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In the lead-up to the January 7 general elections in Bangladesh, the ruling Awami League (AL) is intensifying its efforts to ensure a smooth electoral process despite the disruptive intentions of its arch-rival, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The AL is steadfast in its commitment to completing the elections under any circumstances, with the government expressing determination to thwart any attempts to undermine the democratic process.
BNP, the main opposition party, has opted to boycott the elections and is actively campaigning against the polls, distributing leaflets urging the public to join their cause and boycott the January 7 elections. Their strategy is aimed at creating controversy around the 12th parliamentary elections, alleging that the AL is orchestrating a one-sided election while sidelining the BNP, the country's principal opposition party.
In response to these challenges, AL has adopted various strategies to ensure the smooth conduct of the January 7 polls. Notably, the ruling party has made its own leaders as independent candidates, injecting competitiveness into the electoral landscape. However, this unconventional approach has led to internal discord within the party, potentially jeopardising the peaceful atmosphere necessary for a fair election.
AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader has addressed the situation, stating that the BNP has resorted to sabotage after failing to mount a successful movement to halt the elections. Quader warned of BNP's alleged plans to resort to extreme measures, including possible acts of violence, and emphasised the AL's commitment to overcoming these challenges. He urged party members to remain vigilant and thwart any attempts by the BNP-Jamaat nexus to disrupt the polling atmosphere on January 7.
"We are getting news that they are going down the path of assassination. But we want to say that it is a challenge to complete the polls smoothly by hook or by crook," Quader asserted.
AL Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim echoed similar sentiments, expressing confidence that no force would be able to halt the January 7 elections. Nasim acknowledged the BNP's efforts to create controversy but remained optimistic that their endeavours would ultimately fail.
"Our primary objective is to successfully conclude the January 7 elections. We have instructed our party leaders and activists to stay vigilant and counter any attempts by the BNP to disrupt the polls," he stated.
Meanwhile, AL-nominated candidates and party-backed independents are actively campaigning across the country, engaging in door-to-door outreach to secure voter support. With only seven days remaining until the 12th parliamentary elections, the ruling party's candidates are encouraging voters to turn out early on Election Day, emphasising the importance of a competitive and satisfactory voter turnout.
Addressing the issue, Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina urged her party's nominated candidates and party-backed independents to engage in door-to-door campaigning to solicit votes, emphasising the importance of ensuring voter turnout in the upcoming polls.
However, speculation looms in the country's political sphere that the United States and other development partners may impose sanctions on Bangladesh if the elections proceed without the involvement of all major political parties.
After the initiation of the twelfth parliamentary elections, the widespread influence of the Awami League is evident throughout the country. As the party's nominated candidates contend for 266 seats, an additional 382 independent candidates are competing for 221 seats.
As the countdown to voting day progresses, clashes persist between the ruling Awami League-nominated candidates and independent candidates backed by AL.
Since the inception of the campaign for the Twelfth National Parliamentary Elections, conflicts and confrontations among supporters of rival candidates have shown no signs of abating. Reports of campaign camp vandalism and the tearing of posters further contribute to the escalating tensions.
Messenger/Disha
