Four strategies to hold participatory elections

If the situation stays the same, the 12th National Parliamentary Election will be held on January 7. However, the participation of BNP-led alliance, considered to be the major opponents, is not certain. In case of BNP's absence, Awami League, the party in power, takes a new strategy to make the election participatory.

Out of the 44 political parties registered with the Election Commission, 25 have announced their candidacy so far. It has been confirmed from various sources that some more registered parties may announce their participation in the elections in the next a few days. In this case, most of the registered political parties except BNP will participate in the election race. However, if BNP wants to participate in the election and informs the Election Commission in writing, the poll would be rescheduled, the Election Commission has informed. Although there is no such discussion going on behind the scenes or not, it is not clear from the outside scenario. There is no such glimpse from either side of the parties.

Small political parties respond to Awami League's election call
25 out of the 44 registered parties have already announced to go to the polls. It has been reported in various media that at least five more parties may announce their participation in the elections very soon. The parties that have announced their participation in the elections are--Bangladesh Awami League, Anwar Hossain Manju's Jatiya Party (JP), Bangladesh Samyabadi Dal (ML), Bangabir Kader Siddiqui's Krishak Sramik Janata League, Gonotantri Party, Bangladesh National Awami Party, Works Party of Bangladesh, Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, Jatiya Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal Jasad, Zaker Party, Bangladesh Tariqat Federation, Bangladesh Muslim League, Jamiat Ilamia Islam Bangladesh, Ganoforum, Ganofront, Bangladesh Kalyan Party, Bangladesh Islami Front, Bangladesh Saniskritik Muktojot, Bangladesh Nationalist Front -BNF, Bangladesh Congress, Trinamool BNP, Insaniat Biplab Bangladesh, Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal Jasad, Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Andolon, Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP).

Now it is to be seen that how many candidates these parties can announce against the seats. Already, the election campaign for these political parties has also started at the field level. There is also a hint that there may be tough competition in some seats. Former members of parliament who were not nominated by Awami League in some cases have also started election campaign with the nomination of these parties. How effective these political parties can be in the field is now to be seen.

Will Trinamool BNP and BNF be able to show the last stun
After Nazmul Huda, two former BNP leaders, Shamser Mobin Chowdhury and Advocate Taimur Alam Khandkar are leading Trinamool BNP. At the same time Bangladesh Nationalist Front-BNF is led by former parliamentarian SM Abul Kalam Azad. It has recently been reported by this party that BNP leader Major (Retd.) Hafizuddin Ahmed has been involved with the party's formation process since 20However, he did not make any formal announcement in this regard. A minister informed that Major (retd) Hafizuddin is joining a new political party after leaving BNP. After that, Hafizuddin held a press conference and expressed his opinion that BNP should come to the polls. Now there are strong rumors that if the BNP does not come to the polls, a section of the influential leaders of the party will contest in the poll with Trinamool BNP and BNF tickets. In that case, even if BNP does not participate in the election, it is believed that the election will be competitive. However, the rumors about the two teams have yet to prove true. But, anything can happen before the poll.

​Dummy candidate
For the past few days, the issue of dummy candidates has been heavily discussed. Meanwhile, Awami League has expressed clear thought on the matter. No one will be allowed to be elected unopposed this time. That is why Awami League is selecting alternative candidates in every seat, who will contest as independent candidates . Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has warned party candidates that if anyone is elected unopposed in the election, action will be taken against them. At the same time, Sheikh Hasina gave instructions to keep the party's dummy candidate active.

BNP leaders prepare for elections as independent candidates
Despite BNP's uncertainty over participation in the 12th parliamentary elections as a party, many of the party leaders are reported to be preparing for the elections as independent candidates. Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said that I also know that 25 to 30 parties are going to participate in the elections. Although the BNP is not participating as a party, many of the BNP men are preparing for the elections as independent candidates. It is best not to say anything about this question before it is all over.

So far, all efforts are being made to make the election participatory in the prevailing election climate. The government has pressure on it by the western countries, including the United States, to make the elections more participatory. As a result, Awami League is making strong efforts to make the election participatory in any process.