Bangladesh Election
Muyeedul Hasan writes:
Muyeedul Hasan writes:
1. In order to find an honourable way-out from the current political deadlock
and to avoid the impending long-term damage to the nation, the top leadership
of both the major parties (alliances) and the head of the caretaker government
could perhaps agree about a few specific arrangements, for holding fair and
transparent poll, in addition to the existing.
2. A format of additional arrangements for holding fair poll could be as follows:
(a) Publish the entire electoral list on web page without any delay, take specific
steps to verify/amend it as required, and keep it uploaded for subsequent
corrections;
(b) Make fool-
(c) Install CC TV cameras for monitoring situation within and around the
polling centers;
(d) Digital counting of votes.
3. Identify the areas where (b), (c) and (d) can be put in place within next 8 to 10
weeks from the date of announcement by the head of caretaker government about
the agreement by the major parties (alliances).
Views on this proposal are invited.
11 November, 2006.
Post your views, write to us admin@profile-bengal.com
Riaz Hasan on way out
12 November, 06
A. The publication of the entire voters list in the web page will help a group
of people to check thier names that also in the urban cities only. We dont
have internet facilities every where. HOW ABOUT getting a voluteer group
coposing of people from all spheres of life under a certain organisation to
carry out a crash verification programme. The places where the elegation
is more such places can have detailed checking. This will need minimum
15 days to organise and another 15 days of 24 hour work. That is one way
I can think of at present.
B. A fool proof identity card for city dwellers may be it can be done but how
I dont know. The need of another organisation is required which will work
along with the people as proposed in A. What type of identity cards? I think
one with photographs using poloroid cameras which take 4 passport size
photographs at a time can be used. Do we have the tiome to order a few
thousands of these? The UN uses it in the mission areas. The shopping mall
product code can be arranged.
C. CCTV can be used in alimited way. Better use aerial petrols so that
situations can be checked and brought under control quickly. We may hire
additional helicopters for this purpose.
D. I dont think we have the tech know how or can arrange the equipment
so quickly.
I would suggest that if we really want a fair and free elections we need a lot of
CORRECTIVE work to be completed in a very short time. Do we have the
organisational capability to do it? I will say yes. BUT somebody has to be given
the full responsibility and to be TRUSTED. Will our waring parties agree to that?
WHATERVER needs to be done CAN it be done in this short time?
For the better of the country and to keep the DEMOCRATIC process functioning
some more time is requiring (about 15 additional days). I dont know whether it is
ALLOWED in the system.
RIAZ
12 November, 06
A. The publication of the entire voters list in the web page will help a group
of people to check thier names that also in the urban cities only. We dont
have internet facilities every where. HOW ABOUT getting a voluteer group
coposing of people from all spheres of life under a certain organisation to
carry out a crash verification programme. The places where the elegation
is more such places can have detailed checking. This will need minimum
15 days to organise and another 15 days of 24 hour work. That is one way
I can think of at present.
B. A fool proof identity card for city dwellers may be it can be done but how
I dont know. The need of another organisation is required which will work
along with the people as proposed in A. What type of identity cards? I think
one with photographs using poloroid cameras which take 4 passport size
photographs at a time can be used. Do we have the tiome to order a few
thousands of these? The UN uses it in the mission areas. The shopping mall
product code can be arranged.
C. CCTV can be used in alimited way. Better use aerial petrols so that
situations can be checked and brought under control quickly. We may hire
additional helicopters for this purpose.
D. I dont think we have the tech know how or can arrange the equipment
so quickly.
I would suggest that if we really want a fair and free elections we need a lot of
CORRECTIVE work to be completed in a very short time. Do we have the
organisational capability to do it? I will say yes. BUT somebody has to be given
the full responsibility and to be TRUSTED. Will our waring parties agree to that?
WHATERVER needs to be done CAN it be done in this short time?
For the better of the country and to keep the DEMOCRATIC process functioning
some more time is requiring (about 15 additional days). I dont know whether it is
ALLOWED in the system.
RIAZ
Muyeedul Hasan to Riaz
15 November, 06
I am glad that you responded with a number of specific points, which may help
the proposal to turn into an actionable plan, if so required.
the proposal to turn into an actionable plan, if so required.
A. True the internet facilities are not available everywhere, but print-outs for
various constituencies can be made from nearest facilities by interested parties,
candidates and individuals, apart from EC's own distribution arrangements.
Major problems would arise on verification and correction, despite suggested
'crash verification programme'. Can you please rethink to withstand rival claims
for correction and yet complete the job within 3 weeks? This is the core of the
problem.
B. It would be citizen's ID card – giving name, age, parents' names, age, address,
two photographs, finger prints, and a bar code securitized to meet the need for
coming election, (total about 120 kb), for max 25% of voters, is not, in my opinion,
is unachievable target.
C. CCTV – two per polling center – should not be that difficult to procure and,
I think, it's the second important thing after voters list.,
D. It can follow and match the figure B.
Yes, 15 days time extension is ok.
The main objective, at this stage, is to draw attention of the readers ('Prothom Alo'
has posted that piece today) that a sane and nonviolent option is still available. To
draw others to join the discussion, I feel like opening a blog on the web page, I started
building: www.profile-bengal.com . What is your view?
The main objective, at this stage, is to draw attention of the readers ('Prothom Alo'
has posted that piece today) that a sane and nonviolent option is still available. To
draw others to join the discussion, I feel like opening a blog on the web page, I started
building: www.profile-
Muyeed
From Seikh Tuhin :
I've read your opinion in the Current Affairs section. They are all fine and can
permanently close the debate on vote robbery. The national ID is very important,
and no government is interested to imply this, because there will be no chance of
vote theft in that case.
CCTV and digital vote counting are fine options, but we have to think about the cost too.
CCTV and digital vote counting are fine options, but we have to think about the cost too.
and I think the government can give the excuse that we do not have enough man power
and time to do that. but if we think about the future prospects, then we must go for the
National ID card system. I remember that this project was once began around 8-10 years ago
and a big amount of money was spent after that. but the project was cancelled later, and
we can assume that it was for the benefit of the politicians
Thank you.
Sheikh Tuhin,
Under the Union Jack,
Sheikh Tuhin,
Under the Union Jack,
Ex-Sub Editor : Daily Jai Jai Din.
[ http://www.geocities.com/sheikhtuhin]
[
Munir Zaman writes
14th November, 06
muyeed,
I have read your points. my immediate reactions are sa follows:
1)the extent to which the present dispute, violent dispute, stems from the
personality factor of the CEC, his possible bias etc. any step towards
depersonalising the issues,like genuineness of the voter being assured
through authentic photographs,computerisation of the voters' list and
digital counting of votes should be seen as a package of major steps
forward. Introduction of technical means reduces significantly the chances
of human failings.
2) Questions may be raised as to whether, given the limited time, a
sufficient number of trained manpower can be made available for the purpose.
Lack of knowledge about the domestic capacity and the number of firms in the
country capable of doing the job may be at the root of such doubts.
A short list of firms, chosen through a transparent procdure,should be
prepared.
3) In the event, doubts about domestic capacity arise, expatriate firms with
specific mandate, may have to be hired to assist the domestic firms. the US
or EC may be interested in funding the expatriates' costs
14th November, 06
muyeed,
I have read your points. my immediate reactions are sa follows:
1)the extent to which the present dispute, violent dispute, stems from the
personality factor of the CEC, his possible bias etc. any step towards
depersonalising the issues,like genuineness of the voter being assured
through authentic photographs,computerisation of the voters' list and
digital counting of votes should be seen as a package of major steps
forward. Introduction of technical means reduces significantly the chances
of human failings.
2) Questions may be raised as to whether, given the limited time, a
sufficient number of trained manpower can be made available for the purpose.
Lack of knowledge about the domestic capacity and the number of firms in the
country capable of doing the job may be at the root of such doubts.
A short list of firms, chosen through a transparent procdure,should be
prepared.
3) In the event, doubts about domestic capacity arise, expatriate firms with
specific mandate, may have to be hired to assist the domestic firms. the US
or EC may be interested in funding the expatriates' costs
Majeed Khan writes
12 November, 06
It is an interesting proposal. But with my knowledge of IT, I am unable to make
a real comment. However, your proposal is partial for the job on hand. Urban
population is mere 15-18 percent of the total.
What is most seriously lacking in the proposal of free and transparent election
is the trust between the alliances. The second point is that BNP can not concede
a change in the EC without the fear of loosing the up-coming election even before
it has gone to the poll. The others believe that BNP while in power had set up the
administration including the Caretaker Government to win the next election.
Given your IT proposal, the further is for the CA & CG to shake off the spell of
any parties' affiliation, win confidence within CG and ramrod the administration
to deliver a fair poll.
Thank you for your mail. The whole nation including us two are deeply concerned.
Majeed Khan
12 November, 06
It is an interesting proposal. But with my knowledge of IT, I am unable to make
a real comment. However, your proposal is partial for the job on hand. Urban
population is mere 15-
What is most seriously lacking in the proposal of free and transparent election
is the trust between the alliances. The second point is that BNP can not concede
a change in the EC without the fear of loosing the up-
it has gone to the poll. The others believe that BNP while in power had set up the
administration including the Caretaker Government to win the next election.
Given your IT proposal, the further is for the CA & CG to shake off the spell of
any parties' affiliation, win confidence within CG and ramrod the administration
to deliver a fair poll.
Thank you for your mail. The whole nation including us two are deeply concerned.
Majeed Khan
Mohiuddin Ahmed writes
11th November 2006
Dear All
In midst of the ongoing political turmoil, I received a mail from Mr. Muyeedul Hasan
author of "Mooldhara Ekattor" and other books. I am forwarding the mail to you for
your comments. The mail address of Mr. Muyeedul Hasan is
<muyeedul.hasan@gmail.com>.
With good wishes
Mohiuddin Ahmed
Managing Director
11th November 2006
Dear All
In midst of the ongoing political turmoil, I received a mail from Mr. Muyeedul Hasan
author of "Mooldhara Ekattor" and other books. I am forwarding the mail to you for
your comments. The mail address of Mr. Muyeedul Hasan is
<muyeedul.hasan@gmail.com>.
With good wishes
Mohiuddin Ahmed
Managing Director
Shahjahan Kabir writes
11 November 2006
Dear Mr Mohiuddin,
Acknowledge with thanks.
The proposals have some merit. However, time is the essence at this current
happening. The same proposal if forwarded to the concerned parties on time
could have made some positive impact in shaping their decisions. However,
at this dying hour the issues (injecting saline?) may not serve its purpose
(save the collapsing situation).
Further, the critical issue of a fair election is not only dependent on a correct
voter list, it also needs to ensure that the votes find their way into the ballot box
properly (not partly missing or replaced) and of course counted properly
(no amount of protest can make any difference to the predetermined election
officers) etc etc. All these I am saying from my past experiences.
I had some experiences to be associated with the computerization of voter list
and photo identification project. I can summarize by one comment, not realistic
to use it properly within this time constraint.
With best regards.
Shahjahan Kabir
11 November 2006
Dear Mr Mohiuddin,
Acknowledge with thanks.
The proposals have some merit. However, time is the essence at this current
happening. The same proposal if forwarded to the concerned parties on time
could have made some positive impact in shaping their decisions. However,
at this dying hour the issues (injecting saline?) may not serve its purpose
(save the collapsing situation).
Further, the critical issue of a fair election is not only dependent on a correct
voter list, it also needs to ensure that the votes find their way into the ballot box
properly (not partly missing or replaced) and of course counted properly
(no amount of protest can make any difference to the predetermined election
officers) etc etc. All these I am saying from my past experiences.
I had some experiences to be associated with the computerization of voter list
and photo identification project. I can summarize by one comment, not realistic
to use it properly within this time constraint.
With best regards.
Shahjahan Kabir