Is Bangladesh Facing an Unprecedented Crisis Due to Lack of Democracy?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bangladesh is experiencing significant political unrest.
- The absence of democracy is a central concern.
- Economic instability is evident with failing banks and a plummeting stock market.
- Public safety issues are on the rise, highlighted by road accidents.
- The BNP warns of conspiracies aimed at undermining democracy.
Dhaka, Dec 9 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has asserted that the nation is currently enduring a period characterized as "abnormal," primarily due to the glaring "lack" of democracy and responsible governance, according to local media.
During the conclusion of the party's two-day event in Dhaka on Monday, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman cautioned that there are ongoing conspiracies aimed at disrupting the democratic framework.
"What is causing the stock market to plummet? This situation is abnormal. One bank after another is failing, closing its doors, and collapsing. Such abnormalities cannot persist," The Daily Star reported Rahman as stating.
"Each day, as we peruse the newspapers, we witness efforts to obscure the truth. However, hunger reveals the truth. Empty wallets convey the reality," he continued.
Rahman highlighted that factories are shutting down, investments have come to a standstill, hospitals are struggling to offer proper healthcare, and educational institutions are having difficulties maintaining academic operations—all indicative of "abnormal conditions."
He mentioned that citizens now harbor fears of being robbed when stepping outside, and even if they evade that danger, the risk of being involved in frequent road accidents looms large.
"Last year, over 7,000 individuals lost their lives in road accidents. What becomes of the families who lost their sole providers? Does anyone consider their plight the day after?" he queried.
Rahman warned of challenging times ahead, stating that a "dangerous" campaign is underway to portray everyone except a certain group as malevolent.
As political strife escalates in the lead-up to next year's elections, BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed indirectly criticized the radical Islamist group, Jamaat-e-Islami, asserting that the populace has already exposed a faction aiming to mislead the nation by exploiting the "religion card."
While addressing the same gathering, the BNP leader remarked, "People have recognized a party devoid of policies, ideals, or plans, attempting to mislead the public under the guise of religion. Their true identities have already been revealed."
Bangladesh continues to grapple with escalating political unrest and uncertainties as next year's elections draw near.
The parties that previously collaborated with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to unseat the democratically elected government of the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, are now in conflict.