Khairul Alam: International Symposium on Democracy and Human Rights in Bangladesh: Perspectives on Pre-Election Violence was organized by the NGO ALCOP. A research paper was presented on behalf of the organization in the seminar organized in the capital on Thursday.
This paper presents the historical context of pre-election violence and its causes. That is why political parties plan violence before elections to destabilize the country.
A comparative analysis revealed the number of pre-poll violence from 2001 to the following elections. While highlighting the current state of election violence, it also highlights how far past violence can go.
The panelists emphasized the current situation of pre-election violence in Bangladesh. They expressed concern about the safety of the common people as well as the minorities during the elections.
In the seminar, they urged the political parties, the Election Commission, and the government to take measures to ensure equal status and security for all the people of Bangladesh, and urged all sections to take appropriate measures to prevent all forms of violence before elections.
Professor Dr. Mizanur Rahman, President of ALCOP and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh, delivered the welcome speech at the seminar.
Dr. Mark Jackson and Professor at Bristol University, Paolo Casaca of Belgium, Founder and Executive Director of the “South Asia Democratic Forum” and Member of the European Parliament and Dutch Economist Dr. William van der Willem van Der, Expert in Economic Development and Member of the South Asia Democratic Forum The guest participated as the designated discussant of the session.