Saturday, October 11, 2025

Democracy Without Justice Is a Hollow Promise

Minhaz Samad Chowdhury, Bangladesh October 11, 2025 Declaration of Human Rights, Electoral System in Bangladesh, Institutional Democracy and Good Governance, Minority communities in Banglade

Democracy is not a stage performance of elections and speeches — it is a living promise of justice, equality, and accountability. Without justice, democracy becomes nothing more than a slogan; a system that looks free but feels captive.

When people vote yet remain unheard, when courts fail the poor, when corruption replaces fairness — democracy survives in name, but dies in spirit.

Justice Is the Heart of Democracy

The true measure of democracy lies not in how power is won, but in how it is used. A government that fears scrutiny, punishes dissent, or protects the powerful at the expense of the weak is not democratic in essence.

Justice is what gives meaning to every democratic right — the right to vote, to speak, to protest, and to live with dignity. Without justice, these rights exist on paper, but not in practice.

“Democracy cannot breathe where injustice rules.”

When Justice Is Denied, Freedom Is an Illusion

In Bangladesh, as in many other nations, people have witnessed the painful contradiction of democratic promises and authoritarian practices. Protesters beaten. Journalists silenced. Minorities threatened.

When institutions serve the powerful instead of protecting the powerless, the system becomes hollow — an echo of democracy without its substance.

No election, however well-managed, can legitimize a state that abandons its moral duty to protect justice.

The Broken Chain of Accountability

A nation’s justice system is the bridge between citizens and the state. When that bridge collapses, corruption, fear, and violence fill the void.

When laws are bent for the privileged, citizens lose faith.
When human rights defenders are harassed, democracy loses its conscience.
When victims are silenced, power becomes impunity.

Accountability is not an act of opposition — it is the essence of citizenship.

Reclaiming Justice as a Public Good

Justice must not depend on wealth, status, or political loyalty. It must be the birthright of every citizen. To restore democracy’s integrity, we must:

Guarantee judicial independence and transparency.
Ensure equal access to justice for minorities, women, and the poor.
Protect freedom of expression and peaceful protest.
Demand accountability from law enforcement and state institutions.
Empower civil society and media as partners in truth.

Justice is not a favour from the state — it is the foundation upon which democracy stands.

The People’s Role: Justice Begins With Us

Democracy will never flourish if citizens remain silent. People must become guardians of justice, not just voters every five years. Speaking out, organising, documenting, and standing with the oppressed — these are the real acts of democracy.

Silence enables injustice; solidarity defeats it.
The fight for justice is not against democracy — it is the fight for democracy.

🕊 “Ballots without justice build parliaments of power, not nations of peace.”

Published by: Minhaz Samad Chowdhury — Independent Human Rights Defender, Bangladesh

#Democracy #Justice #HumanRights #Bangladesh #RuleOfLaw #Accountability #Equality #Freedom #MinorityRights

About Minhaz Samad Chowdhury, Bangladesh
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Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction. Article 1 All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. Article 2 Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty. Article 3 Everyone has the right to life, liberty and the security of person. Article 4 No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms. Article 5 No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Article 6 Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law. Article 7 All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination. Article 8 Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law. Article 9 No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile. Article 10 Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him. Article 11 Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence. No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed. Article 12 No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks. Article 13 Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each State. Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country. Article 14 Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Article 15 Everyone has the right to a nationality. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality. Article 16 Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution. Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses. The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State. Article 17 Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property. Article 18 Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance. Article 19 Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. Article 20 Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. No one may be compelled to belong to an association. Article 21 Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country. The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures. Article 22 Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality. Article 23 Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment. Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work. Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection. Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests. Article 24 Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay. Article 25 Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection. Article 26 Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit. Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace. Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children. Article 27 Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits. Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author. Article 28 Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized. Article 29 Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible. In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society. These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Article 30 Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

An Appeal for Permanent Protection System for Minorities of Bangladesh

To express my deep concern over the recent attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh, and to urge your government to take immediate action to establish a protection system permanently for these communities. As you are aware, attacks on minority communities have been on the rise in Bangladesh in recent years, and the situation has become more urgent with the recent attacks in many places of Bangladesh. These attacks have caused significant harm and trauma to the affected communities, and it is crucial that your government takes steps to ensure their safety and security. To this end, I strongly recommend the establishment of a protection system for minority communities in Bangladesh, which could include the following measures: 1. Establishing a Constitutional Commission to oversee and monitor the protection of minority communities, and to ensure that their rights are fully respected. 2. Establishing Special Tribunals for speedy trial as a requirement in area basis, to ensure that any cases of violence or discrimination against minority communities are promptly and fairly addressed. 3. Establishing a special police force for the protection of minority communities, with a focus on preventing violence and discrimination, and ensuring the safety and security of all individuals. These measures, if implemented effectively, would go a long way in addressing the root causes of discrimination and violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, and would provide much-needed protection to those who are most vulnerable. I urge you to take immediate action to establish a protection system for minority communities in Bangladesh, and to ensure that the human rights of all individuals are fully respected and protected. Your leadership and commitment to these issues are critical in ensuring a more inclusive and tolerant society, where all individuals can live without fear of discrimination or violence. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sincerely, --Minhaz Samad Chowdhury, Independent HR Defender

The Eight Pillars of Good Governance: Building a Better Society

Governance refers to the systems and processes by which organizations, institutions, and governments are managed and controlled. Good governance is essential for creating a just, equitable, and prosperous society. When individuals in power exercise good governance, they are able to create a transparent, accountable, and responsive system that benefits everyone. The following are the eight major characteristics of good governance that can inspire social change and promote the common good: Transparency: Transparency refers to the openness of government and institutions in sharing information and decision-making processes. This is essential for promoting trust, accountability, and public participation. Integrity: Integrity is the foundation of good governance. It involves honesty, ethical behavior, and adherence to the rule of law. Leaders must be honest, principled, and committed to doing what is right, even in the face of adversity. Lawfulness: Good governance requires adherence to the rule of law. Leaders must follow established laws, policies, and regulations to ensure fairness, justice, and accountability. Sound Policy: Good governance requires the development and implementation of sound policies that are based on evidence, research, and consultation. These policies must be aligned with the common good and designed to benefit all citizens. Participation: Good governance requires active participation from citizens and civil society organizations. This includes opportunities for engagement, consultation, and feedback on government policies and decisions. Accountability: Good governance requires accountability mechanisms that hold leaders and institutions responsible for their actions. This includes oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of policies, programs, and initiatives. Responsiveness: Good governance requires responsiveness to the needs, concerns, and priorities of citizens. Leaders must be willing to listen, engage, and address the concerns of their constituents. Absence of corruption and wrongdoing: Good governance requires the absence of corruption and wrongdoing in all levels of government and institutions. Leaders must ensure that resources are allocated fairly and transparently, and that there is no misuse of public funds or abuse of power. In conclusion, good governance is critical for building a just, equitable, and prosperous society. The eight major characteristics of good governance - transparency, integrity, lawfulness, sound policy, participation, accountability, responsiveness, and the absence of corruption and wrongdoing - are essential for creating a system that benefits all citizens. By promoting these characteristics, individuals in power can inspire social change and create a brighter future for everyone. --Minhaz Samad Chowdhury, Independent HR Defender

One World, One Identity, One Curriculum: A Vision for the Children of Tomorrow

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and globalized, it is more important than ever for our children to have a shared understanding of what it means to be a citizen of the world. This vision of a unified world, with one syllabus, one curriculum, and one identity, is not only a dream for the future, but a necessary step towards building a better tomorrow. The idea of a unified world is not new, but it has never been more pressing than it is today. With the rise of nationalism and division, it is crucial that we provide our children with the tools and knowledge they need to understand and appreciate the diverse cultures, religions, and traditions that make up our world. A shared curriculum, with a focus on global citizenship and intercultural understanding, can help to break down barriers and foster a sense of unity and belonging among all people. A unified curriculum would also provide our children with a common foundation of knowledge and skills, allowing them to work together towards shared goals and aspirations. It would provide them with a sense of purpose and direction, and give them the tools they need to make a positive impact on the world. In order to achieve this vision, it is essential that we work together as a global community. Governments, educators, and organizations must come together to create a curriculum that is inclusive, accessible, and relevant to all. This curriculum must be grounded in the principles of equality, justice, and respect for all people, and must provide opportunities for students to develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and empathy. Ultimately, the goal of a unified world, with one syllabus, one curriculum, and one identity, is to create a future where all children can thrive. It is a future where they can be proud of their unique heritage and culture, while also embracing the diversity of others. It is a future where they can work together to solve the challenges of our time and build a better world for all. In conclusion, let us strive to make this vision a reality for the children of tomorrow. Let us work together to create a world where all people are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Together, we can build a better future for the children of tomorrow. -Minhaz Samad Chowdhury, Independent HR Defender

My Vision and Mission:

My overarching aspirations are reflected in my vision and mission statements. Firstly, I envision a world where the next generation of children can thrive in a united global community that embraces a single identity and curriculum through my initiative titled "One World, One Identity, One Curriculum." Secondly, my mission involves advocating for the establishment of institutional democracy and good governance as a means of laying a robust foundation for the progress and development of our nation. Furthermore, I am committed to ensuring the safety and protection of minority communities in Bangladesh by creating a permanent protection system. Additionally, I harbour the ambitious vision of reuniting Great India by 2050, which represents a grand undertaking. As an independent HR Defender, my mission is to promote human rights protection and uphold institutional democracy and good governance to foster a strong and equitable society. Through our "One World, One Identity, One Curriculum" initiative, we aim to provide all children with equal access to high-quality education regardless of their social backgrounds. We are determined to establish a permanent protection system that safeguards the well-being of minority communities in Bangladesh. -Minhaz Samad Chowdhury, Independent HR Defender

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Saturday, October 11, 2025