Bangladesh News

Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon has said the next government should uphold the democratic character of politics, shunning its confrontational nature.

“Confrontational politics, as we have seen, never goes forward. It rather hinders economy and affects social relationship,” Menon said in an exclusive interview with The Daily Star.

About the dialogue between Awami League President Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia he said political leaders should sit together in times of crisis and if the two top leaders sit together, that will bring some results.

He also said mutual understanding could be strengthened through the election, elected parliament and its effective functioning.

Menon said the anti-corruption drive was not conducted with due transparency and accountability and corruption has now shifted to institutions from politics because of the drive.

The veteran politician said although some reforms have been made in the Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission and Public Service Commission, the much-needed reform was not brought to the administration.

Menon criticised the government for showing “serious lacking” in running the administration.

During this government’s tenure 40 lakh people have become unemployed and homeless while another 14 lakh gone below the poverty line because of price hike of essentials, he said.

Menon demanded that the upazila elections be held at least one month after the parliamentary polls because voters would be confused if both the elections are held simultaneously.