Despite the national and international efforts, finding common ground remains challenging as both parties remain steadfast in their positions
The political landscape is currently mired in uncertainty due to a contentious dispute between the two major parties over the election system. The Awami League and BNP find themselves in entrenched and opposing positions, leaving no room for negotiation or compromise. The country’s political crisis is deepening as both parties refuse to make concessions.
The BNP is resolute in its demand for the government’s resignation and the establishment of a non-partisan administration during elections, even hinting at taking their decisions to the streets. Conversely, the ruling Awami League is adamant about adhering strictly to the constitution and not making any concessions regarding the election process.
As a result, tensions are escalating between the leaders of the two parties. The situation has led to the announcement of mass meetings by both parties in Dhaka, further fueling anxiety among the public. Despite repeated calls from national and international entities to seek compromise, neither party is willing to budge from their stance.
Tragically, the escalating showdown has already resulted in loss of life in Lakshmipur and Narail, making the situation even more volatile. The ruling Awami League is expressing concerns about potential chaos and violence during the upcoming BNP program on July 27, and they plan to mobilize a large number of party members on the streets on the same day.
Meanwhile, the European Union delegation has conducted numerous meetings with various stakeholders in Bangladesh, including government officials, political parties, civil society, and the media. They sought answers on several critical aspects of the upcoming national elections, such as the electoral system, election-related violence, the capacity of the Election Commission, and the accuracy of the voter list. Despite these efforts, finding a common ground remains challenging as both parties remain steadfast in their positions.
Political agenda versus public interest
The concept of some political observers endorsing counter-rallies or opposing marches has never been deemed an acceptable political approach. The question arises: how tolerable are programs that inflict suffering upon the public in the present time?
The ordinary citizens unequivocally reject any form of destructive activities. They are unwilling to witness the consequences of political instability leading to casualties—such outcomes are undesirable in every conceivable scenario. Consequently, it is incumbent upon all political parties to display responsibility and work towards establishing a healthy and stable political environment.
Ensuring a sense of responsibility among the parties and fostering a constructive political climate is of paramount importance in the current context. This approach not only safeguards the welfare of the public but also contributes to the overall progress and stability of the nation.
Who is responsible?
The alliance between the Awami League and the government in the last 15 years has faced criticism, but it is important to bear in mind that the country has also experienced grenade attacks targeted at undermining opposition politics
Many political observers insist that an election is deemed acceptable to the international community only when it gains approval from the main opposition parties within the state. In the past, a section of civil society advocated for free, fair, and acceptable elections. However, there seems to be a shifting perspective on this matter. Some now argue that a truly acceptable election can only occur if the opposition political party, especially the BNP, actively participates.
Interestingly, after the election of five city corporations, where the BNP did not participate, it was still deemed free, fair, and acceptable. This prompted some members of civil society to emphasize the importance of a competitive election. Nevertheless, there is a current stance that stresses the necessity of having viable alternatives for voters to choose from. Mere presence of a few candidates does not guarantee a true alternative; the choices must be genuinely suitable. This raises the question of whether it is the responsibility of the Awami League to find and present the right alternatives. Moreover, the possibility of holding the election without these “correct candidates” remains uncertain.
Beyond these inquiries, the larger concern is the potential for future peaceful conditions. Recent processions and street activities have escalated into conflicts, leading to casualties. Despite political parties finding relief in their actions, doubts linger about how acceptable these two-day programs are to the common people, as the public has experienced extreme suffering.
The working people of Dhaka are now endangered by the political party programs that disrupt traffic flow. Public transport has been severely affected, forcing ordinary citizens to walk long distances. Emergency transportation services have been halted, posing great difficulties for patients in need of medical attention. The alliance between the Awami League and the government in the last 15 years has faced criticism, but it is important to bear in mind that the country has also experienced grenade attacks targeted at undermining opposition politics.
These issues demand thorough examination and thoughtful consideration to pave the way for a more harmonious and inclusive political environment.
Political anomalies: Hindrances to economic development
For several years, Bangladesh has been considered the emerging tiger of the Asian economy. In 2017, renowned UK-based research firm Capital Economics published a report titled ‘Bangladesh: The Next Asian Tiger’s which gained attention from influential media outlets like Business Insider. Traditionally, when people referred to the ‘Asian Tigers,’ they meant Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan, all of which experienced rapid economic development from the 1960s to the 1990s. However, the report highlighted Bangladesh as a new addition to this group of dynamic economies.
Despite these promising prospects, the world economy faced instability after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Bangladesh was not immune to its effects. Being part of the global village, Bangladesh has naturally been impacted by the changing global situation, including events like the Russia-Ukraine war and the transition from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unfortunately, various political programs aimed at achieving political goals have had adverse effects on the economy. Chambers and Associations of traders and industrialists have reported significant losses in their respective sectors due to strikes and blockades. The overall damage to the economy has also been emphasized. While some losses may be considered seasonal or temporary, there are concerns that certain events might have a more profound and lasting socio-economic impact in the long run. It is essential for political forces to come to an agreement to maintain apparent calm in the country.
Notably, political programs, including hartals and blockades, result in losses not only to the public sector but also to individuals. Businessmen estimate that the average daily loss during such events exceeds 2000 crore Taka. Precise calculations by an organization put the average daily loss at Tk 2,278 crore. In the past, continuous blockades and strikes by BNP and its coalition in 2015 caused significant damage to the country’s economy. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mentioned in the National Parliament on February 25 that the loss due to strike- blockades amounted to Tk 1 lakh 20 thousand crores.
Role of Foreign Envoys
The political arena of Bangladesh has been abuzz with discussions over the past two weeks for various reasons. A delegation from the European Union recently visited Dhaka, followed by a visit from a US delegation. Additionally, UK High Commissioner Sarah Catherine Cook met with Bangladesh Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to discuss the upcoming elections.
The high-level US delegation, led by US State Department Undersecretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Azra Jaya, along with Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, visited Dhaka. Donald Lu’s previous visit in January and the subsequent US visa policy announcement on Bangladesh had given hope to the opposition political parties. They assumed that another significant announcement might be on the horizon during this recent visit.
However, it turned out that there was no such announcement. Azra Zeya clarified before leaving that the United States does not endorse the idea of a caretaker government in Bangladesh. He emphasized that the United States’ main concern is ensuring free and fair elections, whether conducted under a party government or a supervisory arrangement.
Political observers interpret Azra Zeya’s statements as a clear indication that the United States has no objections to elections held under a party government. The idea of a caretaker government is not supported by the United States and the European Union (EU) on both moral and political grounds. This is because the caretaker government system is not operational in any established democratic country in the world, and it never has been.
Crisis resolved through dialogue
…despite foreign guests or observers offering good advice on elections, it is essential for politics to evolve beyond old patterns. While leaders talk about free and fair elections, their actions must align with these principles
The ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh can only be resolved through dialogue, according to political and diplomatic analysts. They believe that engaging in discussions and upholding democratic practices is the key to finding a sustainable solution. Eminent individuals emphasize that maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in the country necessitates open dialogue.
In the past, Bangladesh displayed political creativity, but recent times have seen a surge in political divisions. This has led to questioning of citizens’ rights, democracy, and good governance. Social and economic inequality has worsened, and the ecological balance is at risk. Furthermore, the neutrality of state institutions is also under scrutiny, heightening the potential for fear and violence.
To address these challenges, it is essential to bolster the Election Commission and foster goodwill among politicians. A lack of trust between political parties around elections mirrors the lack of trust among the general public towards these parties. Prominent figures are keen on engaging in discussions to find peaceful solutions and resolve issues.
Ultimately, despite foreign guests or observers offering good advice on elections, it is essential for politics to evolve beyond old patterns. While leaders talk about free and fair elections, their actions must align with these principles. Through genuine goodwill, it is possible to address all political issues, including conducting fair elections in accordance with the country’s existing constitutional system.
