Free the Mujib and Zia families

I firmly believe that relieving the Mujib and Zia families from politics in itself shall stimulate and rejuvenate politics

Bangladesh is now seen internationally as a country of enormous economic potential, and in recent years, the country has made huge progress in many social indicators including poverty alleviation, child mortality, and others. And yet, the political culture and associated violence seems to be on the rise, frustrating the general public.

I have a very limited understanding of Bangladeshi politics and politics in general, however, I still can’t stop thinking about a probable resolution to get out from the political deadlock that’s been orchestrated by the two major parties since the ousting of the Ershad government.

Essentially, the country is in the grip and cycle of a duopoly political dynasty where neither is prepared to let go of the other, and in the process are jeopardising the livelihood and living conditions of the general people, and punching a serious blow to the socio-economic fabric and progress of the country. There seems to be no end in sight to such a cycle of violence emanating from the aggressive politics run by these families.

This is why the business leaders, journalists, lawyers, think-tanks and the broader public need to voice their concerns and look seriously for a political resolve before the country is broken into pieces and rendered into a lawless no-mans-land, or a “failed state” like many other countries near and far.

My proposal broadly encompasses a way to free the Mujib and Zia families from the duties of government functions. These families in combination have led the liberation war and have made immense sacrifices during and after the liberation of the country.

The countrymen have deep respect for both the families and in the interest that the respect is held firm, these families should be allowed to move out from active politics and running of the administration. We have seen such examples from Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev, and others.

I firmly believe that relieving the Mujib and Zia families from politics in itself shall stimulate and rejuvenate politics so much, that the seed of democracy, leadership, and political professionalism will ensue in each party, and the political parties in their own interest will revise their manifestos to ensure leadership on the basis of merit and not inheritance.

 

The summary of my proposal and recommendations
  • Establish political dialogue to agree on an all-party government for two years. The functions of the new interim government besides the general administration would be to undertake and complete specific tasks as directed by the ninth Parliament. The specific tasks are to include the following.
  • Amend the constitution for allowing ceremonial powers to the Mujib and Zia families for consecutive terms in recognition of their contribution to the liberation war and independence. The technical details for such nomination can be worked out by constitution and law experts.
  • Amend the constitution (if necessary) for smooth and independent operation of the three divisions of the state:  The administration, the judiciary, and the parliament.
  • Make laws to ensure establishing of democracy within all registered political parties by reference to established democracies, such as the UK, USA, and others.
  • Establish policy to ensure free and independent functioning of the Election Commission and the anti-corruption regime.
  • Make laws to ensure neutral operations of other institutions free from political influence of the ruling party by specifically holding the head of the government department accountable for the smooth and professional functioning of each department.

Source: Dhaka Tribune

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7 COMMENTS

  1. Dear writer…you have written a great article. Your vision of present Bangladesh without Mujib and Zia families would benefit the Nation very well. We have great respect for them and their contributions to our Nation. We should respect them as the founding fathers of our Nation. Now, it is time to move on from this family-oriented politics to a real democracy where a true leader among people or JANATA would rise up because of his or her character, abilities and qualities to lead the Nation in the right direction. Through real democracy, we can have many Sheikh Mujib or Ziaur Rahman in our society. Our citizen should have a free choice to choose a leader (nor just Khaleda Zia or Sheikh Hasina), judge a person based on his/her character and quality and then vote a person based on his/her vision for our nation. Our nation should be free from hartal, blockade and corrupted elections. A free and fair election is the fundamental requirement for a true democratic society.

  2. Good proposal. But don’t worry. I thought for quite sometime that the PM would institutionalised her family’s place in Bangladesh, e.g, by permanently giving the “ceremonial” presidency with some more power to her family claiming her father’s contribution. I wandered why she did not do it in the 9th Parliament when she had two-third majority. I thought she wouldmove to presidency and leave the PM postion to her sister.
    Perhaps she waited for this term. The novelty of this proposal is the recognition of Zia; but here lies the problem. Given the history of AL, it is unlikely. The AL has never been used to sharing the glory. It has not recognised anyone’ contributions to the liberation movement and war. It even denies that Moulana Bhashani was AL’s founder – they attribute the credit to one and only one, i.e. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

  3. Dear Author
    Thank you for using some of your time for Bangladesh.
    Both Mujib and Zia had and played their respective roles,but the roles were never equal or identical.Specially,The solution suggested is too simple a suggestion for a problem too complicated.
    One has to be a street smart political element in Bangladesh for at least a decade or two
    may help you understand the the tip of the problem.

  4. The mortally wounded Bangladeshi would more likely utter like Mercutio: “A plague o’ both your houses!”

  6. Impossible is nothing. Real change can happen if citizen has the power. A civil society can bring change in the mindset of the people to implement real democracy….i feel civil society of Bangladesh has this great responsibility to bring this change for the betterman of the people. i am not suggesting to banish both families from the country, which would be the violation of their liberty and Constitutional rights. We need a real democracy where a leader of the party (like party chief) is elected by the people and not by the famil or dynastic politics. For example. In the USA, the candidate for President, Senator or congressmen is elected by the people for both parties through the primary elections, which is not the actual election. The actual election is happened after th primary elections. The party chief does not have the power to select a candidate, only the constituencies (people) of a particular seat (geographical area. In this way.political leaders do not have to depended on the party chief but the people. In this way, all boot lickers and sycophants of the chief can be eliminated….

  7. Either the citizens are asleep or on train without a brake. What is happening lately reminds me of the administration of Pakistani President Ayub Khan. There were a huge number of Bangladeshi lickers (chatookers) of the Dictator. Just like what we have now. Please see the video on “Banglar Lolona” made by BTV that was exhibited daily during the month of December. This beats even Ayub Khan’s fantasies. Apparently Sheikh Hasina loves these stooges and why not? After all, she is the person of the hour. One of these days, these Chatookers will finish her. Who cares? Why should Hasina get the privilege of ruling the country by her own dictum? On the other side Khaleda was waiting for the Rajtantra with 2 hands extended. They are all same. The citizens with bold disposition should come out and dare to take on these 2 autocrats.

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