Roundtable meeting organized by monthly discussion magazine in Bogra

In the political backdrop created after the mass uprising of August 5, there has been a lot of interest among the general public around the upcoming 2026 elections, as well as various expectations and concerns. The general public is tired of the past political unrest and the violent situation surrounding the elections. Now there is only one question in their minds, will the elections be fair, free, impartial and peaceful? The people do not want to see any more biased governments or electoral systems. They want an environment where they can exercise their voting rights without fear. The lack of trust and fear of conflict between political parties has created a kind of doubt among the voters. In addition, the issue of electoral code of conduct and security is also on the minds of the people.

What do people from different walks of life think about the elections? The monthly 'Alochana' magazine organized a roundtable meeting to find out. The chief guest at the roundtable discussion titled ‘Future Bangladesh: Thoughts and Expectations of the Common Man on the Thirteenth National Parliament Election’ was Naogaon University Vice Chancellor Dr. Muha. Hasanat Ali. The principal of Government Mujibur Rahman Women’s College, Professor Dr. Belal Hossain, presided over the meeting. The main paper was presented by Faruk Hossain, Assistant Professor of Political Science Department of Government Mujibur Rahman Women’s College. Discussion Editor Pratik Omar moderated the discussion.

The roundtable discussion was held at Government Mujibur Rahman Women’s College on Saturday (November 29) afternoon. State thinkers, teachers, engineers, doctors, advocates, businessmen, entrepreneurs, student representatives, and politicians were present at the meeting. They said that a responsible and accountable leadership will be established in the country through an acceptable election. They should go beyond the party identity of the candidates and give importance to their personality, honesty, and past activities. They believe that first of all, a free, fair and impartial election system must be ensured so that the people can choose their true representatives. It must also be ensured that the candidates are free from corruption, dedicated to public welfare and have honest character. In addition, political stability and public security must be maintained in the country after the election. The elected government must ensure good governance and work for the economic and social development of the country. What Bangladesh will be like in the future largely depends on the results of this 13th National Parliament election. This election can open a new chapter for the nation. Respecting the thoughts and expectations of the common people, the Election Commission, political parties and all concerned must come forward to create an inclusive and festive electoral environment. The chief guest at the meeting, Naogaon University Vice Chancellor Dr. Muha. Hasanat Ali said, 'Bangladesh is standing on the threshold of a new political chapter today and the upcoming 13th National Parliament election is very important for the nation. A free, fair and acceptable election is the long-awaited expectation of the people of Bangladesh. We have seen that there have been many discussions and criticisms about elections in the past years. The main concern of the common people is that they should be able to exercise their voting rights without any hindrance and that their opinions are properly reflected. Ensuring equal opportunities for all and having trust in the Election Commission is very important. Dr. Hasanat also said, ‘This election is a huge opportunity for us to build the Bangladesh of the future. The people of the country want to see a government that will ensure good governance, build a corruption-free administration and give the highest priority to the fundamental rights of the people. The young society wants to see a developed and prosperous Bangladesh, where there will be employment opportunities, improved quality of education and political stability.

I believe that the recommendations and opinions received from this roundtable discussion will play a helpful role in organizing a fair election and fulfilling the expectations of the people.’

At the meeting, President Professor Dr. Belal Hossain said, ‘The importance of elections in a democratic state is immense. It is the constitutional right of the people to express their opinions and choose the government of their choice. Today’s discussion is a platform to bring together those thoughts and expectations of the common people. I believe that everyone's goodwill and cooperation is highly desirable in organizing a peaceful and participatory election. The recommendations that emerge from this roundtable will be helpful in further strengthening the country's electoral system and democratic process. We want the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election to instill new hope in the minds of the common people and serve as a milestone in building a developed, prosperous and stable Bangladesh.

Among others, the event was addressed by Subar Shah Lotus, Editor of Daily Duronto Sangbad, Deputy Principal, Abdus Chababur Khandaker, Acting Editor of Daily Bogra and President of Bogra Press Club Rezaul Hasan Ranu, Director of Bogra Nursing Home Dr. AHM Mushihur Rahman, Deputy Executive Director of TMSS Dr. Matiur Rahman, former vice-principal of Government Azizul Haque College Khayyam Quader, poet AK Azad, lawyer of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, and member of the central convening committee of the National Lawyers Alliance (NLA), Adv. Mehedul Hasan Swapan, poet Manju Rahman, general secretary of Bogra District Mohiladal Najma Akhter, general secretary of Petrol Pump Association Rajshahi Divisional Committee Abdul Jalil, proprietor of Padma Foods Emdadul Haque Babu, psychiatrist Dr. Bappa Azizul, Emdadul Haque, central leader of NCP Sramik Wing Dr. Sunny, journalist Union