Why Did Bangladesh's Awami League Reject the Election Schedule?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Awami League rejects election schedule
- Claims bias under Yunus-led government
- Calls for political reforms and fair elections
- Potential crisis looms for Bangladesh’s democracy
- Focus on public participation in electoral process
Dhaka, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Awami League of Bangladesh has officially rejected the election timeline set forth by the Election Commission (EC), claiming that genuine and impartial elections are unfeasible under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.
This statement follows the announcement by the EC on Thursday evening regarding the scheduling of the nation’s 13th national parliamentary elections, alongside the July Charter referendum, slated for February 12 next year.
Upon a thorough examination of the election schedule released by what they referred to as the “unlawful, oppressive, and brutal Yunus regime’s illegal Election Commission,” the Awami League issued a statement asserting, “It is now evident that the current governing body is entirely prejudiced, making it impossible to secure a fair and transparent environment reflecting the will of the people.”
The party claimed that “the attempt to conduct an election while sidelining the Bangladesh Awami League—an entity pivotal to the Liberation War—along with other political factions and the majority populace is a calculated move to plunge the nation into a profound crisis.”
To avert further escalation of the ongoing crisis, the Awami League called for the removal of all restrictions placed upon the party, the dismissal of all “fabricated charges” against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, political leaders, and citizens across various sectors, as well as the unconditional release of all political detainees.
They further stated that the “current misleading occupying government” must be replaced with a neutral caretaker administration to facilitate a free and participatory electoral process.
“Elections reflect public support. The Awami League is a party focused on elections and possesses the fortitude and capability to engage with the populace. Since its inception, the Bangladesh Awami League has participated in 13 elections, winning 9 and forming a government,”
the party added, emphasizing their rejection of the announced schedule, which they believe excludes the representatives of the vast majority of Bangladesh’s citizens.