Election or movement, there is ongoing discussion and calculation in the political field.The Election Commission is moving forward with plans to hold elections in December, and the government has also mentioned that national elections will be held between December and June 2026.
However, BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) and its allies are not satisfied with this timeline.
To demand a clear roadmap for the elections, BNP and its allies are planning to take to the streets once again.
BNP claims that they will work to create public opinion in favor of the elections.
In a meeting of BNP's Standing Committee, it was decided that the party would unite all like-minded political parties by December to demand elections. The party also plans to discuss a clear roadmap with its chief advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. If a specific roadmap is not provided, they will approach the public with various programs.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said, "If you consider this a movement, then it is a movement."
Since after Eid, BNP has been visibly preparing for a movement, starting with meetings with parties that share similar views. They have already started meeting with like-minded political parties. BNP is trying to exert pressure on the government to announce a clear electoral roadmap by December. There is no disagreement between the party’s aspirations and public sentiment.
While it is true that there is no alternative to elections for the advancement of democracy in Bangladesh, it is equally important to understand the current reality of the country.
BNP is a responsible political party that has been struggling against oppression and persecution for the past 17 years. During these 17 years, various conspiracies and plots were hatched against BNP. There were attempts to divide the party and minus Begum Zia from politics. False accusations were spread against Tarique Rahman. However, despite all these efforts, BNP has remained resilient, bolstered by the strength of the people, and has stayed on the streets. Therefore, BNP’s democratic aspirations are undeniable.
The people do not want BNP to resume protests demanding elections. The country is not ready for a movement right now.
One of BNP's fundamental political beliefs is that the party is greater than the individual, and the country is greater than the party. It is crucial for BNP to consider the current reality of the nation before initiating any movement. Bangladesh is currently going through a tough time, both nationally and internationally.
Following the people's uprising on August 5, the fascist Awami League and its associates from the fallen dictatorship have been fleeing. They are now trying to reorganize. If a movement begins on the streets at this time, it could provide an opportunity for these corrupt elements to resurface, and they could once again infiltrate the political scene and exploit the situation.
BNP must keep this reality in mind. Any such movement could disrupt the public sentiment for the people's uprising.
Currently, what the country needs most is the unity of democratic forces to realize the dreams of the July Revolution. It is expected that BNP, being the largest and most popular political party, will not take any steps that could create cracks in this unity.
The law and order situation in the country is not good. The police force has not yet been fully effective. Although there has been a slight decrease in murders, robberies, and thefts in some places, they have not been completely brought under control. Various unwanted incidents continue to occur daily in different areas. The military forces have been working day and night to manage the situation. However, mob violence and looting have not been fully controlled.
Police inactivity has allowed social crimes like murders and rapes to increase. In such a fragile situation, if a responsible political party like BNP decides to initiate a movement, it will only worsen the law and order situation. This is something that the people believe no responsible political party should do.
The country’s economic situation is also not favorable. Bangladesh is facing a tough economic time. Especially with the United States imposing a 37 percent tariff on Bangladesh's export products, the economy is at risk of a major setback. Many garment exporters have already started receiving cancellation letters for their orders. Some have suspended their orders. Managing this additional tariff burden will be difficult for Bangladesh, and this could lead to a crisis in the garment sector. Some garment factories have already shut down following political changes.
Many workers did not receive their Eid salaries and bonuses. As the garment sector is trying to recover, the US tariff increase poses a significant threat to Bangladesh. The overall economic picture is also not encouraging.
Our expatriate brothers and sisters have kept the beacon of hope alive in our economy, as they have sent record amounts of remittances, keeping the country's economy in a relatively stable condition, but we all know that an economy cannot thrive solely on remittances. Therefore, it is essential to increase export earnings and stimulate the domestic entrepreneurs and private sector.
However, the private sector remains inactive. The government has not been able to gain the trust of entrepreneurs. Many private entrepreneurs are facing harassment, and due to security concerns and various complications, they are not expanding their businesses. Some have even shut down their operations. This situation carries ominous signs for the economy. Small and medium-sized industries are struggling, and economic growth has slowed down.
Currently, an IMF delegation is visiting Bangladesh. There are discussions between the government and the IMF about whether to release the next installment of the loan they had allocated. The IMF has suggested reducing loan defaults in commercial banks and increasing taxes.
To secure the IMF loan, Bangladesh may have to go through significant economic reforms. These reforms could have a temporary negative impact on the economy, and there are concerns that the cost of living could rise as a result. Particularly, lower-income people are expected to suffer the most.
Though inflation has been somewhat controlled, concerns over the price of rice persist. Prices of other goods are on the rise. In the coming days, the economy’s path seems uncertain. The government also faces challenges in ensuring a stable supply of electricity and gas to industries.
Bangladesh faces international challenges amid growing extremism concerns
Bangladesh is currently facing significant challenges in the international arena. Western media, including the United States, has recently raised concerns about the rise of violence in Bangladesh.
A report by The New York Times has stated that extremism is on the rise in the country. While Bangladesh has officially protested this claim, there is still a persistent negative campaign about extremism in the international community.
Internally, there are also signs of terrorism and the growing boldness of extremists. Attempts are being made globally to project Bangladesh’s political changes in a negative light. Some are trying to portray the country's mass uprising as a rise in extremism. Such incidents are likely to increase in the coming days.
The government has claimed that defeated fascist forces are spending large sums to spread propaganda against Bangladesh.
In this context, if BNP triggers another movement, it could create an opportunity for extremist groups like Hizbut Tahrir to gain ground. Furthermore, Bangladesh’s international image could face further breakdown.
BNP's movement could also undo the gains made through the July Revolution. Particularly, if BNP's movement destabilizes the political situation, it could place Bangladesh under new international pressure. Many believe that in such a situation, BNP needs to prioritize the country's interests.
For the past eight months, BNP has shown a great deal of responsibility. They have engaged in dialogue with the government while also participating in reasoned debates with opposition voices. This is what people expect from a responsible political party. Therefore, BNP must remain patient and mindful of the long road they have traveled with the people to get to this point.
Thus far, there has been no indication from the interim government that it intends to stay in power long-term or has any such intent. On the contrary, nearly everyone in the interim government, including the chief adviser, has expressed a desire to hand over power to elected representatives through elections.
Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus is a highly respected figure, not only in Bangladesh but internationally. His credibility is unquestionable, and BNP must trust in him. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed confidence in the chief adviser so far. However, if BNP loses trust in him and decides to take to the streets, it could signal a perilous path for the country’s future. Such a move would not only impede the democratic progress of Bangladesh but also lead the country astray.
As a responsible political party, BNP will surely refrain from taking such actions.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
