Bali Democracy Forum and Bangladesh Prime Minister

Masum Billah: Fourth Bali Democracy Forum meeting was held inBalion 8 and 9 December.  It is an important platform for dialogue among Asian governments seeking to promote democracy through their own self-motivated efforts. The need for effective  democratic  participation in the global  discourse on the challenges brought by merging world’s has forged close interstate cooperation through  regional , multi lateral and international forums.Indonesiastarted the first Bali Democracy Forum on 10-11 December 2008 in Bali withAustraliaas the Co-Chair. The theme of the 2008’s forum was ‘Building and consolidating Democracy: A Strategic Agenda forAsia.  The four Head of states or government, namely the Sultan of Brunei Darusslam, the prime minter ofAustralia, the Prime Minster of Timor Lester and the President  of theRepublicofIndonesiaparticipated in the first forum meeting.  It set six goals and objectives focusing on initiating a learning and sharing process among countries inAsiaas a strategy towards the maintenance of peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.

Democracy does not only mean election. Rather it is just a tool of democracy. Though we adore democracy, expect democracy, try to establish democracy and live in democracy (?) we have serious questions about it. Democracy teaches us to listen to all voices but do we listen? It suggests changing the government without violence, can we follow it? Transitions from one government to another should be peaceful. Can we experience it? Democracies make well-considered decisions by allowing people to openly discuss their interests. Does it really happen in reality? “Without development and economic growth, there is no progress in democracy  and without  progress in democracy , neither individual happiness nor national  prosperity  can be complete. There is indeed no end to the process of democracy, and therefore we need to continue our relentless  efforts.” –Prime Minister, Hatoyma.

The theme of this year’s Bali Democracy  Forum is ‘” Enhancing  Democratic Participation  in a Changing World: Responding to Democratic Voices. Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the co-chair of the Forum. She expressed that she believes that only democracy empower people, ensure progress and development and establish an impartial system of justice. But the existing practice of political games in the country shows the utter disregard of public opinion. None but the staunch supporters of the party in government wanted the DCC divided. It has been divided showing thumbs to the public will and desire. So, the words she utters in the international forums seem paradoxical. Referring to her resolution” Peoples’ empowerment introduced  in the 66^th  UNGA  session this year for adoption, she said it reaffirmed  that all people  be treated  equal, emphasizing  the scope  of human  potential  that can be realized  through peace and democracy.”Globalization is not only connecting nations and peoples closer but also forging global economic interdependence and increasing labour migration flows. She said beyond the positive aspects of globalization also come the negative including climate change, ethnic conflicts and human rights violations, human trafficking, terrorism and fresh water disputes. Globalization also released the forces of democracy and freedom driven by the will of the majority to all parts of the world, uprooting oppressive regimes and replacing them with democratic ones. Yes, these facts she has rightly identified.

Referring toBangladesh’s commitment to democracy  Hasina said, “ Our commitment to nurturing democracy worldwide is reflected  by our position and activities in all international organizations and forums includingNAM, Commonwealth, D-8, BIMSTEC, SAARC.” Once again we must say being the members of some international organizations or bodies do not ensure the real practice of democracy and sharing the fruits of democracy among the commoners and dissents. Some actions of the government make us really puzzled to differentiate the role of autocracy and democracy. The spirit and ideal of democracy sleep  in most counties’ documents, not in reality. In the name of democracy leaders participate in big shows, seminars, symposiums and conferences. However, the lot of the general people hardly sees an iota of change let alone the change will be seen by the neglected sections. To present something in an international seminar reading the paper or using power-point and the practice of democracy in practical shows miles apart different.

In spite of these phenomena consolidating the base of democracy and reaching its fruit to the people efforts have been going on in countries and some leaders really strive to make it happen.Indonesiadeserves thanks  for giving  thoughts on democratizing democracy. They launched the starting in 2008. This year  Sultan Hasanul Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, Sri Lankan President Mahindra Rajapaksha,  Oata’s Prime Minsier  Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabar Al Thani, president Kay Rala Xanana Gusamo of Democratic Republic of Timor Leste,Philippinesvice-president  Jejomar Binay andTurkey’s Deputy Prime Minsiter Bulenyt Arice attended the forum meeting. It means  the importance of the forum  among the countries  in this region, in sharing  constructive  views and lessons from democracy itself is increasing.  Besides being attended by nine heads of state and government, the forum this time is also attended by 24 ministers with the overall participation involving 82 countries  compared to 39 last year. This year’s  theme involves  detailed debate on two matters-namely the country’s capability  in responding  positively to the demand of democracy and how to ensure  the existence of democratic  space for public participation. To establish a sound democratic culture both the points call for due attention. World leaders must conform to these phenomena.

[Masum Billah-Program Manager: BRAC Education Program and Vice-President: Bangladesh English Language Teachers’ Association ( BELTA),Cell: 01714-091431

Email: [email protected] ]