Whither constitution?
Saleque Sufi, Melbourne, Australia
The Prime Minister in a recent rally in the city underlined the basic principle of democracy and said that the country would be run according to the constitution, and not according to the whims of any individual or group. It is a praise-worthy realisation. But has she or her government allowed the country to run like that? Is it not an alternate powerhouse that is running the affairs of the country? Is the crossfire a constitutional process? Is the repression of opposition politicians and their freedom of speech constitutional? Is the BNP running according to its own constitution? Moreover, the constitution is not a holy book. It can be amended if the situation demands.We would like to see Bangladesh being run by people's representatives who are genuinely elected by a popular mandate and not through unfair electioneering. Any process, which will ensure free and fair election, must be welcomed. If the PM is so confident about returning to power, why her party is not going for positive reforms? Any other process will create anarchy and chaos. If the government is thrown out of power by a mass upsurge, there will be massive disorder and loss of property and lives, which is not at all undesirable. The custodians of democracy must realise that harsh truth.
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