Exercise your voting right

While exchanging Christmas greetings with the Christian community at his official residence, President Abdul Hamid called upon all to exercise their voting rights to keep developing and continue the democratic trend of the country. Very much in tuned with his call, we also believe, Bangladesh is a country of peace and prosperity based on democratic foundations. The relentless labour and continuous efforts of everyone, irrespective of religion and caste, is behind it.  Moreover, it is important for every citizen to play their respective roles to ensure proper functioning of democracy; therefore all should contribute to elect a government based on a valid public mandate by exercising their voting right. Voting and democracy are two sides of the same coin and cannot be separated.

As Election Day keeps knocking at our doors, we must all unite to let our voice and opinions heard. Voters play a crucial role in shaping the future of the country by actively participating in general elections.  It is a basic process that keeps a nation's governmental system functioning. It enables the citizens to choose their own government. The purpose of every government is to develop and implement various policies for the benefit of its citizens.

Given the nature of our government, every five years we have to vote in electing the most appropriate of representatives' at the parliament. And if we deliberately refrain from casting our votes we, in fact, do more harm to the democratic system of governance. Deciding not to vote out of grievances against the party in power can have serious negative effects on the political outcome, especially in general elections of a country. That said - by not voting we also reject past struggles and sacrifices made to restore democracy in the country.

Understandably, many of us may not be contended and have disagreements with the party in power, many may refrain from casting votes fearing their vote not to be counted, but these petty suspicions must not prevail over a responsible citizen's thoughts. During the 10th JS polls in 2014, much of the nation stayed away from casting their votes in the absence of the chief opposition party, but needs be remembered, the party is elected by the people.

And if the party, whether AL or BNP, do not politically act responsibly, people can hold them accountable for their reckless political actions.  Finally, Right to vote energizes social awareness since it empowers political cooperation. We must not mix emotion in our social and citizens' responsibilities, and act rationally in terms of electing our public representatives at the parliament.  Your vote matters.