governance.

"Only the democratically elected members can represent the masses in parliament and ensure its accountability to the people. The MPs from both the treasury and the opposition benches are liable to the nation in this regard.

"Based on this realisation, I urge the lawmakers to participate [in JS proceedings] in a constructive, effective and active manner by rising above distrust, enmity, personal and party interests to strengthen democracy," he added.