Common people, along with politicians, should share responsibility in establishing a sustainable democratic system in the country, speakers said at a programme yesterday.
They said the country’s politicians are habituated to avoid the practice of accountability and common people are unaware of their responsibilities.
As a result democracy becomes polls-centred and voters believe that their only chance to participate in democracy is on the voting day. But unfortunately, a majority of the voters do not vote responsibly to elect the most qualified candidates and many of the citizens do not even go to the voting centres.
The opinions came at a view exchange meeting titled “Citizens For Responsible Democracy” held in the capital’s National Press Club auditorium.
Speaking at the programme, Journalism Training and Research Institute (JATRI) CEO Jamil Ahmed said the practice of avoiding accountability that politicians of the country have has emerged from the indifferent attitude of people.
He said people do not raise voice when something wrong happens. When people get the chance to vote, they vote for the wrong person. Moreover, many public representatives do not even live in the areas they had been elected from.
“Do not vote for the corrupted people. Use the mass media so that your voice is heard in every level,” he added.
Moderator of the programme Dr Ashikur Rahman said accountability comes from pressure given by the common people.
He said people, as a duty, have to create an environment which will bound the politicians to hear their words and keep the promises.
“It is not only the politicians’ duty to work for the country and uphold the democratic system. Many people say that they do not bother about politics but they criticise the politicians in many ways. This practice should be stopped,” he said.
The speakers pointed out that as per the High Court’s directive the Election Commission has made the declaration of eight important information about candidates mandatory in the affidavit so that the voters can have a clear picture about the candidates.
The voters should think and choose the right person to cast their votes, they need to know their candidates and not be persuaded by money or power, the speakers added.
