Democracy

Introduction:  Democracy is the best system of government having worldwide popularity. The word, ‘democracy’ · has been derived from Greek words, ‘Demos’ and ‘Kratia’. ‘Demos’ means people and ‘Kratia’ means the rule of administration. In this sense, democracy is the rule of people. Abraham Lincoln defines it as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. It signifies that public opinion is highly recognized in democracy.

Democracy and Bangladesh: Since her emergence in I 1971, Bangladesh is continuously struggling to make herself a democratically developed nation. But several political ups and down like introduction of one-party-system by Shiekh Mujibur Rahman, Military rule by Zia and Ershad and irresponsible competition of political parties to capture power have placed the democratic, a journey of the country at stake. However, the nation has restarted her journey to democracy with over through of Ershad in 1990 but the path is not moisturized still now.

Problems: The absence of democratic political culture, absence of the rules of law lack of political morality, absence of a strong civil society, absence of strong political leadership, confrontational politics, ineffective political institutions, corruption and terrorism, double standard and lack of tolerance and reciprocity are the most notable and troublesome problems on the way to establish dem~cracy in Bangladesh.

Prospects: In spite of numerous problems, we can see the following prospects of democracy in Bangladesh.

(1) March towards a two-party system: Though there are many political parties in Banglaaesh, the result of the recent election leads to the formation of a two-party system.

(2) Provision for ceratake government: In spite of some criticism, people believe that the caretaker government is able to hold free and fair elections. It increases nation’s confidence in election and polttics.

(3) People’s eagerness for democracy: The presence of voters in polling centres and their enthusiasm about politics and election prove that people are eager for democracy.

(4) Peaceful transition of power: After corripletion of five years term, the elected government transfers power to a non political government and after a free and fair election, the caretaker government transfers power to the elected government. This process is a positive side of democratic development in our country.

What should be done:

(1) Our politicians should feel that it is their responsibility to build up the nation and respect people’s wills.

(2) Both the government and the opposition should work under democratic norms and values instead of confrontation anti egoism.

(3) Our parliament should be made the centre of all political activities.

(4) Consensus among politial parties on national issue is necessary.

(5) Our politicians will work in co-operation with each other and play a positive role.

(6) Our politicians must give up their egoism and realize that national interest is more than that of personal, group or party interested.

Conclusion: In fine, efforts should be made to make our people politically conscious of democratic norms, values, and practices. Our media civil society and socio-political organizations and institutions. Should play a significant role in this regard.