Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus on last Saturday, assured British parliamentarian RupaHuq that the next general election in Bangladesh would be completely free and fair. Earlier, Huq was part of a UK business delegation that held a meeting with Special Envoy to Chief Advisor Lutfey Siddiqi, BIDA Chairman Ashik Mahmud Chowdhury, and Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs LamiyaMorshed over trade and investment in Bangladesh. This time she is playing another important role.
However, though a tentative timeline for the upcoming polls has been officially stated by the CA earlier, the need of the hour demands quick electoral reforms and a concrete roadmap in full agreement with the Interim Government's commitment for holding the next general polls.
There are two possible timelines for the next general elections: December 2025 and mid-2026. Thus, it is crucial to initiate the reform process and electoral activities by engaging all stakeholders.
The key point, however, public demand for free and fair polls in Bangladesh had been manifestly snatched away by an oppressive regime for over a decade. And people had been unlawfully denied the very basic right for practicing their democratic franchise. People could not vote in the last three elections.
Following unprecedented dramatic events of 2024, including the historic July Uprising that ousted the autocratic Awami League regime, Bangladesh now has the chance to move towards a free, and a more democratic future.
There had been visible phony parliaments, unelected MPs, and fake speakers to have emerged and rule us during the last three general elections - now is the best time to come out of it.
While our political achievements last year were remarkable, they came at a huge cost and bloodshed. And restoring democracy through a free and fair poll would unquestionably be a big challenge for the Interim Government. In addition, a smooth and transparent election process will undeniably mitigate prevailing political tensions.
Under the current circumstances, formation of the consensus commission led by the chief adviser himself, is a promising development. Political consensus among all parties and stakeholders is essential for a well chalked-out election roadmap. At the same time, we urge the government to prioritise on holding an all-party national dialogue. Successfully organizing this dialogue will likely be a big challenge in the new year.
Last of all, we urge all political parties to refrain from disruptive, agitation and vandalism which can dangerously undermine the people's unity,we so desperately need to move forward as a nation.
