The elections for the Bangladesh Press Institute Journalism Alumni Association (PIBJAA) have sparked a frenzy among its members. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization's activities were halted, but the elections are scheduled to take place on May 2 this year. PIBJAA is an alumni association of multi-professional personalities, including non-profit journalists, who have completed higher training and degrees from the only government institute in Bangladesh under the National University. However, the activities of the organization have been repeatedly disrupted by the unfair and undesirable behavior of some members during the election of the second committee.

As a member of PIBJJA, I believe that everyone should come together on one platform, putting aside their differences in leadership positions. Anyone who can dedicate their time and love to the organization should come forward, and compromises should be made if there are more than one person vying for the same post. If some members are exempted from serving this year, others interested in serving the organization next year should be given an opportunity. It is essential to remember that leadership is not a permanent position. We applaud and respect the interested servants who come forward to serve. However, if someone becomes a servant by causing pain to others, they go against the definition of a servant.

As a non-profit organization, PIBJA should not follow traditional electoral practices that hurt friendships and pit friend against friend. We need to avoid this and focus on our slogan 'Eso Milli Pran Tane.' We must work towards bringing everyone together in a successful event and a successful gathering of friends, like Tuhin Bhai, Mominullah Bhai, Mejba Bhai, Nabin Bhai, and others, who have completed two successful events.

Undoubtedly, a committee could have been unopposed, as seen in several verses. However, it is necessary to have selection to ensure the participation of more members. We must remember that all members of PIBJAA are highly educated and intellectually noble. It is a sin to believe that someone will commit injustice or corruption here. Rules and regulations are essential for a civilized society, but we have deviated from the main point by following the law for the sake of law. We must establish the organization in a solid structure and avoid irrelevant discussions and comments.

We must give opportunities to those who make a commitment to work for the organization. If they fail to keep their commitment, we can remove them altogether and invite another person. It is crucial to respect each other and avoid the negative trend that has been evident in the comments of the past few days. Education always gives us a positive outlook, and negative thoughts and behavior can never be expected from an educated person.
It should be noted that Pipja's current position is the result of the movement and struggle led by senior batch Badal bhai, senior journalist Salam Farooq bhai, Hadi bhai, and other friends. Thanks to their efforts, we now have the status of a post-graduate diploma. At that time, there was no committee, and everyone had the same goal. If we keep that in mind, there wouldn't be so much fuss or trouble about the committee today.

We need to work towards turning this organization into an ideal one. However, our dreams have been hurt again and again. We must come out of the traditional electoral system, which is not a universal method, especially for non-profit organizations like ours. We must remember that democracy is the worst way, but until now, it is the most common method. Let us strive to create a non-profit organization where everyone comes together to work selflessly towards a common goal.

Writer : Dr. Dipu Siddiqui,Vice President Candidate, PIBJJA Country Director of Bangabandhu Commission and MTV Network USA