Photo: BSS

 
RANGPUR, Nov 30, 2025 (BSS) – The youth of the country have given a message of change through the 2024 July uprising. Without a change in political culture, democratic transformation through elections alone and prevention of fascist rule are not possible.
 
Representatives of civil society, students, teachers, lawyers, journalists, cultural activists, professionals and political leaders made the observation while participating in a round table discussion.
 
The district and metropolitan units of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) jointly organised the event titled ‘Fair Elections and Democratic Transition: Citizens Thoughts’ held at a local hotel in the city on Sunday afternoon. 
 
SUJAN Rangpur district committee President Principal Khandaker Fakhrul Anam Benju presided over the event moderated by its Rangpur metropolitan committee’s Publicity and Publication Secretary Farhaduzzaman Faruk.
 
General Secretary of SUJAN Rangpur district committee Nasima Amin presented the concept paper. 
 
SUJAN Rangpur Metropolitan President Advocate Jobaidul Islam Bullet, General Secretary Sajjad Haider Swadhin, The Hunger Project’s Rangpur Regional Coordinator Rajesh Dey, District Corruption Prevention Committee President Dr Nasima Akter, women's organizer Monjushree Saha, local journalists, among others spoke.
 
The participants expressed their fear that if a crisis of political consensus and trust arises in fair elections and democratic transition, there will be a possibility of the old system of governance again in the country. 
 
A new constitutional framework acceptable to all is needed, based on which the future Bangladesh will be a developed and discrimination-free country, where accountability and public welfare will be ensured to prevent authoritarian systems.
 
The speakers said that there is no alternative to an aware and organized civil society to sustain democracy. 
 
The cooperation of political parties, institutionalisation of all constitutional organisations and neutral role of the Election Commission and the administrations are important in ensuring a fair election environment. 
 
They expressed opinions on issues like establishing democracy and good governance, reforms, prosecuting human rights violators, fair elections, modernizing the constitution and maintaining the balance of power. 
 
In addition, the participants placed special emphasis on changing the existing political culture and economic system and making administrative reforms and combating corruption. 
 
At that time, young voters desired to work by embracing the great liberation war of 1971 and student-people mass uprising in July-August 2024 so that Bangladesh moves forward by reflecting the aspirations of the people.