Is a Delay in Elections a Serious Risk for Bangladesh?

Dhaka, Aug 20 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has issued a stark warning that any further postponement of national elections could place the nation in significant peril. This caution comes in light of a notable surge in mob violence, extortion, land encroachment, and terrorism over the previous year.

The party attributes the worsening law and order situation to the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, as reported by local media.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu expressed these concerns during a discussion titled "There is no alternative to an elected government to prevent the deterioration of law and order, mob creation, extortion, occupation, and terrorism." This event took place on Tuesday, organized by the Bangladesh National Pharmacy Association at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka.

“The sooner the elections are conducted to address the issues of law and order, mob creation, extortion, land occupation, and terrorism, the more the crisis will alleviate. Conversely, the longer the elections are postponed, the more terrorism will escalate, posing a danger to the country,” quoted the BNP leader as reported by Bangladesh’s prominent Bengali daily Jugantor.

“Those in power have assured us of holding historic elections; they have made promises. Hence, the party, its leaders, Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia, and the citizens of the country are backing the government. On our part, the demand from the BNP and other political parties was for elections in December; however, they indicated they could be held in February. We did not reject that. But February should not extend into March or April. The government needs to be mindful of this,” he added.

Dudu emphasized that peace remains elusive in Bangladesh, as citizens are compelled to endure division and hardship. He pointed out that job opportunities are scarce, and those who are employed struggle to maintain their positions.

He raised concerns about whether the police are effectively fulfilling their responsibilities, noting that the streets are unsafe as criminals can appear on quiet streets at any hour to commit theft.

Additionally, the BNP has raised objections to various provisions in the consolidated draft of the July Charter, arguing that if a political compromise document takes precedence over the constitution, it could lead to detrimental consequences.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the July Accord must be executed in accordance with Bangladesh's constitution.

In statements to reporters in Dhaka, he said, “If the accord supersedes the constitution, it will set a perilous precedent.”

Bangladesh has been engulfed in uncertainty regarding the upcoming general elections since the democratically elected government of the Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was toppled amid violent protests last year.

The parties that collaborated with Yunus to oust Hasina are now embroiled in disputes over reform proposals and the scheduling of the next elections.