Photo : Messenger
Violence and clash, centering the 12th National Parliament Election campaign, have started at various places in the country. In Madaripur, an independent candidate’s claimed activist named Rafiqul Islam (52) was hacked to death on Saturday. Additionally, a shooting occurred at a worker’s house in Munshiganj. From Thursday night to last Friday, clashes erupted in 15 out of the 11 constituencies, resulting in at least 30 injuries. Over six days, from December 18 to Saturday, clashes unfolded at 46 locations as the election campaign commenced.
We have also witnessed conflict at the center during past elections. Most of the violence involved supporters of independent candidates, manifesting in incidents such as fires in election offices, attacks on houses, vandalism, beatings with hammers, and injuries during the pursuit of votes. Despite the Election Commission’s fundamental duty to ensure peaceful elections, violence persists daily.
In the 12th parliamentary elections, the Awami League holds candidates in 264 seats, with strong competition from independent candidates in over a hundred seats. The party left 26 seats for Jatiya Party and 6 for 14-party coalition partners. Jatiya Party faces tough competition in 16 seats, and the 6 seats vacated by coalition partners could see tight contests, primarily with strong independent candidates who are often Awami League leaders.
Overall, conflicts are widespread in constituencies with anticipated strong competition. The public hopes for fair and peaceful elections conducted in adherence to proper rules. However, election-centric violence remains a cause for concern across the country, prompting questions about the duration of these conflicts.
While the Election Commission plans strict measures against election conflicts and code of conduct violations, the public expresses concerns over the ongoing violence. Election Commissioner Anisur Rahman mentioned considering drastic measures, including possible candidature cancellations. The Commission asserts its authority to take legal action against code of conduct violations and emphasises the Prime Minister’s zero tolerance for violence during the campaign.
Despite the Election Commission’s commitment to conflict-free elections, the lack of a tolerant attitude among political parties remains evident. Mass people wish for a festive election atmosphere, acknowledging the pivotal role elections play in democracy and accountable governance. The importance of fair and peaceful elections cannot be overstated, and it is the moral responsibility of political parties to adhere to Election Commission rules, fostering democracy through peaceful campaigns and voting processes.
Messenger/Fameema