Disappointment with the country’s politics is steadily growing as the nation appears to be drifting away from democratic principles, with neither elections nor meaningful reforms taking place.
Despite being in power for more than three times the duration of the previous caretaker governments, each of which managed to hold elections within 90 days, the current interim government has failed to announce a roadmap.
The trial of the fascists is also advancing at a very slow pace. The charges against fascist Sheikh Hasina have just been raised in the International Crimes Court.
These drive the government towards various complications. Whether Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus will remain in power or not was the talk of the town for the past few days. Overall, an extreme disappointment has descended on the country’s politics.
Several politicians from various parties including BNP, Jamaat, Nagorik Oikko, Revolutionary Workers Party, CPB, and Labor Party expressed their disappointment while talking to Bangladesh Pratidin.
Mentioning that the country is not heading to anywhere since there is no signs of elections, reforms, roadmap, or returning to democracy, BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy questioned, “If one can stay in power without doing anything, then why would they bother holding elections?”
Stressing that the trial of the fascist government is also not advancing well, the senior politician said, “Because of it, there is a sense of disappointment among the people.
“In fact, nothing is achieved without movement; through these things, the government is crafting a platform for political parties to stage movements,” he continued.
“The government can hold the election by December if it wants to,” said another BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed, adding, “The goodwill is not visible among them (Government).”
He claimed that the government is procrastinating and prolonging its term in various ways, including by making promises about some reforms. “This is not right,” he said, adding, “The reforms can be done by December and the national parliament elections can be held afterwards.”
Salahuddin alleged that the government has no interest in elections, announcing a roadmap, or restoring democracy in the country.
“Moreover, the government has lost its neutrality due to the controversial activities of some advisers,” he furthered, adding that these things create frustration among people. He also said that they discussed these issues with the head of the government and are waiting for the government’s response.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said that the crisis and complexity surrounding the elections will be resolved if the government announces the roadmap and the date of the election.
Nagorik Oikko President Mahmudur Rahman Manna told Bangladesh Pratidin, “The government failed to achieve a single reform, let alone the election roadmap announcement.”
He stressed that the situation creates frustration among people. “This crisis can only be overcome by holding a neutral, free, and fair national election as soon as possible after completing the necessary reforms,” he furthered.
Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque told Bangladesh Pratidin that the government is delaying the elections despite passing three caretaker governments’ tenure. “Even after 10 months, there is a doubt about the elections and political parties are not able to be assured of elections,” he continued.
He also said that the immediate announcement of the election roadmap, discussing with political parties, is the only way to tackle the situation. “But advisers are talking on different issues. Now they are appearing with agendas that are completely outside the jurisdiction of the interim government,” he furthered.
Communist Party of Bangladesh general secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said that they want elections after necessary reforms. “The government can make necessary reforms by December and can hold the elections afterwards,” he said.
The Election Commission (EC) also prepared to hold elections and waits for the government’s green signal, but Prince said that he did not understand what was happening there.
Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Dr Mustafizur Rahman Iran said that the current government lacks the skills and sincerity to hold elections by December.
He also alleged that the government wants to delay the elections and is not interested in holding them on time for various reasons.
Mustafizur also said that holding elections can solve all the problems. He stressed that if the elections are delayed, various crises will arise.
Translated by Afsar Munna
