The New Nation - Internet Edition

Md. Masum Billah

Despite all assurances and reiterations of the government and Election Commission, holding of elections on time still hangs in the balance. Two major players of this field have taken tough stance in their respective issues to take part and not to take part in the ensuing ninth Jatia Sangsad Election. One shows its quite readiness to participate in the election according to the scheduled date; the other wants to push it back to get ample preparation. Both have convincing arguments. Through their opposite stances people smell the uncertainty of holding the election. Once again it will be a serious flaw on the part of political players if election does not take place. To hold a meaningful election consensus of the two big parties is a must.

BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain said, " Four-party alliance would not participate in any stage-managed election designed to form a ' rubber stamp' parliament and a puppet government. We want to take part in a free, fair and credible election and will accept the election results. Those who will win in that election will form the government and we will sit on the opposition bench if we lose." He added, "We want to play in such a field where the referee will act neutrally and the field will be even." BNP presses hard to delay the general election. The government talked with other political parties over the issue and AL, another key player to influence any such decision has indicated that it may accept a deferral by only about ten days.

BNP and four party alliance actually wants to put back the election date by two to three months so that it can prepare itself for a better than now perceived result. The positions of the two major axes of election fulcrum now puts the government in a sticky situation as it has yet to find an acceptable middle ground to bring both parties and their alliance to election.

It is learnt from different sources that BNP chairperson told the delegation it is quite impossible for them to make election preparations fully before January 15. But AL says, "If any certain party does not agree to take part in election in December, then there is no logic or ground to shift the poll and in those cases the election must be held on the announced date." In order to give democracy an institutional shape, there must be a meaningful election. In order to arrange a meaningful election, there must be the participation of big parties which represent most of the people. In our country both AL and BNP stand as big political players with much importance and significance. Some small parties who may have very big leaders must public representation registers very thin. When these parties disagree to participate in election, it matters little. When either of the big parties wants to boycott election or does not agree to the points relating to election, it matters much. If AL thinks that without BNP there will be credible election. It never can be. As BNP represents around fifty percent population and another fifty or more than fifty percent by AL, any of this party's participation attaches significant importance. Any of these two parties's standing away from election means flawed and questionable election. Without any strong opposition democracy can never work.

It is true that BNP may not be in a position to win as most of its big guns are behind bars. And the five years BNP rule was charterized by positive and negative aspects. This is not the big thing. It is known to all that no party of a country can bring any drastic change to show a drama to the people. Even then, people want to see change. Change of government, change of power, change of their representatives etc. this psychological notion of humans puts one after another party to power. But no mentionable or significant change people see any time. Even then, the hope for novelty is a human demand. It will continue. No party should take any complacence because of their success. Success by political parties in terms of real development of the country and change of the lot of people is not unknown to the citizens of this country.

AL should not take such of stance which will keep BNP out of election and BNP also thinks over the point very seriously that nation wants to see a fruitful election. After two long years probably this opportunity approaches with some new hopes and aspirations. If they don't participate, people may show their wrath in another way.

If election takes place will the parties be able to change their mindset? To answer this question Mujahidul Islam Selim, General Secretary of Communist Party of Bangladesh said, " I think the traditional blame game will remain as many things are related to it. In our election political parties invest thousands of crores of taka and they want to win in the elciton to get the money back. They never take part in the election with the mentality of accepting a defeat, as they do not see election as an element of democracy. They consider it as investment so they try to recover their investment by any means. That is why they reject the result when they are defeated." In spite of the fact, we think election must be held. We should at least start.

Captain Husain Imam, a Daily Star columnist says, "The decision to boycott the election or create a situation that may lead to suspension of the election will not only frustrate her grass-roots level workers and supporters and further the disintegration process of her party but may also plunge the whole nation into deep political, social and economic crisis."

A senior Japya Party leader said, "A large party cannot be allowed to blackmail the country on illogical grounds." All the parties must follow the logic but not for their own party interest only, logic must be on behalf of the people.