Following the London dialogue on June 13, Bangladesh’s election train is now stationed at the platform. Passengers, filled with enthusiasm, have already boarded. The nation anxiously awaits the whistle to signal its departure.
If one were to sum up the current political atmosphere in Bangladesh in a single phrase, it would be this: the nation is immersed in an election mood. Conversations about the upcoming election dominate villages, neighbourhoods, tea stalls, and offices alike. Political leaders and aspiring candidates are restless. All eyes are fixed on the government and the Election Commission, waiting for the official roadmap to be announced.
On June 17, the second phase of dialogues between political parties and the National Consensus Commission commenced. This is widely seen as the final round, after which the July announcement will be finalised.
Political analysts warn that pushing the parties too hard for consensus may backfire. Just as an over-squeezed lemon turns bitter, or a raw jackfruit cannot be ripened by force, political consensus cannot be imposed. Encouragingly, through extensive discussions, the parties have reached an agreement on several fundamental issues. This, in itself, is a remarkable achievement for Bangladesh.
Among these historic agreements: the restoration of a non-partisan caretaker government 90 days before elections, separation of the judiciary, enhanced powers for the Election Commission, the introduction of a bicameral legislature, and limiting the prime minister’s tenure to no more than two consecutive terms.
The dialogues with the National Consensus Commission scheduled for June 17-19 should be the final round. Enough discussions have taken place. The parties have narrowed their differences on many issues. The remaining gaps must now be bridged in parliament. A truly accountable and functional parliament must become the ultimate forum for dialogue.
These are not minor steps, especially for a country emerging from 17 years of authoritarian rule where democratic practices, elections, and even parliament functioned like a stage-managed drama.
Expecting a sudden, complete fix would be naive. Reforms must proceed step by step. Democracy is the only foundation upon which meaningful reforms can be built. A truly accountable parliament will eventually deliver on the remaining reforms. Through democratic practices and institutions, Bangladesh can establish a stable, accountable, and transparent governance system.
We must remember how the caretaker government system was once embedded in our constitution and later abolished under authoritarian rule. No reform will be sustainable unless democratic values and practices are firmly upheld.
The entire nation needs to practice tolerance and cooperation to advance democracy. So far, the reform commission’s work, the parties’ continued dialogues with the National Consensus Commission, and shared belief in democracy are significant achievements. If we hold firm to democratic values, there is no alternative to elections.
There was a time when uncertainty clouded the election scenario. But the chief adviser has shown wisdom and responsibility by meeting BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London. This meeting is widely seen as a turning point in Bangladesh’s political landscape, marking a shift from uncertainty to a defined democratic journey.
The government must now promptly sit with the Election Commission. Based on the joint understanding between the chief adviser and Tarique Rahman, elections are likely to be held before Ramadan, that is, in the first half of February. This leaves barely seven months for preparations.
The Election Commission faces an enormous task. Delimitation of constituencies — a long, often contentious process — must be completed, with objections resolved, sometimes even through court battles. The voter list must be updated and published. The code of conduct needs revision.
Moreover, field-level election officers must be appointed and trained. The list of polling stations must be finalised. Budgetary estimates, including ballot paper costs, must be approved and funds released by the finance ministry.
Only after these tasks can the election schedule be announced, typically two to three months ahead of polling day. In short, the commission must complete several crucial tasks within the next four to five months to ensure free and fair parliamentary elections.
Political parties, too, have their preparations. Candidate selection — a long, meticulous process — must be carried out with careful scrutiny. This national election is taking place in a fundamentally changed context after 17 long years without a credible vote. The chief adviser has already appointed a committee to investigate past electoral irregularities across the previous three elections. This is crucial. The chief adviser has repeatedly stated globally that this election will be the fairest in Bangladesh’s history. To achieve that, preparations must match the ambition. Time is running short.
The dialogues with the National Consensus Commission scheduled for June 17-19 should be the final round. Enough discussions have taken place. The parties have narrowed their differences on many issues. The remaining gaps must now be bridged in parliament. A truly accountable and functional parliament must become the ultimate forum for dialogue.
The election timeline is also vital for justice in the July massacre trials. Prolonged electoral uncertainty will only delay justice, as major decisions are difficult to take amid instability. Bangladesh’s economy, too, remains fragile.
But once the election schedule is announced and the process begins, uncertainty will start to fade. Citizens will know exactly when the vote will take place, and a new government will soon assume office. Protests and agitation that have flared up again after Eid will likely subside, replaced by anticipation of the election. The nation will transition from the darkness of uncertainty into the light of democratic festivity.
Through this election, we will finally bury authoritarianism and build a new democratic Bangladesh. The new government will honour its commitments to the nation, implement the agreements reached with the National Consensus Commission, and steer the country toward good governance. Thus, announcing the election timetable and sounding the whistle is now the government’s most urgent task.
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
