Taking over election centers with party goons: GM Quader
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Dhaka/
Chairman of Jatiya Party and Deputy Leader of Opposition in Parliament GM Quader MP said, “Governments of many countries in the world cannot rig the election system. Because the electoral system in those countries is beyond the power of the government. It is not a difficult task, only if everyone wants to do it. Officials related to elections and those involved in law and order are being made party leaders and activists. The election center is being occupied by party thugs.
He said, ‘We have made the Election Commission axiomatic. The Election Commission cannot make good elections if it wishes. Because the hands and feet of the Election Commission are tied to the government. This commission annulled a by-election in Gaibandha on allegations of rigging. In the investigation of that election, many were found guilty but no one was punished. Many of the accused have been rewarded. Later that election was again through vote robbery. The Election Commission has been rendered helpless and ineffective.
GM Quader said these things in response to various questions of the media persons at the Banani office auditorium of the Jatiya Party Chairman on Tuesday. Jatiya Party Chairman’s Press Secretary-2 Khandkar Delwar Jalali was present at that time.
Jatiya Party Chairman said that every government has tried to keep the election system under its control. Those who have been in power since independence have tried to control the electoral system by changing the law and appointing party people. When the election came, the opposition protested to demand fair elections. Sometimes that movement was successful, sometimes not. It will be seen in the future whether the movement to demand fair elections will be successful. The rulers will want to form the government by bringing the election system under their control for various reasons. Until then, the government will be forced to hold fair elections.
In response to another question, GM Quader said, this time there is a pressure from foreigners for fair elections. The government should organize free, fair and impartial elections. The pressure from foreigners has put the government in a bit of a quandary. What finally happens will have to wait till the elections.
He said that whoever comes to power enjoys and abuses power. They do not remember accountability to the people. When it comes to the question of accountability to the people, they want to come to power without the people’s verdict. Our politicians never remember that the people own the country and are accountable to the people.
GM Quader said, if there is accountability to the people, there is no corruption, misrule, discrimination, oppression, money laundering and exploitation. If there is accountability, the development is sustainable, the country is developed and the people of the country can enjoy the development. Once in power there is rampant corruption, abuse of power and disregard for the people. As a result, they do not have the courage to vote without taking the election system. This is the misfortune of our political culture. So everyone must take the election system out of the government’s power. Most of the countries in the world have done it. An awakening is created among those who are out of power to demand fair elections, but it is forgotten once they are in power.
In response to another question, the Jatiya Party chairman said, “Our political culture has been destroyed because of the leadership.” Our political leadership is not ideal. Politics is going on based on greed and business. Politics for business and plunder. We can’t get out of it. Our civil society and intellectuals also move where they get advantage. No one thinks about country and ethics. It is not only during the current government, the previous ones have also done the same.