While addressing the inaugural ceremony of 'Programmes of Mujib Borsho' on Sunday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rightly said that a strong opposition in the country is a must to make democracy work for people.
The premier also asserted that the present opposition parties in Parliament could not attain the confidence and trust of people at their desired level due to the lack of leadership.
Existence of opposition as a critic of government is the bedrock of a democratic system. Opposition should play an important role in parliamentary democracy for smooth running of the government. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina always welcomes the criticism of the government from the opposition saying that it is crucial in democracy.
Dissent and criticism are essential to democracy but
criticism has to be constructive and importantly, should
not be the tool to spread propaganda and hatred
Recalling her days as opposition leader in the House when they had faced a lot of problems in speaking up for people, the premier said that public representatives can speak for people in Parliament and her party will not create any barrier to this end.
Dissent and criticism are essential to democracy but the criticism has to be constructive, plausible and importantly, should not be the tool to spread propaganda and hatred.
It needs no emphasising that in a functional democracy, the stronger the opposition is the more the accountability of government will be ensured. Opposition has the right to question the government's activities and get those answered by representatives of the government. A prudent and strong role of opposition is a must for putting pressure on the government and getting works done through them.
We, therefore, hope the opposition will play its due role in criticizing the role of the ruling party so that the government can act accordingly to ensure good governance.
