Dhaka, Aug 20 (V7N)– Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Md Nurul Islam Moni today stressed the need to restore democratic culture and political harmony in the country beyond the victory or defeat in the presidential election, saying through free voting and acceptance of results, that culture has started to return.

"For the past 17 years, people have forgotten how to vote. The very idea that democracy is established through voting had also faded from people's minds. Through free voting, acceptance of election results, and exchange of greetings between the victorious and defeated candidates, that democratic culture has started to return," he said while briefing journalists at the Media Centre of the Jatiya Sangsad after the presidential election. Whip Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu was present.

He said BNP and alliance candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir secured 255 votes, while opposition candidate Col (Retd) Oli Ahmad received 88 votes. A total of six members could not cast their votes or abstained from voting, he added.

The Chief Whip said people must be assured that there would always be a smooth transition of power in the country and that such confidence must be built among the people. "At the same time, we have to create an inclusive political environment by moving forward together," he said.

Nurul Islam Moni said the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition congratulated each other and exchanged greetings after casting their votes. The Leader of the Opposition congratulated the newly elected President, while defeated candidate Dr Col (Retd) Oli Ahmad also congratulated the winner, he added. "Such political harmony had almost disappeared from Bangladesh's politics. Now that culture has started to return," he said.

Calling for democracy to be placed at the centre of all activities, the Chief Whip said development was not possible without a democratic government. "If democracy does not exist, it will not be possible to create the desired path for future generations," he said.

"We seek everyone's cooperation in building democracy. The government and opposition jointly took many important decisions in parliament. The decision taken today is also extremely important for establishing democracy and ensuring the country's development," he said.

Highlighting the role of the media, the Chief Whip urged journalists to contribute to strengthening democracy and sustaining development through their reporting. "Let your pen help establish democracy in this country. Let your pen help sustain development. If your pen contributes to the progress of the country, we will consider ourselves successful," he said.

Regarding the presidential election results, he said the election gazette would be published today and the newly elected President would take oath at Bangabhaban at 7:30pm tomorrow.

Responding to a question about Article 70 of the Constitution, the Chief Whip said there had been discussions that Article 70 was hindering the practice of democracy in parliament. "However, the present government, the Election Commission, the voter list, delimitation of constituencies, the election and the oath-taking of members of parliament—all have taken place under the existing Constitution. Therefore, Article 70 is also part of the present constitutional framework," he said.

He said the government would take initiatives to amend the Constitution where necessary in consultation with the opposition parties. He expressed hope that the government and opposition would work together to ensure a free, fair and credible election in the future without the limitations imposed by Article 70.

"The government and opposition, Insha Allah, will work together to ensure that the next election is free, fair and credible and that Article 70 does not remain," he said.

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