Preconditions for good governance
To make democracy work in any country, certain conditions are to be fulfilled. These are:- 1) sound system of education, 2) enlightened citizenship, 3) political awakening, 4) freedom, 5) equality, 6) maintenance of law and order, 7) spirit of co-operation, 8) decentralisation of power and local government, 9) high morality, 10) social and economic security, 11) tolerance and spirit of unity, 12) sound party system, 13) written constitution and independence of the judiciary, 14) independent, impartial, 15) periodical elections, and political security, good administration, economic prosperity and wise leadership.
However, these are not enough if the government does not take initiative.
Abdullah Akber
Dhaka
Indian model of legislature suits democracy
In our country, the central legislature is called the Parliament, which has one House: The Jatiya Sangsad. It comprises of: (a) 300 directly elected members and (b) 50 reserved seats for the women ie, 350 members in total. In almost all the countries, legislatures are available for making laws. Some countries have One House. The one house Parliament is called unicameral, while the Two-House Parliament is called bicameral.
Both the systems have merits and demerits. Countries, where there is One House, the party in power having majority seats in the Parliament controls both the executive and the legislature. But in countries, where there are two houses, the party in power may not command majority in both the houses. Currently, India is the best example of it. In that case, there is lesser possibility of becoming despotic for the government.
Political philosopher J. S. Mill admitted, a second chamber serves an important purpose as a check upon legislative despotism. Lord Acton has said, “For the protection of freedom, second chamber is necessary.” It serves as a check upon hasty, rash and ill-considered legislation. India’s government is bicameral. Rajya Sabha is the Upper House and Lok Sabha is the Lower House. The two houses meet in separate chambers in the Sangsad Bhavan in New Delhi. The MPs of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people and the MPs of Rajya Sabha are elected by the members of the State Legislative Assemblies, in accordance with proportional representation.
May we request the government to consider the Indian model?
Ameer Hamzah
Dhaka
