With the 12th National Assembly elections looming, an alarming wave of violence has gripped several constituencies.
Clashes between rival campaign supporters have erupted in at least 59 constituencies, marring the electoral landscape with attacks, vandalism, and arson targeting candidate offices. The tit-for-tat violence has escalated, with counter-cases being filed and open threats hurled between opposing camps.
Reports have surfaced of some candidate supporters engaging in weapon practice, further fueling anxieties among voters. Tragically, three lives have already been lost to election-related violence since campaigning began.
As the January 7th polling date draws closer, concerns are intensifying in these " vulnerable constituencies." The Election Commission (EC) has repeatedly issued stern warnings to candidates and their supporters, urging them to adhere to the electoral code of conduct and refrain from violence. However, these pleas appear to fall on deaf ears, with no signs of the violence abating.
Dr. Haroon Or Rashid, Former vice-chancellor of the National University political science professor told Bangladesh Pratidin that this election is a little different. One of the country's political parties did not come to the polls. So many people said this election would not be competitive. However, in the meantime, there have been incidents of loss of life due to election violence.
“There are also reports of violence among the candidate's supporters. Such incidents would not have happened if the elections were not contested. However, these incidents of violence are unexpected.”
“People should be allowed to exercise their right to vote fairly and peacefully. This time the EC is doing better than any other commission before. But they have to be more strict. Candidates should be more responsible and patient,” he added.
Those concerned think that some small incidents may happen around the campaign. All the past elections of Bangladesh have this kind of precedent. This is no exception. However, incidents like major violence and loss of life are not desirable. They said that by any means the election should be free and fair.
Hasan Mahmud Khandkar, Former IG of Police and Ambassador told Bangladesh Pratidin that the role of the law and order forces must be neutral to hold free and peaceful elections. They are still in that position.
“I think the law and order forces of Bangladesh can control any incident of violence. Now they should prove their mettle,” he added.
According to the reports, the vulnerable constituencies are - Dhaka-19, Narayanganj-1, Cumilla-1, Cumilla-2, Cumilla-4, Cumilla-5, Cumilla-6, Cumilla-7, Cumilla-8, Cumilla-11, Madaripur-3. , Chattogram-12, Faridpur-1, Faridpur-2, Faridpur-3, Chandpur-1, Chandpur-4, Kushtia-4, Lalmonirhat-1, Meherpur-2, Rajshahi-6, Naogaon-1, Chattogram -3, Chattogram -12, Chattogram -15, Mymensingh-9, Jhenaidah-1, Gazipur-3, Naogaon-4, Munshiganj-1, Sirajganj-5.
Apart from this, the danger of violence is not excluded from Narsingdi-3, Narsingdi-4, Narsingdi-5, Brahmanbaria-3, Laxmipur-1, Laxmipur-3, Feni-3, Noakhali-1, Noakhali-2, Panchagarh-1, Barisal- 2, Barisal-4, Bhola-3, Patuakhali-4, Patuakhali-2, Barguna-2, Jhalakathi-1, Rajshahi-1, Rajshahi-4, Rajshahi-6, Gaibandha-4, Gaibandha-5, Jessore-4, Satkhira-1, Jamalpur-4, Manikganj-2, Kishoreganj-2, Sunamganj-1, Rangpur-3 constituencies also.
The Election Commissioner Alamgir talked about various violence in the election. He told reporters that everyone is busy with the election campaign. Small incidents may occur around that. There is such a 'tradition' in all elections in Bangladesh, this is no exception.
He also claimed that the actions taken by the EC apart from the show-cause notices to the candidates and their supporters are sending a 'tough message' everywhere.
“It has been said in the departmental and district tour that the police and administration should be tough. He said that punishment should be determined based on the degree of violation of the code of conduct by the candidates, and he said that big punishment cannot be given for minor violations of the code of conduct. Again minor punishments cannot be given for major violations of the code of conduct. It must be appropriate,” Alamgir added.
Anwar Hossain, deputy inspector general (operations) of PHQ said, “We will take action against those who violate the election code of conduct. It does not matter who is the candidate or leader of any party here.”
(The article was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on December 25, 2023 and has been rewritten in English by Tanvir Raihan)
