Editorial
B Chowdhury's national government idea
Consensus on policies and principles are a greater need
THE suggestions from former president AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury regarding a government of national consensus for a decade have predictably generated widespread comment. Professor Chowdhury would like the nation to know that such a government can take shape after the general elections promised for end-2008. While one is already to welcome new political ideas, especially in such fraught conditions as those in Bangladesh, one notes that the suggestion the former head of state has put forward lacks the details that might have lent it a little more substance. We, at this newspaper, have been following carefully the debate arising out of Chowdhury's formula. We believe however, the idea of a government of national consensus runs contrary to the letter and spirit of the constitution.
Briefly, at a time when we need answers to some old questions, Professor Chowdhury's suggestions throw up some new, disquieting questions altogether. He has not explained under what constitutional or legal basis a government of consensus will function for ten years. Moreover, the plan clearly appears to abjure the idea of a parliamentary opposition which, in a modern democracy, is a guarantee of checks and balances. A government that operates without any opposition is a situation common in conditions of dictatorship. In a democracy, all government and no opposition offers a clear recipe for political disaster. It is such realities that make us worry about Chowdhury's prescription for governance. A more well thought out articulation of his suggestions is now needed. As it is, the suggestions, which were obviously not fleshed out before they were revealed to the country, appear too cursory to merit considered or philosophical debate. We therefore have no option but to dismiss them.
All said and done, though, a consensus on certain essential aspects of politics, if not a government of national consensus, needs to be in place if democracy is to succeed in future. Our political parties must agree to turn their backs on the debilitating politics that has scarred our society in the last sixteen years and harmed the economy to a great extent resolving instead to turn a new leaf in the overall interest of the nation. Both the ruling and opposition parties in Parliament must pledge to carry out their responsibilities and so ensure that a stable, productive Jatiya Sangsad is in place. The endless and mindless boycott of the JS that has been a bad practice since 1991 must be eschewed and all discussion and debate must be conducted within the House. The role of the Speaker, which has largely been controversial must be one that transcends partisanship. For the ruling party, the job is cut out: it must take the lead in ensuring that the opposition is treated with the respect and deference so essential to the functioning of democracy. For the opposition, the clear choice will be one of keeping the government on its toes through informed debate and at the same time prepare to be a government of the future.
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