Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB)has urged political leaders of Bangladesh to work together to strengthen the democratic system and shun political violence.
The Bangladesh chapter of the Germany-based anti-graft body issued a statement on Tuesday expressing grave concern over the ongoing political unrest in the country.
TIB has called upon the political leaders to reach an urgent consensus.
In the statement, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said:
In the statement, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said: “By indulging in an unhealthy competition show of force in the name of democracy the two largest parties are crushing basic rights of the people, particularly children, women and the youth.”
“People are being deprived of the whole range of fundamental rights starting from right to life to right of normal death.”
Having locked themselves in a zero-sum game of power, our political parties and leaders are not only exposing their political bankruptcy, but also expanding their distance from the people and public interest on a daily basis,” added the statement.
The anti-graft watchdog opined that the independence and professionalism of key institutions of rule of law and democratic accountability, particularly the law enforcement agencies are being severely compromised.
“These are an extremely high-risk game for democracy and good governance.”
Dr Iftekharuzzaman further said: “Staging peaceful programmes, including rallies, processions, and human chains is the democratic right of all citizens and organisations.”
“But, staging violent programmes in the name of movement and violating legal rights of people by using law enforcers are against the spirit of the Liberation War.”
He said: “The two top leaders of the parties should reach a political compromise in order to protect the interests of the people and the democracy in such crisis period.”
“All political parties in Bangladesh share a clear and unequivocal responsibility to work together to strengthen democratic accountability as an urgent priority.”