Manju: Election is the only way to transfer power peacefully

December 1, 2013 1:50 am

 

Jatiyo Party (JP) Chairman and Advisor to the Prime Minister, Anwar Hossain Manju said people fail to properly appreciate the need for democracy because the culture of peaceful transfer of power has not yet developed in the country even after 42 years of independence. The political parties engage in petty and vengeful brand of politics that is detrimental to the country. There is always great uncertainty and anxiety surrounding every election. The former communications minister attended several rallies and meetings in Pirojpur and Jhalakathi districts on Saturday. He said the country’s resources are limited. If it could have used the scarce resources efficiently after independence, our economic achievements would have been much greater. Lack of unity between politicians in the past 42 years is the reason why the nation could not perform as expected.
Manju said, “We don’t believe in this oppressive style of politics. Our politics is rife with conflict. We have to come out of this oppressive brand of politics to establish people’s rights. That’s why Jatiyo Party believes in a different brand of politics. We work for people’s welfare and development. We all should practice that kind of politics that would educate our children and inspire them to lead the country successfully in the future. Some political leaders are unable to rise above personal differences in opinion, which is why the country’s economic development has not been as well as it should have been. Political parties can have difference of opinion but it should not lead to the deterioration of their personal and social relationships. It is saddening to note how much the political culture has deteriorated since independence.”
In his address at a mass rally in Pirojpur on Saturday he also said said it is absolutely essential to hold an election. There is no alternative to election for a peaceful transfer of power within constitutional framework. “We believe democratic processes should be practiced both within the party and in national politics. Recently HM Ershad made an arrogant remark ‘I am the King; my decision is the final decision’. We in JP do not believe in autocracy, which is why we broke away from Ershad’s JaPa. For the past 33 years I have constantly advocated for unity among all parties. Our goal is to establish a democratic, fearless and independent society for the people of Bangladesh.”
The Jatiyo Party (JP) chairman attended a number of rallies and views exchange meetings in Pirojpur, Kauakhai and Bhandaria over the weekend. He met with JP’s and the members of JP’s youth wing and also attended special prayer programmes. The mass rally in Pirojpur was organised to congratulate the Chairman on being appointed as the advisor to the Prime Minister for the interim government. Thousands of locals gathered to greet the former communications minister and to offer him their heartfelt felicitations. He was greeted with garlands and bouquets. All JP central leaders and local leaders and eminent people were present at the rally.