Kbd M Alamgir Hossain :
According to the philosopher Thomas Jefferson, we do not have a government by the majority, and participation of all eligible citizens is vital to strengthening democracy and institutionalizing it. Therefore, as a citizen’s right to be a voter, it is a universal right. ” To participate in building a voting country as a voter ” – For the second time on March 2, National Voters’ Day was celebrated across the country, with great enthusiasm and joy. In the current context of the country, a day is very important for the voters.
The voting rights were first proposed in the Indian Congress in 1920. The present Bangladesh Election Commission decided to observe “National Voter’s Day” on March 13 at its 13th meeting. The cabinet decided to hold March 1 as “National Voter’s Day” on April 2 to raise awareness about the democratic elections and voting rights. National Voters’ Day was celebrated for the first time last year with the theme “Voter Hobo Vote Dibo”. This day is “Kha” category national day which hinge on several factors, including budget. On the occasion of the day BEC publishes souvenir, supplements and colorful advertisements in the daily news papers. but the government decided to observe National Insurance Day on March 01, and now it is decided to observe National Voters’ Day from March 02 this year by highlighting the theme “Voter hoye vote dibo, Desh goray ongso nibo”. This fiery march has laid the foundation of our freedom. This month was chosen in Bangladesh because of its holiness and glorious image. Bhutan is celebrating International Democracy Day as Voter Day, when India first celebrated Voter’s Day in 2011, leaving a huge gap among youth voter inclusion. Last year, during our first voter day, the much-anticipated a large number of young voters were included.
Another side, the importance of voting may be discussed in concerned meetings thus voting helps to form a country’s govt. Voting rights enable people to the right to question the govt about any issue and seek clarification. It also provides a sense of freedom to express opinion in major discussion making for the benefit of the country in a democratic nation. There is also significant observance that the best electoral practices and national awards are conferred to the officers for their exceptional performances in conducting the elections. Awards also to be given to them and media houses who have made outstanding contributions on the field of voter awareness and outreach. Participants or visitors may get thanks for strengthening voter felicitation through innovative means such as mobile registration. Election observers may praise the ECS plan to observe Voters’ Day amid hopes that this day will inspire young voters to be dedicated for the country.
Steps are taken to arrange discussion meeting in colleges, universities where there would be banners, festoons and leaflets with ensuring the presence of all the officials in a bid to create mass awareness. Side by side, religious organizations including mosque and temples could be selected and involvement of local people representatives must be ensured in awareness increasing programmes. BEC also left no stone unturned to adopt as systematic voters education programme and electoral participation strategies like essay writing, declamation competition, street plays, rallies, debates, quiz, drawing, mock, polls etc. In addition, the Election Commission has taken steps to bring electoral citizens to the forefront of democracy. The government has already identified Malaysia as a pilot country by arranging voting facilities for the expatriates with providing them national identity cards. The Commission is also providing a database to protect the interests of the expatriates. And the Election Commission has taken a collective initiative on voting for expatriates in the missions of one hundred countries. This first ejaculation is included as the third gender in the voter list. A citizens’ database of 3-year has also been created by voter registration. Organizing discussion meetings, banners, festoons and leaflets on educational institutions, rally organizing, calling through wireless, press conferences, ensuring the presence of all the officials of the upazila level will be ensured.
There may have also some other praiseworthy steps. Of them, sticking posters and impressive slogans like — “Your vote is your future”. “Hope for tomorrow, vote for tomorrow”. “Don’t feel fear, Election day is here”. “Vote is your choice, Raise your voice”. Besides, arranging smart NID card, focusing on voter registration process are important tasks. Giving away NID cards among the physically handicapped persons. Reciting electoral poems and stories. Taking steps for Voter registration for the expatriates. Displaying communal harmony among the citizens. Displaying electoral equipments and materials. Raising youth global platform at office premises with a view to fulfilling and showing SDG goals. Showing bolding against racism that hurts religious harmony in voter up-gradation lines and voting lines. Performing focus group discussions among the smart NiD card distribution teams. Establishing pavilions and various stalls in office premises for displaying electoral activities and instructing materials of electoral process.
There may have innovative ideas. To raise awareness among the people and youth about democracy, elections, voting rights, the importance of celebrating National Voters’ Day every year. Voter list updating activities can be started from National Voter’s Day. Because the update will start from this day, no separate campaign will be needed. People will know that the voting day begins on March 2 every year. This will reduce the suffering of the indigent. Special actions can be taken for the citizens of the remote hawor, grazing and mountainous regions.
Let us congratulate BEC for having steadfastly stood as a guardian and protector of the most important democratic process like it in Bangladesh. It is our belief that keeping this day in a formal manner without keeping it informality will have a positive response to the democratic culture of the country. We hope that all political parties, socio-cultural organizations of the country will play an effective role in this regard. Instead of a politics of blame, the political culture of peace, harmony, sympathy and absolute tolerance will develop. Only then democracy and development will take each other’s hands forward towards the desired goal.
(Kbd M Alamgir Hossain, District Election Officer, Moulvibazar)
