The ‘Nagarik Committee 2006’, a platform of a group of civil society members, Sunday said it is not going to get involved in politics as a party, but did not clarify as to what its role would be in the next general elections.

‘We, the civil society, do not have any desire to take part in politics, but want to mount pressure from outside and ensure a transparent, fair and corruption-free political process,’ Debapriya Bhattacharya, member secretary to the committee, told a press briefing.

Debapriya, also executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, avoided directly answering whether the committee would participate in the elections or be part of the Caretaker Government.

Instead, he focused on the importance of finding qualified candidates for the next general elections. ‘The matter of qualified candidates has become a national demand and people will ultimately decide who are qualified and who are not,’ he said.

Briefing journalists, Debapriya explained the background, aims, objectives and plans regarding the committee’s next course of action. The Nagarik Committee was formed with Rehman Sobhan at its head on March 20, following a dialogue organised by the Centre for Policy Dialogue, the Daily Star and the Prothom Alo. The committee’s first meeting was held on Saturday to discuss activities and a realistic vision statement.

In a written statement, Debapriya himself raised several questions. These included whether the committee should enter politics through the general elections; acceptable funding methods; and if an apolitical solution could sort out the current political impasse.

He said the civil society platform did not accept foreign donations. ‘We have not taken any donations in implementing this programme. So far, we have spent from the funds of the Centre for Policy Dialogue and other associates. However, we will accept any assistance from other local individuals, institutions and expatriate Bangladeshis.’

As to whether the civil society group would put forward candidates in the next elections, Debapriya said the Nagarik Committee has been deliberating on how a qualified candidate could be elected.

He stressed on the need for full implementation of a High Court order of May 2005 that directed the Election Commission to collect information like a candidate’s educational qualification, criminal records, if any, profession, source of income, assets and assets of those who are dependent on them, loans etc. These should then be disseminated through the mass media, he said.

‘The civil society thinks the information also needs to incorporate information on candidates’ tax records and political affiliations, including any changing of parties.’

However he said the election commission never implements the laws regulations that stipulate exposing candidates’ information. He also pointed out that there was an unholy nexus among the political parties on this question.

He outright rejected the notion that the civil society should opt for an apolitical solution in the wake of political instability and impasse. ‘We do not think that there is any alternative to political rule.’

Debapriya said the civil society does not believe that a fair election is possible without reforms in the Election Commission and electoral laws. ‘The commission is not working as per the people’s expectation and has become an ineffective body. It has been proven in the case of listing voters,’ he said.