Self-criticism from civil society and media is necessary to resolve country's democratic crisis, not just blaming government, said speakers at the closing session of the two-day First International Interdisciplinary World Democracy Congress on Tuesday.
Event, organised by Political and Policy Science Research Foundation (PPSRF), concluded at 9 PM in Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of Dhaka University's Social Science Building.
Speakers stressed that reform, consensus and accountability rather than elections alone can sustain democracy.
Conference convener Professor Kazi Mohammad Mahbobor Rahman, who chairs PPSRF and Professor of department of political science at Dhaka University, opened the session by expressing condolences for former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's passing.
Prayers were led by Professor Tarek Fazal from Rajshahi University's Political Science Department.
Keynote speaker Professor Rounaq Jahan, a noted political scientist, emphasised that her political values stem from grassroots observations. She said listening to people taught her which theoretical ideas work in practice and which do not.
"The most urgent need now is self-reflection by all stakeholders," Professor Jahan said.
She questioned why Bangladesh experiences brief progress followed by setbacks and urged examining each actor's role in these failures.
She identified constantly blaming others, spreading conspiracy theories and refusing criticism as major problems.
Political parties especially must engage in serious self-criticism, she stressed.
Morning and afternoon feature sessions heard from Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University and Professor ASM Amanullah, Vice-Chancellor of National University.
The closing session included former Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman, SUJAN founding editor Badiul Alam Majumdar, Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman and Norwegian Ambassador Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen.
Majumdar said civil society and media must assess their roles alongside government accountability.
He noted that misuse of state power has damaged democratic values. Reform, consensus and accountability matter more than merely holding elections, he argued.
Matiur Rahman described democracy in Bangladesh as deeply troubled. Newspapers and civil society once formed strong democratic pillars but now face attacks and pressure. Independent media endure repeated repression and violence, threatening democracy.
Youth and student movements raised hopes for change, but lack of leadership and organisation risks wasting that potential, Rahman said.
Strong institutions, active civil society and credible elections are necessary to preserve democracy. The struggle for tolerant and participatory democracy must continue despite obstacles.
Professor Mahbobor Rahman thanked participants for making the congress successful.
He said insights from thinkers, policymakers and researchers from different countries enriched democracy discussions. Bangladesh currently passes through a crucial democratic transition requiring international cooperation, particularly with countries like Norway that uphold democratic values strongly.
He added that PPSRF commits to working with organisations like SUJAN on democracy, accountability and citizen participation. Sustainable democracy requires combined efforts from state, civil society and international partners.
Former Attorney General Asaduzzaman invoked martyrs from past movements as inspiration.
Recent victims of crossfire, enforced disappearances and shootings also stir national conscience, he said.
Bangladesh can only be built by honouring these sacrifices and staying committed to democracy, he stressed. Otherwise the present generation faces accountability to future ones.
He envisioned a Bangladesh where justice and tolerance protect free expression, not violence, and where minority persecution and extrajudicial killings have no place.
Conference began Monday at the same venue. Vice-chancellors, professors, civil society representatives and media editors participated as speakers and discussants. Organisers selected 67 papers from nearly 165 submissions.
Representatives from about 20 countries participated online whilst scholars from approximately 35 countries expressed interest.
At Monday's inaugural session, DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan said democracy is an ongoing process, not a final destination. Uncertainty is inevitable but sustainability requires patience and tolerance.
Strategic partners included International Political Science Association research committees, Bangladesh Social Science Research Council, Bangladesh Political Science Association, Shadow Reforms Commission, Shadow National Consensus Commission and The Young Learners Study Center.
NRE/SH
