Uncertainty Deepens Over Bangladesh General Elections. Questions Emerge Regarding the Fairness of the Government and Election Commission. Growing Concerns Among the Public and the Opposition.
Bangladesh Election News: The situation surrounding the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh is becoming increasingly uncertain. There has been no official announcement regarding the election date, and opposition parties allege that the ruling party is deliberately trying to postpone the election process. Meanwhile, differences are continuously deepening between the Election Commission, the government, and the opposition.
Human Rights Organizations Express Concerns Over Conspiracy
Manzil Murshid, the President of Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh, expressed concern in his statement that no concrete steps have been taken to conduct free and inclusive elections in the country. He stated that since August 5, 2024, certain conspiracies have become active in the country, which may aim to influence the election process. He also questioned whether the interim government formed under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus is outside the constitutional framework.
Meeting in London and Joint Declaration with BNP
According to Manzil Murshid, Dr. Yunus met with Tariq Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in London. After this meeting, a joint declaration was made that elections would be held in February 2025. However, the Election Commission has not yet issued any official schedule for this.
Opposition Concerns: Will the Elections be Fair?
The opposition in Bangladesh has long been expressing concerns that the government is trying to manipulate the election process in its favor. Allegations of rigging and violence have been made in the past elections. The opposition says that until a free and fair environment is established, holding elections will be a mockery of democracy.
Questions on the Role of the Election Commission
Last week, the Chief Election Commissioner of Bangladesh, AMM Nasir Uddin, said that it is not possible to conduct elections without the cooperation of the government. He admitted that no matter how independent the Election Commission is declared, elections cannot be conducted fairly unless the administration, police, and other institutions cooperate.
He also said that the election date will be announced in due course. Currently, according to him, the Election Commission has a work plan, although he refused to call it a 'roadmap'.
Suspense Still Remains on the Election Date
Earlier this month, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus had mentioned that elections would be held in April 2025. However, this statement did not come officially from the Election Commission, nor was any document presented in its support. In such a situation, it is not clear when the elections will actually be held.
