Polls on track as govt moves past political deadlock
Reza Mahmud :
Amid rising political pressure, speculation, and public interest surrounding the timing of Bangladesh’s next general election, the interim government is accelerating preparations, with officials hinting that the election schedule could be announced at any moment-possibly by 5 August, marking the anniversary of the fall of the previous Awami League-led administration.
Both the interim government and the Election Commission are actively engaged in pre-election groundwork, including nationwide administrative reshuffles and law-and-order measures, in anticipation of the upcoming polls.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday at the Secretariat, Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul confirmed that the election date will be announced “within a few days” and urged the public to remain patient. The press conference was convened to discuss legal reforms and contemporary political issues.
Political analysts believe that a formal announcement of the election date could shift the political momentum, potentially encouraging parties to participate regardless of ongoing disagreements over preconditions.
Dr SM Ali Reza, Professor of Political Science at Dhaka University, told The New Nation, “The government may declare the next general election date ahead of the one-year anniversary of the fall of the Hasina administration. Once the date is announced, political parties may set aside some of their differences and prepare for the polls.”
However, significant disagreements persist between major political groups regarding the conditions for a credible election. These include demands for the implementation of the proposed July Charter, a proportional representation (PR) system, assurances of a level playing field, and accountability for abuses committed under the former regime.
While parties like Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon, and the National Citizen Party (NCP) have laid out specific pre-election conditions, the BNP has focused its demands on the urgency of holding the election as soon as possible.
Responding to a question about whether citizens will genuinely be able to vote this time – given their disenfranchisement in recent elections – Dr Nazrul expressed optimism. “Of course they will. This time, everyone will have the opportunity to vote,” he said.
Reflecting on past experiences, he added, “When I used to lecture at the university, I would ask my students how many had voted. Most would laugh and say, ‘Sir, I’ve voted 10 or 12 times,’ or that they had never voted at all. That pain will end-we haven’t been able to vote properly for the last 18 years.”
Meanwhile, Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, firmly asserted that the election will proceed as scheduled, without any delays. Speaking at the BSRF Dialogue organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF), Alam said, “The next five to six days are crucial. Rest assured – the election will not be delayed, not even by a single day.”
He reiterated that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus had been clear about the importance of timely polls. “Professor Yunus set a timeline, and we will adhere to it strictly,” he said.
Alam also provided context on the evolution of the electoral timeline. “Initially, the target was early April. Later, during a visit to London, we indicated that-if reforms proceed as planned-the election could be held in February. That remains our objective.”
The remarks are seen as a strong signal that the interim administration is committed to holding a timely election, despite ongoing political uncertainty and logistical challenges following the ouster of the Awami League-led government in March.
In a related development, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday underscored the need for political consensus. “The absence of mutual understanding among parties is contributing to increasing hostility in politics,” he said, calling for greater cooperation to ensure a democratic and peaceful electoral process.