Photo : Collected
The Awami League-led government is showing zero tolerance for international advice and opposition uproar as the nation hurtles towards the 12th parliamentary national elections set for January 7 next year.
Despite relentless protests and calls for reconsideration from major opposition parties, notably the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the government led by Awami League seems unfazed, adopting an attitude that can be best described as "not giving a damn" to international prescriptions and domestic dissent.
The US, UK, EU, and other significant development partners of Bangladesh have repeatedly urged the Awami League to engage in dialogue with political rivals before announcing the election schedule. The international community has advocated for a participatory and widely acceptable election process.
However, the ruling Awami League has chosen to turn a deaf ear to these recommendations, emphasising its commitment to adhering strictly to constitutional guidelines.
US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, took a direct approach by issuing letters to the major parties – Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party – requesting talks to establish a consensus on the election process. Despite these diplomatic efforts, the government's response has been nothing short of dismissive.
US Ambassador Peter Haas entered the fray, investing significant time in meetings with various stakeholders involved in the upcoming elections. However, his endeavors were futile, as the ruling Awami League, unyielding in its stance, opted to forge ahead with its decision to stick to the constitutional timeline for the general elections.
AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, in a blunt rejection of any possibility of dialogue with the opposition, called upon the BNP to participate in the upcoming elections, stating, "The door is open to all. Come and compete in the participatory election. The polls will be held on time."
This statement followed a meeting with Ambassador Haas, where Quader declared that the time for talks with the opposition had passed.
Internal sources within the Awami League indicate a clear determination not to deviate from the country's constitution, dismissing any international prescription regarding the upcoming general elections.
AL Presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak echoed this sentiment, stating, "The ensuing general elections will be held as per the constitutional guidelines; there will be no deviation in this regard."
Nanak downplayed the impact of the opposition's movement, asserting that it would not yield results as the government is bound by the country's constitution.
In the latest twist, the opposition BNP and its allies have responded with a two-day countrywide dawn-to-dusk shutdown in protest of the election details revealed by the Election Commission on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, after the announcement of the election schedules by the Election Commission for the 12th National Parliament Election, a stark contrast unfolded at the headquarters of the two major political parties in the country on Thursday.
In a fervent display of political engagement, the Awami League has embarked on a significant milestone today by initiating the sale of nomination papers. The anticipation surrounding this event has reached a fever pitch, with palpable enthusiasm emanating from the AL headquarters. The event, set to kick off on Friday, is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Leaders and supporters alike have converged in substantial numbers, creating an electric atmosphere that mirrors the significance of this crucial step in the lead-up to the upcoming elections slated for January 7, next year. The initiation of the nomination paper sale marks not only a strategic move for the AL but also underscores the party's commitment to active participation in the democratic process.
As the party faithful gather to witness the inauguration of this pivotal phase, the air is charged with optimism and excitement. A significant number of party leaders and workers gathered at the headquarters underscore the importance of the impending elections, marking a pivotal moment in the electoral process for the Awami League, one of the leading political forces in the country.
As activity buzzes at the AL headquarters, a cloud of frustration hangs over the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) headquarters with the Election Commission unveiling poll details on Wednesday. BNP’s rejection sets the stage for a potential escalation in political tensions.
As the political standoff intensifies, concerns loom over the fate of democracy and political stability in Bangladesh. The Awami League's unyielding stance and the opposition's determined protests set the stage for a potentially turbulent electoral season.
Messenger/Sajib
