TIB sees no alternative to a ‘yes’ victory in referendum

The anti-graft watchdog has urged parties to clarify their referendum stance in manifestos

Transparency International Bangladesh has demanded that the parliamentary polls be “fair” to ensure continued state reforms, aiming to build a country “free of discrimination” with an “effective democratic system”, in light of the July Charter.

In a statement issued on Monday, the anti-graft watchdog also urged parties to clarify their position on the referendum in election manifestos.

“There is no alternative to ‘yes’ victory in the referendum,” the statement sent by the TIB said.

The statement urged parties not to forget about the recommendations made on women, labour, media, health and local government by different commissions. It said these recommendations were not included in the Charter but were discussed in the National Consensus Commission.

“In the election, it is the responsibility of the interim government to take steps to bid farewell to authoritarianism and create an effective environment for fulfilling the public’s expectation of free and uninhibited expression of opinion,” the statement read.

TIB also called on the interim government to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.

“The unity forged across nationality, religion and ethnicity during the anti-authoritarian and anti-discrimination movement must be preserved in building a well-governed and non-communal Bangladesh. In the 13th parliamentary election, political parties must reflect in their manifestos their commitment to the inclusion of marginalised communities,” it added.

It also urged the government to scale up measures to identify, confiscate and repatriate assets laundered overseas.