Photo : Collected
The Election Commission (EC) is steadfastly preparing for the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections although the persisting political unrest is gripping the nation.
With the country caught in a political deadlock between the ruling Awami League and the opposition BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party), the EC remains determined to adhere to the constitutional schedule for the national elections, slated to take part in the first week of January next year.
The BNP, along with its allies, continues to impose nationwide blockades, demanding the resignation of incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and advocating for the appointment of a non-partisan caretaker government to preside over the upcoming elections.
Amidst such political standoff, the opposition BNP and its allies have again announced a 48-hour nationwide blockade for the next Sunday morning to Tuesday morning – thereby intensifying the already tense atmosphere.
In light of these developments, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal, following a meeting with President Md Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban, affirmed the EC's commitment to ensuring the timely execution of the next national elections.
"We have an obligation to hold elections within the specified time. We will announce the schedule very soon," he asserted. During the meeting, the EC emphasised its dialogue with political parties as an step towards holding transparent and unbiased elections.
The CEC also said that the poll schedule would be announced soon. The election will have to be held before the stipulated time i.e., 29 January next at any cost.
Led by the CEC, the election commissioners went to Bangabhaban to apprise the president of the preparations for the election.
Kazi Habiul Awal said the EC is determined to organise the election on time and in the fixed method. A complete decision regarding the election schedule hasn’t been taken so far as the decision will be taken at a meeting of the Commission later, he noted, affirming that the polls will be held in time.
When asked whether the issue of ongoing political unrest was discussed during the meeting with the president, the CEC said they did not have any discussion over the country’s ongoing political impasse.
During the meeting between the EC officials and the president, the CEC informed the President of the overall preparations for the upcoming 12th national elections.
He said the EC has already held a dialogue with political parties for the purpose of conducting a free and fair election. Necessary instructions to this effect have been given to the executive department for the smooth completion of the election.
During the meeting, President Md Sahabuddin hoped that the EC would play a responsible role with courage and sincerity to make the next general poll fair by following the constitutional rules and norms.
However, pointing out that it is not possible for the EC alone to conduct a fair election, the president said that for a free and fair election, the active cooperation of the people including the executive department is required. Political parties should come forward for this purpose, he emphasised.
Meanwhile, EC Secretary Md Jahangir Alam has confirmed that all necessary arrangements for the elections have been completed, with the official announcement of the election schedule set for the upcoming week.
However, the sign of exclusion of the main opposition party, BNP, from the election process has sparked concerns among political analysts. Noted political analyst and election expert Badiul Alam Majumdar cautioned that conducting elections without the participation of the BNP might exacerbate the existing political crisis in the country.
“While the opposition enforces blockade programs to protest the government's unilateral decision on the election process, the Election Commission's preparations for the general elections suggest an intention to proceed without the participation of the BNP. This development is unfortunate and may not yield positive outcomes," he stated.
Meanwhile, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi highlighted the alleged repression faced by the opposition, citing the arrest of 515 activists and the reported deaths of 12 individuals, including a journalist, in the past few days. Similar claims were made by the Jamaat-e-Islami, with reports of 75 of their activists being detained and three killed within the same timeframe.
Despite the ongoing political strife, President Md Sahabuddin expressed hope that the Election Commission, along with the active cooperation of the people and the executive department, would ensure a fair election process in adherence to constitutional principles and norms.
With the election schedule slated to be announced on November 14, all eyes remain on the Election Commission as it strives to navigate the challenging political climate and uphold the democratic values enshrined in the nation's Constitution.
Messenger/Sajib
