As Bangladesh prepares for its upcoming general election on January 7, 2023, the opposition, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is expressing concerns about the democratic process, calling it a foregone conclusion in favor of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s fourth consecutive term. Here are the key developments:
Election Announcement and Opposition’s Response
- The Election Commission announced that the general elections will take place on January 7, 2023.
- The ruling party, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, welcomed the announcement with jubilation.
- The BNP, the main opposition, expressed a sense of resignation, suggesting that the outcome is already known.
Opposition’s Perspective
- Abdul Moyeen Khan, a member of the BNP’s highest policy-making body, stated that the election’s outcome is apparent to everyone in Bangladesh.
- The opposition alleges that the charges against its top leadership, resulting in jail sentences or exile, are politically motivated and designed to weaken their influence.
Call for Strike and Discontent
- In protest against the election schedule, the BNP called for a 48-hour strike beginning Sunday.
- Opposition leaders argue that democracy is in peril in Bangladesh, emphasizing their lack of faith in a meaningful electoral process.
Ruling Party’s Stance
- Prime Minister Hasina has rejected calls for her resignation and the formation of a caretaker government to oversee the election.
- The ruling Awami League asserts that all parties are welcome to contest, and there should be no obstacles for anyone.
Past Election Controversies
- The BNP boycotted the 2014 election but participated in 2018, later deeming it a mistake due to allegations of widespread rigging and intimidation.
- Western governments, including the United States and the European Union, called for investigations into irregularities in the 2018 vote.
International Observations and Economic Challenges
- A survey by the International Republican Institute highlighted concerns among Bangladeshis about the country’s direction, primarily driven by high inflation.
- Despite concerns, a significant portion of the population still approves of Prime Minister Hasina’s performance.
- Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, criticize the arrests of opposition leaders, viewing them as attempts to intimidate ahead of the elections.
Economic Considerations
- Prime Minister Hasina, credited with economic advancements, sought a $4.7 billion IMF bailout this year due to higher commodity prices following the Russia-Ukraine war.
- The United States, a major buyer of Bangladeshi garments, implemented a policy allowing visa restrictions for individuals undermining the democratic election process.
The upcoming elections in Bangladesh are unfolding amid a backdrop of political tensions, opposition skepticism, and economic challenges, prompting international scrutiny and concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
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