Photo: Collected
The twelfth National Parliament election in Bangladesh concluded without any major mishaps, capturing the attention of both the nation and the international community. Prior to the event, there was a palpable sense of apprehension and skepticism, particularly regarding the potential for large-scale violence and the role of the international community. The prevailing concern among the general populace was centered around the level of peace during the election and the global perception of its legitimacy.
Contrary to the prevailing uncertainties, the election in Bangladesh unfolded smoothly, with various swings and fluctuations in public sentiment. According to official statements from the Election Commission, the government, and the administration, the election was conducted freely, impartially, and fairly. However, diverse opinions, including those of If and Nana Muni, continue to fuel discussions.
A pivotal aspect of the discourse revolves around voter participation. The Election Commission asserts that 40 percent of the total voters actively participated in the election, challenging anyone to contest this claim.
The fear of the United Kingdom and the United States has largely disappeared. The US statement said, "To advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to support human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to engage with our people in people-to-people, they are committed to partnering with Bangladesh to deepen economic ties. That means they have committed to continue working with this elected government. The statement issued by US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller's office was titled 'Parliamentary Elections in Bangladesh'. The United States supports the people of Bangladesh and their aspirations for democracy, peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression, the statement said. In Matthew Miller's statement, the United States has noticed that the Awami League won with the highest number of seats in the national parliamentary elections held on January 7.
However, the United States is concerned about the arrest of thousands of opposition political activists and reports of irregularities in various places on election day. In addition, the United States agreed with the response of other observers that the elections in Bangladesh were not fair and free, the statement said. Besides, disappointment was expressed as all parties did not participate in the elections. The statement also said that during the election, the United States condemned the violence that had occurred in Bangladesh in the previous months. The United States called on the government of Bangladesh to undertake credible investigations into the incidents of violence and to bring the perpetrators to justice. At the same time, Washington called for the avoidance of violence against all groups. However, in the days ahead, the statement noted that the United States is keen to build a free and independent Indo-Pacific region with Bangladesh and to continue supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh. And the interest of the United States in the development of relations between the people of the two countries and economic relations is also reported.
Again, what the United Kingdom has said in bold in their statement, or what is being discussed, is that the election was not conducted according to free and fair standards. They consider the absence of a large opposition party a measure of democracy. Their statement said, referring to the UK statement, "Democratic elections depend on acceptable, free, and fair competition. Respect for human rights, the rule of law, and due process are essential components of the democratic process. These criteria were not consistently followed during the elections.
We are concerned about the arrest of a significant number of opposition party leaders before the polls. Condemning acts of violence and intimidation in the run-up to and campaigning for elections, the statement said, "Such acts have no place in politics." Regarding the election, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom said, "Not all parties participated in the election." Due to this, the people of Bangladesh did not have enough options to vote. Noting that the United Kingdom and Bangladesh have historic and deep friendly relations, the statement said that a sustainable political consensus and an enabling environment for an active civil society will enable the country's long-term growth to be achieved.
The United Kingdom has urged all political parties of Bangladesh to remove differences and find a common way forward for the benefit of the people. The country has announced that it will continue to support this process. That means the UK or one in the United States dismissed the election. Originally, BNP or their partners were the first to say that neither Awami League nor Sheikh Hasina could complete the January 7 elections.
When the entire process was completed without any hindrance, they claimed that the election would not be accepted by the international community. The newly elected government will not last a day. But nothing happened; Awami League completed all the arrangements and completed the government formation process. And the state, for the next 5 years, will manage BNP will rather go far away from the field of politics. Sheikh Hasina has passed the test of democratic electoral or participatory democracy. What remains are the standards of democracy. If the independent candidates can play a strong role in that test, the chances of questioning the criteria will also decrease. Because those who have been elected have been elected by the verdict of the general electorate. From the historic 1970 election of Bangladesh to any election till now, there has been no history of 100% voting. Only 55 percent of the votes were cast in that election.
After that, it was not possible to break that record in any election without Ziaur Rahman's dramatic yes or no vote. So, 40 percent of voter participation elections have passed the democratic test with passing marks. Academically, there is no room to question the paper after the victory of independent and other party candidates.
Only one place remains: morally, victory in an election held without the participation of a big party like BNP deficiency will remain in the place of self-satisfaction. Democratic elections were more important to democratic progress than standard elections. If the standard is to be confirmed, Awami League alone can't confirm it. Every political party of the country, including BNP, civil society must also participate in that process. There is no chance to expect 100% democracy by placing the responsibility on Awami League and BNP alone. However, the English poet and dramatist William Shakespeare said, 'By whatever name the rose is called, it will give forth its fragrance'. So this is it whatever name the election is called. Election is election.
The writer is a journalist and columnist.
Messenger/Sun Yath
