Govt’s responsibility is to face all challenges to ensure a fair election

At a policy dialogue organised by the influential London-based think tank Chatham House last June, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr Muhammad Yunus, said that the 13th National Parliamentary Election would be the most beautiful election in Bangladesh’s history. Since announcing that the election would be held in February next year, he has repeatedly stated that the government will provide all necessary support to hold the election in a fair, peaceful and festive environment. But as the days go by, doubts and concerns about the election are arising not only among ordinary citizens but also among eminent persons. The main reason is the existing disputes between political parties instead of reaching a consensus. The second reason is the continuous deterioration of the law-and-order situation in the country.

On 1 October, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam also expressed this view. At a press conference held at the police headquarters in the capital last Tuesday, he said that the biggest challenge for the police in the upcoming election is to build the capacity to hold a fair election and to confront fascists. He said, “After the July–August movement, the police were pushed into a fragile state, and bringing it back to the current position was a big challenge. We want to create at least a neutral and festive atmosphere during the election. We believe we can reach the level of capacity we now have.”

In response to a question about whether any force could emerge as a challenge to the election, Baharul Alam said, there are many people, parties and groups here. Those who are defeated fascists are also, of course, a party. The members of this party are undoubtedly an opposing force. In addition, he said there are concerns about the weapons looted from the police during the mass uprising.

There are fears from other directions too. Especially now, one cannot tell who will create disorder and on whose shoulders the blame will be placed. Despite heavy security, incidents occurred at 49 puja mandaps this time. In connection with these incidents, 15 cases have been filed and 19 people arrested. However, the political identity of the arrested persons has not been revealed. The fact that their political identity is unknown is as disappointing as it is alarming. Then who are they?

Such incidents may well occur during the election itself. Questions have also arisen about a few so-called “observer organisations” that have applied for registration using false names and addresses. If the election does indeed take place in February, the Election Commission (EC) has very little time left—only four months. Many citizens’ national identity cards have not yet been updated. Even so, the EC hopes it will be able to hold a fair election.

Despite many challenges, a fair election is what we desire. Many young men and women of Bangladesh may be voting for the first time in the upcoming election. After the mass uprising achieved through so much bloodshed, our greatest expectation from the present government is that it will hold a fair election to establish a democratic state. We want the current interim government and the Election Commission to overcome all challenges and gift the nation a fair, transparent and neutral election. Any failure in this regard will plunge the nation once again into long years of darkness. Not darkness, but light must be the path of our journey.