Jatiya Party Chairman and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Ghulam Mohammad (GM) Quader, expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the recent election, stating, “I have extensively addressed in parliament the irregularities observed during the election process.”
These remarks were made during the president's speech at a discussion meeting held to commemorate the Great Independence Day in the afternoon of Tuesday, March 26th, at the Jatiya Party Chairman's Banani office auditorium.
GM Quader emphasized, “I had raised concerns about the election in Parliament even before reports from organizations such as the IRI or various bodies of the European Union were published. Furthermore, I have penned articles in newspapers addressing electoral issues.”
He noted a challenge within the party, saying, “The issue lies in the reluctance of some members within our party to voice their opinions. Consequently, we have encountered difficulties in Parliament for quite some time. The government's attempts to sow discord within our party exacerbate this situation. The government must refrain from such actions, as it would not be beneficial for a party like ours to be undermined.”
GM Quader underscored the essence of democracy, stating, “If all power in the country belongs to the people, then it is they who should elect their representatives. Do the citizens of this country truly possess the right to vote? We aspire for a society without discrimination, where everyone is held accountable. Why are prices of goods not falling? Why can't fires be stopped every day? Why can't adulteration be halted? The reason lies in the absence of accountability across the board.”
Regarding the state of democracy, he remarked, “A significant aspect of democracy is the equality of all individuals before the law. However, presently, dissent against the government is met with legal repercussions. The government has employed legal means to suppress our demands. Is this characteristic of an independent nation? People are being silenced. The envisioned society, reflective of the spirit of the liberation war, has not been constructed, and regrettably, we are not progressing towards that ideal. Instead, we are moving in the opposite direction.”
GM Quader emphasized that people must have the right to elect their leaders, and there should be accountability in governing the nation. He highlighted the disparity where individuals are compelled to purchase goods valued at 5 takas for 5 thousand takas and witnessed the proliferation of vehicles on the roads. Despite assertions that the country is not impoverished, the reality is that Bangladesh remains impoverished for the majority of its populace. Many individuals endure days marked by uncertainty, unsure of where to seek justice if their homes are seized the next day. Such grievances are increasingly prevalent.