Governance & Democracy
Current Situation: Currently, the Constitution of Bangladesh mentions the separation of Parliament, the Law Division, and the Judiciary. However, in reality, this separation is not being implemented properly. The honorable Members of Parliament or Ministers who create these laws are the reason why the Law Division and Judiciary cannot function independently. For example, the police work hard to capture a suspect, but the Judiciary unlawfully releases them. In reality, this suspect is actually guilty. On the other hand, a judge may issue a verdict sentencing a guilty individual and immediately instruct the police to arrest them. However, it is often observed that the police, instead of arresting the suspect, help them escape due to interference from MPs, Ministers, and party leaders. This interference leads to corruption in both politics and law enforcement. As a result, the Law Division and Judiciary cannot function properly. Additionally, some lawyers or political affiliates get away with unlawful activities because of invitations or influence from MPs or Ministers. The lack of full independence of the Law Division and Judiciary prevents them from performing their duties correctly. This is the current state of our country's governmental system. According to the Constitution, the government has authority over judicial appointments and promotions. The judiciary can be placed under executive control, appointments can be made for job positions, and judicial officers can be dismissed or transferred at any time. Problem: In the current state system of our country, many problems are arising. Due to the interference of honorable Members of Parliament (MPs) or honorable Ministers, the legal and judicial branches are unable to function with full independence. Since MPs and Ministers have authority over the judicial and legal systems, they cannot perform their duties properly. As a result, real criminals often escape punishment, while innocent individuals get convicted. Proposal: The Chief Justice and the Chief of Police will be appointed by the head of the ruling party. However, after their appointment, there will be no interference in their work. All other officials and employees of the judiciary and legal departments will be appointed according to the constitutional recruitment policies. In this regard, neither the head of the government nor any members of the ruling party will have the power to dismiss, transfer, or reassign any officials. In the judicial system, any dismissal, transfer, or reassignment of the Chief Justice and other officials will be handled by the judiciary itself, according to constitutional laws. Similarly, in the legal system, any such decisions regarding the Chief of Police and other officials will be made by the legal department in accordance with constitutional laws. There will be no interference from the head of government or the country's leader in these matters, and this provision will be recorded in the constitution. If the Parliament, Judiciary, and Legal System can function with complete independence as per this proposal, Bangladesh can be considered a fully democratic nation. By resolving these issues, the country will be recognized globally as a developed and corruption-free state. Benefits: If the Parliament, Judiciary, and Legal System operate with full independence, they will be compelled to perform their duties correctly. No individual in Bangladesh will dare to engage in wrongdoing. The country will be free of corruption and will establish a civilized society. When a country builds a civilized society, it leads to improvements in education, business, healthcare, and other sectors. In this way, the nation will gain recognition as a developed country on the global stage and will be identified as a truly democratic state.
Current Situation: The current system in our country is that the people vote for a Member of Parliament (MP). There are a total of 300 seats in Bangladesh, and the MPs in these 300 seats are elected through public voting. The leader of the party that gains the majority is appointed as the head of the government. However, the public cannot directly vote to elect the head of the government. Problem: The public cannot directly vote for the head of the government. While people elect MPs by voting for competent candidates, even if the public desires it, they cannot elect the competent person as the head of the government. This is a significant issue for a democratic state. The head of the government holds a lot of power, and if an incompetent person becomes the head of the government, it creates problems for both the public and the country. In forming the government, the larger parties sometimes have to rely on smaller parties to gain a majority. As a result, the smaller parties, despite their wrongdoings, are pardoned and form the government with the larger parties, which gives them an opportunity to engage in unethical practices and corruption. Proposal: The head of the government should be elected through direct voting by the people. The will of the people should be used to appoint a competent individual as the head of the government. Any individual, whether from the ruling party, opposition, or independent, should be eligible to run for head of government. Just as the people elect MPs, they should also directly elect the head of the government. The head of the government will then be directly accountable to the people. Benefits: If the head of the government is elected directly by the people, an honest and competent person will lead the government. The leader will then be suitable to manage the country. The constitution mentions some special powers of the head of the government. If a competent person assumes this role, the country will see progress.
Current Situation: At present, all political parties in our country nominate MP candidates through their party leaders. Voters typically vote for the candidate nominated by their party, even if the candidate is not their personal choice. As a result, party-nominated candidates get elected, but the people are unable to vote for their preferred individuals. Problem: Although MPs are elected through public votes, party members cannot choose their own preferred candidates. If, in all constituencies, MPs continue to be elected based solely on party leadership's nominations rather than the choice of party members, these MPs will remain disconnected from the people's concerns. Instead of serving the public, they will prioritize their personal agendas and remain loyal to party leaders. This hinders national development and increases corruption. It negatively affects various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic growth. Moreover, political party committees are often formed under the control of party leaders and MPs, causing competent politicians to leave politics or retire early. Consequently, unethical individuals who accumulate wealth through dishonest means gain influence in politics by leveraging financial power and aligning with senior leaders. If these individuals are not removed from politics, the country's progress will be impossible. Proposal: Each political party should introduce a **primary election system** to select MP candidates. Before parliamentary elections, party members in each constituency should have the right to vote in a **secret ballot** to choose the best candidate. Since some members may face external pressure or other limitations in openly supporting the right candidate, a secret voting system will ensure fairness. This method will help identify competent and deserving parliamentary candidates within each party. Implementing primaries will require some additional financial expenses, but these costs can be covered by the participating candidates. If MPs are nominated through a primary system, those elected in the parliamentary elections will truly be the people's chosen representatives. Additionally, any independent candidate or a candidate from another party will be **ineligible to contest MP elections within five years** of switching parties. The same primary system should also be applied when forming **party committees**, ensuring that party leadership is chosen democratically. There should be no external interference in the selection process, and all candidates must be chosen **through secret voting by party members**. These measures must be incorporated into party constitutions and legal frameworks for proper implementation. Benefits: 1. Fair Candidate Selection – All parties will be able to nominate honest and competent MP candidates. 2. Stronger Democracy – The public will have the opportunity to cast their valuable votes for the most deserving individuals. 3. National Development – With qualified MPs elected in all constituencies, the country will progress significantly. 4. Reduction in Candidate Trading – Political corruption involving the selling of nominations will decrease. 5. Revival of Patriotism in Politics – Ethical, capable, and patriotic individuals will return to politics. 6. Less Political Fragmentation – The number of party-affiliated sub-organizations will decrease, leading to more organized and efficient governance.
Local Government and Its Responsibilities Definition: Local government refers to municipalities at the district or sub-district level** and union councils in each locality. Below is a detailed discussion of their responsibilities and the challenges they face. Current Situation: In our country, local governments do not have the autonomy to operate independently. For example, when a union council chairman and members propose an important project to the LGED (Local Government Engineering Department) office, it is often rejected unless the local MP recommends it. Even if the project is crucial, it cannot proceed without political approval. On the other hand, a less important project from another union may get approved quickly if the MP endorses it. This shows that LGED officials lack independence in decision-making. Similarly, in municipalities, projects are often carried out in less necessary areas instead of the places that need them the most. This happens due to the interference and control of MPs and ministers, preventing LGED and municipalities from fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. Problems: 1. Lack of proper development – Due to political interference, union councils and municipalities cannot develop as needed. 2. Obstruction from MPs and ministers – Their involvement delays and misdirects development projects. 3. LGED cannot work freely – Without autonomy, LGED cannot implement projects based on real needs. 4. Hindrance to national progress – When local governments fail, **overall national development is also obstructed. Proposed Solution: - Grant full autonomy to local governments, allowing them to execute their responsibilities without external interference. - A union council chairman**, along with its members, should jointly propose projects to LGED. LGED officials should inspect and approve projects based on merit**, without MP or ministerial involvement. - In municipalities, the mayor and commissioners** should jointly propose projects, ensuring fair distribution of resources. - General citizens should be encouraged to support local government activities. - If the central government has no control over local government officials, these reforms can be successfully implemented. Benefits: - Timely and efficient development – Every union and municipality will be able to execute development projects as needed. - Faster national progress – Local development will lead to **rapid overall improvement in infrastructure and services**. - Reduction in corruption and bribery – With less political interference, funds will be used more transparently. - Higher quality projects – Work quality will improve, benefiting the people directly. By ensuring local government autonomy, we can create a more effective and corruption-free development process that directly benefits the citizens.
Current Situation: In our country, it is often observed that MPs from the ruling or opposition parties are forced to vote in favor of their party leader, even against their will. Otherwise, they are expelled from the party and lose their parliamentary seat. Problem: Many MPs cannot express their opinions or exercise their voting rights appropriately. Those who are forced to vote against their will cannot work effectively. The interference of party leaders creates obstacles in their work. Proposal: To safeguard the country and the people’s interest, a law must be enacted allowing MPs/Parliament members to express their opinions or cast their votes independently, even outside their party. However, it should ensure that such opinions are constructive and beneficial for the country and the people. Casting votes outside the party should not lead to expulsion from the party or the nullification of their parliamentary seat. This should be incorporated into the party’s constitution and the national constitution with specific laws for implementation. Party leaders should not interfere in this process. The country and the people’s interest should take precedence over party interest if this law is passed and enforced. Benefits: Granting MPs the right to vote outside their party according to their will would enable them to express the right opinions for the development of the country and its people. If a proper law is enacted, every MP will be able to express their independent and effective opinions for the welfare of the country and its people. If MPs from all parties work for development and face no barriers, the country’s progress will accelerate rapidly.
**Current Situation:** In our country, opposition parties or the general public often call for strikes against government actions without any proper regulations. While strikes are a democratic right, they often result in significant loss of life and damage to the nation’s resources. **Problem:** Without specific laws, strikes cause severe harm to the general public. National resources are wasted. The country’s economy deteriorates, and businesses face substantial losses. Daily wage earners suffer from hunger or deprivation. Education and healthcare systems face the risk of significant damage. **Proposal:** If any opposition party or individual feels the need to call for a strike against government actions, they must submit an application to the district judge, specifying the issue and the proposed date of the strike. This application should be publicized through the media to gauge public opinion. A forum involving the individual or opposition party and the district judge will decide based on a majority 'Yes' vote. If the majority supports the strike, the district judge will notify the concerned party to proceed. Only then will the strike be implemented. If an individual wishes to call for a strike, they must apply to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, specifying the issue and the date. Public opinion must be gathered through media, newspapers, and TV channels. If a majority vote in favor is achieved, the strike will be implemented. A law must be established and enforced to ensure accountability and proper execution. Strikes are a democratic right. If the public supports the strike with a majority 'Yes' vote, the strike will happen. However, if the majority votes 'No', the strike will not occur. Violators of this process must face legal consequences. Laws must cover all aspects of this process. Media platforms—newspapers, TV channels, human chains, and handheld microphones—should be utilized for public awareness. **Benefits:** Strikes conducted under such laws will not harm the public. People will be able to prepare in advance. No national resources will be wasted. Excessive opposition due to frequent strikes will be avoided. This will accelerate the country’s development. National interests will take precedence over individual interests.
Current Situation: Most people in our country are unaware of the work of Members of Parliament (MPs). All MPs live in government residential accommodations in Dhaka. A significant amount of government money is spent on them. They stay in Dhaka and, instead of engaging with their constituencies and the people of Bangladesh, they focus on their own economic gains through various means, such as administrative influence, recruitment trading, and interference in local government activities. To carry out these activities, they spend months in Dhaka, engaging in lobbying for various projects and election-related tasks. They fail to take any effective measures to meet with or understand the grassroots needs of their constituencies. Problem: Due to MPs residing permanently in Dhaka, they are becoming increasingly disconnected from their constituencies and the people of the country. A significant amount of government resources, including funds and land, is being wasted on their stay in Dhaka. This has created a gap between MPs and professionals like farmers, businessmen, industrial workers, and garment workers, leaving their needs and issues unaddressed. Even business owners are unable to improve their enterprises. Despite the need, no laws have been created or amended to resolve this issue. Proposal: The citizens of our country must be informed about the activities of Members of Parliament (MPs). Each MP must visit their constituency and other areas, engaging with the general public and professionals from various sectors. They should identify the strengths and weaknesses of these areas and work toward the comprehensive development of these regions. Subsequently, effective laws for increasing agricultural, industrial, and garment production should be presented in Parliament. An MP must observe and address the issues present in their constituency. Due to grassroots-level circumstances, various regions of our country generate income from different sectors. For example, agriculture, poultry farming, stone extraction, seaweed, industries, garments, etc. If an MP's constituency is agriculturally dominant, they must introduce laws to boost agricultural production, ensuring proper fertilizers, seeds, and devices are provided at fair prices. They must also participate in parliamentary sessions to propose new laws and contribute to necessary reforms. Benefits: If all MPs stay connected to their constituencies, it will be easier to create and amend effective laws for the people and the country’s development. The government’s expenses will be reduced, and the pressure on Dhaka city will decrease significantly. The public will become more aware of the MPs’ activities, and unjust practices can be prevented.
Current Situation: In our country, due to interference by the heads and employees of one department in the work of another department, no department can perform its duties fully. In the case of ministries, one minister often dictates to another minister. Even the Prime Minister sometimes intervenes. As a result, no department is able to carry out its tasks properly. Problem: Each department's staff and officials are aware of their own department's work but not of other departments' functions. As a result, administrative tasks are facing obstacles. For instance, judiciary staff are handling the work of the agriculture and food departments. For example, highway magistrates are involved in tasks such as checking vehicle documents and imposing fines, which are supposed to be handled by highway police and sergeants. Similarly, magistrates are overseeing inspections and fines for adulterated and expired food items instead of agriculture and food department officials. In this situation, magistrates are neglecting judicial duties to perform tasks outside their scope. Consequently, many departmental responsibilities are being transferred to unrelated areas, leading to inefficiency in proper inspections, monitoring, and penalties. Influential interference in the Local Inspection Unit's work further hinders its effective operation. Proposal: Interference of one department in another's work must be completely stopped. The judiciary should handle judicial work, the law department should handle legal work, the agriculture department should focus on agricultural matters, and the food department should handle food-related tasks. Similarly, every department's work should be handled exclusively by its designated personnel across union councils, municipalities, upazilas, districts, divisions, and ministries without interference from other departments or individuals influenced by the government. If anyone works against this principle, no department will function effectively. The Local Inspection Unit (LIU) must be granted full autonomy to operate; otherwise, the nation's development will not be feasible. Benefits: If these proposals are implemented, the work of all departments in the country will be carried out efficiently. The speed of departmental operations will increase, and comprehensive development in Bangladesh will be achieved.