Opposition could form shadow cabinet to strengthen democracy: Deputy Speaker

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal has said that the opposition could form a shadow cabinet modelled on the Westminster system to strengthen parliamentary democracy and ensure greater accountability of the executive branch.

He stressed that both the ruling party and the opposition must play their respective roles responsibly to make parliament effective and prevent the country from going off course again.

The Deputy Speaker made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest at the autumn festival and reception programme for the 31st batch of students at the Institute of Education and Research (IER) of Dhaka University on Tuesday (13 October). Prof Hosne Ara Begum presided over the event.

Explaining the potential role of a shadow cabinet, Kaiser Kamal said that it could review government policies, Cabinet activities and various decisions, identify shortcomings and present alternative proposals. Such a mechanism could also create greater scope for parliamentary scrutiny and accountability.

He also called for effective reforms and stronger accountability across state institutions to ensure that public services meet people's expectations.

Referring to the importance of protecting democratic achievements and civil liberties, he said that freedom of speech, freedom of expression and fundamental rights must be ensured in a democratic state.

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He recalled the historical role of Dhaka University students in the country's democratic struggles and said that they had played a leading role in the Language Movement, the Liberation War and anti-autocracy movements.

Referring to the anti-fascist movement led by the students, he said that the country had achieved a new beginning through the movement and called for unity to protect those gains. “Will we lose the spring again? We do not want the spring to disappear from the country again,” he said, urging people to work together to safeguard the country's democratic future.

The deputy speaker also said that nation-building could not be the responsibility of any government alone. Every responsible citizen must contribute from their respective positions.

He called upon the students not to limit their university lives to earning degrees but to develop their intellectual abilities, ethics, research skills and sense of responsibility. He said that they would emerge as future teachers, researchers, civil servants, diplomats, judges, journalists, writers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and national leaders.