Iajuddin said a proper functioning of democratic norms and values and the establishment of rule of law are necessary to mitigate growing political divides and unite a fractured civil society.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of a five-day workshop styled "Democracy, Governance and Security Reform" at a city hotel. The workshop was jointly organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies (APCSS) from the United States.

US Charge d'Affaires Geeta Pasi, who also addressed the session, said the caretaker government's efforts to lay the foundation for a corruption- and violence-free government is crucial.

"But the foundation must support the finished structure...If the foundation is laid with elements that are themselves undemocratic, the future of the democratic system itself will be jeopardised," Pasi said.

President Iajuddin said, "For strengthening the base of democracy, there is no alternative to attain good governance...If we can ensure proper functioning of democratic system and unhindered practice of democratic culture, the attainment of good governance and development would be easier."

He said although freedom, prosperity, security reforms and transition to democracy are challenging tasks, the masses demand it because of recent political turmoil that has divided the society.

"In these circumstances, we have to find out the way of proper functioning of democratic norms and values, establishing the rule of law and good governance for the well-being of the country as well as the nation," Iajuddin said.

"It needs capable, honest, transparent and accountable administration as well as responsible, accountable and patriotic political leaders who will lead our country to the right direction," he said, adding, "Without strengthening the democratic institutions, the function of democracy and its gradual maturity will remain unaccomplished."

The US charge d'affairs said although the security sector is vital to ensuring the state's sovereignty and public safety, "The ultimate responsibility for governing must rest squarely on the shoulders of civilian government--an elected body representing diverse groups within society that governs justly and conscientiously.

"Sadly, history is replete with examples of military leaders who have unwisely left the barracks, much to the detriment of their country and their own institution," Pasi added.

"So-called 'secret' detentions, abuse of detainees, and deaths in custody are unacceptable," Pasi said, adding, "The rights of the accused, in corruption cases as well as other cases, must be respected for these prosecution efforts to lead to an era of greater freedom and justice."

On the first day of the workshop yesterday, there were three separate plenary sessions titled "Democracy and rule of law", "Civil-military relations in Bangladesh-domestic imperatives", and "The role of civil society in a democracy".