The Dhaka Forum (TDF) Launching Ceremony

The Dhaka Forum (TDF) Launching Ceremony and Seminar held on Saturday, 28th Sept 2013, at Gulshan Club Dhaka.

The Launching of TDF and the Seminar on Strengthening Democracy Through Peaceful and Credible Election was presided by Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, the Convener of TDF and it was attended by all the founding members of the TDF and a number of distinguished persons from academics, former bureaucrats, journalists, legal and other professions.

The designated discussants on the keynote paper were Mr. Mahbubul Alam, former Advisor, and Editor of Daily Independent, and Dr. Shahdeen Malik, Dean of Faculty of Law, BRAC University. Dr.Akbar Ali Khan, former Adisor was the Chief Guest of the programme.

Ambassador Shamim Ahmed spoke on the goals and objectives of the TDF.

Ambassador Masud Aziz presented the keynote paper on Strengthening Democracy Through Peaceful and Credible Election. He recommended a formula of poll-time government under which the parties which have representations in the current parliament will elect a Chief Advisor for the poll-time government which may be named a Transitional Government (TG) or Interim Government (IG) and select 10 Advisor. According to this formula the President or anyone from Judiciary cannot be the Chief Advisor. He said a person elected by the parliament cannot be treated as unelected as the President and Lawmakers in the reserved seats for women are elected in the same manner.

The programme was also participated by Mr. Siddqur Rahman Choudhury, former Finance Secretary, Mr. Zaidi Sattar, Amb Mohsin Ali Khan, Dr. Saadat Hussain, President BSTD, Mr. Zaglul A. Chowdhury, Advisor Editor, Daily Financial Express, Saikat Ahmed Albari, Barister at law.

The Media was represented by Mr. Monowar Hossain, Editor, First News, M M Musa, Sr. Sub-Editor, Bonik Barta, Shahidullah Khan, Publisher Daily New Age, Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Editor, Banik Barta, Ms. Sultana Rahman, Sr. Braodcast Journalist, O Independent TV, Ms. Falguni Datta, ETV, Somsuzzaman, Daily Bonik Barta, Rahat Minhaz, ATN Bangla, Tashed Shumon, The The Daily Har, Sherajul Islam, Atiquz Rahman, Bangladesh24.com, Md. Sahadat Hossain, Journalist of Somoy, Pankaj Karmakar, Reporter, Nayem Ahmed Julhas, Sr. Staff photojournalist and others.

Discussant Dr. Akbar Ali said the political parties do not practice democracy within themselves. It is one of the main barriers to strengthening democracy in Bangladesh. Only those who want the country welfare should join politics. He added that the talk shows on TV is giving wrong information and irrational arguments and are popular as activities of politicians and viewed as drama serials.

Mr. Mahbubul Alam addressing the seminar said that dialogue among the major political parties is necessary to end the current political impasse. He also felt that the democracy in the country would not be institutionalized without holding a participatory and credible election.

Jurist Shahdeen Malik observed that the discussion an amendments to the constitution comes under purview of political issue rather than an issue of courts. He added that the Judiciary should not interfere in the matter of constitutional amendments we are learning truth the hard way.

The Former Election Commissioner, M Sakhawat Hussain criticized the present Election Commission and said that the ruling party is campaigning for the election with government funds, but the EC is silent on this matter. He stressed the need for strengthening the democracy and other institutions and said that independent EC and independent Judiciary were crucial for holding a free and fair election.

Convener of TDF Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed opined that in a democratic state all government departments and regulatory institutions should be strengthened and kept free from political influence for democracy to flourish. A number other participants also made their comments.

Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, former Advisor was unable to attend as discussant. His message was read out by Mr. Naser Bukhtear Ahmed founding member of TDF. Dr.Zillur emphasized on credible election as well as democratic practices by the elected government and all political parties so that democracy takes a deep root in the society.

The vote of thanks was given by Ambassador Shahed Akhtar.

Participants welcomed the emergence of a new think-tank The Dhaka Forum and hoped that it will contribute to building Bangladesh as a strong and sustainable democratic country.

The launching of TDF and the Seminar on a topic of great contemporary interest to Bangladesh was given wide coverage in the print and electronic media.