Currently the Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Bangladesh Parliament and Chairman of the Jatiyo Party, author Mr. Ghulam Muhammed Quader MP has opined on the state of democracy and his party’s position (since the past decade) in his book Miseries of Misconceived Democracy Volume-2, 2023. Here, I wish to put my two cents as a reader, which I believe aligns with the public sentiment. I would limit my review, emphasising his words, thoughts and analysis since after the last election in 2018.
Bangladesh is constitutionally autocratic
Quader has brilliantly dissected the Constitution of Bangladesh in proving how the mere existence of democracy in the country is impossible. It is beyond any doubt that readers would highly appreciate his effort in bringing about specific provisions of the book, which elucidates on how all three organs of the government, namely the legislation, executive and a significant portion of the judiciary, are all in the hands of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The readers would be convinced of the fact that the constitution discourages the practice of democracy when a ruling party exists in the parliament with an overwhelming majority. He is very correct in analysing that any opposition in such a circumstance would only be able to provide recommendations or suggestions in the parliament. His depth of constitutional law is impressive and no less than a practitioner.
The foreign influences
Quader’s precise words in support of the recently talked about US Visa policy are commendable --"to ensure a free, fair, impartial, and acceptable election and democratic environment". Whereas it seems as though he welcomes such restrictions, readers might ponder on recent rumours in the air regarding a few of his party leaders being pinned under the visa restrictions.
Quader’s words would have only been deemed valuable had the readers not perceived his party as the “home-grown opposition”. Most readers' shared perception of the Jatiyo Party is that it prefers an election under the current regime -- an arrangement, real or perceived, with the ruling party (just like in 2018) that benefits the Jatiyo Party with MPs and financial strength, which would not be possible had the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) been in the game. Hence, Quader’s urge for an acceptable election, and for this reason, his support for the US Visa policy, would draw no serious attention on the readers' end.
On the other hand, Quader is extremely reserved in sharing any information on his recent visit to the neighbour India. “I can't say who I talked to or what I discussed” -- readers, who I assume are primarily citizens of Bangladesh, might not appreciate such a tone from a politician of Quader's stature, whereby he comes off as fearful in terms of spilling anything to the mass, from whom he would have to seek votes.
It is no secret that the ruling party has historically had a better and friendlier relationship with India compared to the equally popular BNP. Responding to an invitation by the Indian Government when elections are nearing and being open to the public on maintaining secrecy would lead the readers to perceive Quader as the kind of opposition that takes guidance from India, too. Appearing to give in to India’s influence would only strengthen the readers’ question on whether the Jatiyo Party even intends to be a real opposition.
Elections and the electoral system
Whereas BNP and most other political parties (left, right and of other orientations) are determined not to participate in what they deem as an upcoming possible sham of an election under the same regime, according to Quader, the Jatiyo Party is still uncertain. In light of such, readers would be left with no choice but to believe that Quader himself, alongside his handful of MPs, are unwilling to give away the luxury of their positions and the power and benefits such position entails – thus opting for a repetition of 2018.
Moreover, although Quader has rightfully mentioned that the caretaker government system in the past had failed, he has yet to agree to provide a formula to the readers as to how an election might be conducted. What might be worrisome to the readers is that, he mentioned his willingness to share a proposed formula whenever the government might be ready. It is not surprising for readers to wonder if Quader and his party are more inclined towards making the government happy than the voters. Why must a proposed idea of the opposition be shared with the ruling party first, whereas in the good spirit of democracy, the voters might (or might not) appreciate the party's quest to present a solution during a deadlock situation as of now?
The internal feud
Quader mentioned that he is at peace with Rowshan Ershad, the opposition's current leader and the Jatiyo Party's Chief Patron and that the government constantly tries to create divisions. Even if readers think that Rowshan is 'easier to manage' by the government, it might be too ambitious for Quader to believe the government continuously instigates Rowshan's side of politicians to create chaos within the party. Readers are more likely to think that an undivided Jatiyo Party with a solid outlook is any day of greater advantage to the government in order to establish how the parliament has a strong enough party, which is widely accepted as opposition.
Concluding remarks
Following the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of Bangladesh, enacted on 25 January 1975, our nation's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, formed BaKSAL (an alliance of the then Awami League and co). In addition, with the presidential order, all other political parties were outlawed with the formation of BaKSAL and were obliged to join the party due to a state of emergency.
Although in the book, Quader has boldly compared the current political situation to that of the BaKSAL, being critical in his tone of such a one-party system, he probably fails to understand that most readers who do not belong to Jatiyo Party would understandably be equipped with the impression that Jatiyo Party is an integral part of today’s so-called BakSAL.
Advocate Saquib Rahman is the Editor of Progress magazine and teaches law at North South University. Previously, former international affairs secretary of the Jatiyo Party. He can be reached at editor@progressmagazine.net.