Proposal: A Blueprint for Removing Authoritarian Structures and Fostering Democracy in Bangladesh

Citizen Proposal to Esteemed Interim Government of Bangladesh

 

1. Vision for a New Bangladesh

Objective: To create a state where unity, inclusivity, and dignity define our national identity. 

 

Vision Statement: 

A New Bangladesh where every citizen—regardless of creed, caste, gender, or socioeconomic status—lives with equal rights, mutual respect, and shared pride in a nation governed by justice and transparency. This vision prioritizes dismantling systemic oppression, amplifying marginalized voices, and establishing Bangladesh as a global model of participatory democracy. 

 

Key Additions:

Explicitly mention gender equality, religious minorities (e.g., Hindus, indigenous communities), and vulnerable groups (e.g., Dalits, climate refugees). 

Link the vision to global frameworks (e.g., UN Sustainable Development Goals, Universal Declaration of Human Rights). 

 

2. Abolishing Authoritarian Practices in Political Parties

Objective: Ensure parties operate democratically, transparently, and free from coercion. 

 

Enhanced Proposal-A:

1. Legally Mandated Internal Democracy:

   - Require parties to adopt constitutions that codify ‘open elections’ for leadership roles (e.g., secret ballots for all members). 

Ban financial transactions for positions; impose penalties (e.g., deregistration, fines) for violations. 

Establish Independent Party Audit Committees (IPAC) to oversee compliance, with 30% representation from women and minorities. 

 

2. Transparent Financial Disclosure:

Mandate quarterly public reports on funding sources and expenditures, audited by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). 

Cap donations from private entities to prevent undue influence. 

 

3. Anti-Corruption Mechanisms:

 Create a National Political Ethics Board (NPEB) with prosecutorial powers to investigate corruption, vote-buying, and intimidation. 

Guarantee anonymity and legal protection for whistleblowers through a dedicated hotline and digital portal. 

3. Legislative Reforms for Accountability:

Objective: Strengthen legal frameworks to protect rights and ensure party accountability. 

Strengthened Proposal-B:

1. Political Party Accountability Act (PPAA):

Require parties to publish annual reports on membership demographics, policy decisions, and financial audits. 

Tie state funding for parties to comply with transparency standards. 

2. Whistleblower Protection Laws:

 Criminalize retaliation against whistleblowers; provide relocation and financial support for those at risk. 

 Partner with NGOs like Transparency International Bangladesh for third-party monitoring. 

3. Citizen Grievance Redressal Mechanism:

Establish regional ombudsman offices to handle complaints against political actors, with a 60-day resolution mandate. 

 Integrate grassroots platforms (e.g., mobile apps, community radio) for rural accessibility. 

4. Inclusivity and Meritocracy in Political Participation:

Objective: Democratize access to leadership roles within parties. 

Enhanced Proposal-C:

1. Eliminate Financial Barriers:

 Legally prohibit "seat-selling"; introduce criminal charges for violators. 

 Fund leadership training programs for underrepresented groups (e.g., women, minorities, youth). 

2. Quota Systems with Sunset Clauses:

  Reserve 25% of party leadership roles for women, 15% for ethnic/religious minorities, and 10% for youth (<35 years). 

 Phase out quotas over 15 years, contingent on progress toward equitable representation. 

3. Merit-Based Advancement:

 Develop standardized competency assessments (e.g., public policy exams, and community service track records) for leadership roles. 

5. Electoral Reforms for Fair Representation:

Objective: Restore trust in elections through equity and accessibility. 

Expanded Proposal-D:

1. Public Campaign Financing:

 Allocate state funds to candidates via a Democracy Equity Fund, prioritizing women, minorities, and candidates from low-income backgrounds. 

  Ban private donations exceeding 1% of the national per capita income. 

2. Anti-Vote-Buying Measures:

Deploy biometric voter verification and blockchain-based vote tracking to deter fraud. 

Partner with local NGOs for voter education on ethical voting practices. 

3. Low-Cost Online Campaign Platform:

 Develop a government-hosted digital platform with free access for verified candidates. 

Provide offline alternatives (e.g., printed pamphlets, community debates) for rural areas with limited internet. 

6. Constitutional Safeguards Against Division: 

Objective: Institutionalize unity and punish divisive practices. 

Revised Proposal-E:

1. Constitutional Ban on Hate Speech:

 Define hate speech as "incitement to violence or discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, or gender." 

 Establish a High Court Tribunal to adjudicate violations, ensuring due process. 

2. National Unity Commission (NUC):

 Empower the NUC to mediate conflicts, conduct peace education campaigns, and monitor social media for divisive rhetoric. 

 Include representatives from minority communities, civil society, and academia. 

3. Civic Duty Clause:

 Mandate peace education in school curricula and require public officials to take annual unity pledges. 

Conclusion: A Call to Collective Action:

This proposal outlines a roadmap to transform Bangladesh into a democratic beacon where power serves the people, not the privileged. By dismantling authoritarian structures, enforcing accountability, and centring marginalized voices, we can rebuild trust in governance and secure a future defined by justice and unity. 

 

Urgent Next Steps:

Form a cross-party National Reform Task Force to draft legislation. 

Mobilize international allies (e.g., UN, EU) for technical and financial support. 

Launch grassroots awareness campaigns to rally public backing. 

 

Together, we can reclaim democracy.

 

Presented By:

                    Minhaz Samad Chowdhury

                    Independent HR Defender

           Focuses on- State Violence against and

           Land Rights of Minorities in Bangladesh.

 

 

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