Democracy is not possible without judiciary independence: Ali Riaz

Prof Ali Riaz, vice president of the National Consensus Commission, said today that democracy is not possible without ensuring independence of the judiciary while the executive branch retains absolute power.

He made this remark while addressing a discussion at the International Institute of Mother Language in the capital this afternoon.

The discussion was organised around seven proposals for reforming the country's democratic structure, presented by Citizens' Coalition for Constitutional Reform.

Saying that efforts are underway to establish a republic in Bangladesh, Prof Riaz said, "An attempt is being made to build a new state out of responsibility towards those who were martyred and injured in the July movement. However, the future of Bangladesh cannot be built solely by looking at the current situation."

He further said, "There was no constitutional barrier to Sheikh Hasina's dominance within the constitution. Authoritarianism was established constitutionally."

Prof Riaz added, "The upper house should have the responsibility of monitoring. If more power is given, it could create a conflicting stance with the lower house."

He also noted that political parties are showing sincerity in drafting a national charter.