Democracy’s sustainability hinges on the eradication of discrimination, emphasized by prominent political and legal experts and civil society leaders. SR Osmani, a Development Economics professor at the University of Ulster, highlighted that failure to address discrimination could jeopardize democracy’s future by undermining the resilience of established institutions. Speaking at an event on anti-discriminatory law organized by the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, Osmani underscored the risk of democratic erosion due to institutional barriers that may not endure over time.
Osmani pointed out historical instances where institutions crumbled due to partisan and personal interests, emphasizing the pivotal role of individuals in safeguarding democratic principles. He stressed that societal disparities, starting with socio-economic gaps, translate into unequal political influence, posing a threat to democracy and development if left unchecked.
The escalation of discrimination not only impedes justice and reform but also poses a grave risk to democratic ideals and progress. Despite facing discrimination, marginalized groups overwhelmingly express a preference for democracy over autocracy. However, sustained discrimination can diminish their faith in democratic processes, leading to disillusionment and disengagement from civic participation.
Debapriya Bhattacharya, the convener of the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, emphasized that combating discrimination is crucial for upholding citizens’ rights and fostering meaningful political engagement. He urged the interim government to enact anti-discrimination legislation promptly, calling on political parties to prioritize its inclusion in their agendas for parliamentary approval.
Shaheen Anam, the executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, highlighted efforts to draft an anti-discrimination law since 2013 to address various forms of societal bias based on caste, creed, ethnicity, and gender. Despite the Cabinet’s approval of a draft law in 2022, its passage stalled in the standing committee, delaying the realization of a non-discriminatory society envisioned during the Liberation War and the July uprising.
Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman reiterated the constitutional principle of equality for all citizens, cautioning against divisive narratives fueled by religious and political discrimination. He called for transcending entrenched divisions and biases to break free from the destructive cycle of politicized social structures, advocating for a more inclusive and harmonious society.