Dhaka Bureau: The Awami League and BNP’s adamant stance on the government during the election period and the counter-programs of the two parties are creating various kinds of apprehensions in politics. As a result, there are rumors that the crisis that has been going on for so long may intensify in October.
The Election Commission said that the schedule for the National Assembly election may be announced in the last week of October or the first half of November. In this situation, BNP wants to achieve success through agitation before announcing the schedule.
And the Awami League wants to start election activities by keeping the situation under control. Therefore, the ruling party active in the field with political programs and like-minded opposition alliances, including the BNP, are giving more importance to the month of October.
In this situation, the danger of conflict in the coming days is also being discussed in the concerned circles. There are also concerns about what the political situation will be in the run-up to the announcement of the schedule.
Because so far, the issue of dialogue or compromise is not getting a place in the discussion. There is no sign of any third party coming forward to facilitate dialogue between the two parties.
BNP has been giving a series of programs to demand the fall of the government along with the reinstatement of the caretaker government. The party has also announced that it will not go to the elections without a non-partisan government.
They are talking about making the final decision on the streets.
Awami League is also adamant in their position. The rulers will not go beyond the constitution on the question of elections. They have announced to hold elections under the party government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Political analysts say that the BNP and Awami League consider their withdrawal from their respective positions a political defeat.
As a result, there was a kind of stubbornness between the two groups before, and there still is. This stubborn situation is leading to conflict.
The domestic and foreign forces are much more active than at any time in the past with this election in Bangladesh. The United States has initiated visa restrictions on government and opposition politicians, members of the administration, and law enforcement agencies who obstruct free, fair, and impartial elections. Discussions and proposals are being made about Bangladesh’s democracy and human rights in the European Union as well. A member of Parliament proposed sanctions against Bangladesh in the Australian Parliament. All in all, the activity of foreigners has started to increase as the election approaches.
However, Haroon-or-Rashid, the former vice chancellor of the National University, said to the media, “I don’t think politics will lead to conflict.” BNP may offer programs like sit-in and hartal. However, if there is an agreement on the treatment of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, the situation can change dramatically. He said, “I think the BNP has no option but to go to the elections.” Because there are no signs of success in their one-step movement.
Why worry?
The senior leaders of the BNP told the media that their aim is to achieve the final success of the movement before the election schedule is announced. To that end, the last phase of the movement may begin in October.
And the Awami League will not allow the BNP to occupy Rajpath alone. In the meantime, the top leaders of the ruling party have announced they will stay in the field until the election schedule is announced. Awami League has been in the field with a counter program since the announcement of BNP’s program on December 10 last year.
The ongoing program at BNP will end on October 5. After this, the party can give continuous programs until October 20. The responsible leaders are meeting with like-minded political parties on how that program will be.
BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku told the media, “People’s concern is about voting rights, whether the election will be fair or not.” People want to vote unhindered under a caretaker government. But they are not being given that opportunity. We are moving to overcome this fear of the people. We are getting people’s support for the movement.
And Awami League joint general secretary AFM Bahauddin Nashim told the media, ‘BNP-Jamaat is trying to prevent the election through conspiracy. They want to create an anarchic situation by terrorizing and vandalizing the streets. We will be in the field to protect the lives and property of the people of the country against this.
Counter program throughout October
Before Durga Puja, BNP will hold various programs in Dhaka, including a road march, padayatra, and rally, until October 20. The party may go down to the final movement in the last week of October.
According to party sources, the BNP may gradually encircle the Secretariat, Election Commission, Sangsad Bhavan, Biharangan, Police Headquarters, Ganobhaban, and Prime Minister’s Office. Leaders are indicating that programs like hartal-blockade may also come if necessary.
BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu told the media, ‘They will not move from the field of agitation. A series of programs will continue. He said that if the government does not accept the demand, our movement will be tough.
Awami League party sources said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is visiting the United States, will return home on October 4. On this day, the Prime Minister will be present on both sides of the road from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Gana Bhavan. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on October 7. A big gathering will be held there on this occasion. It will be attended by leaders and activists of the Awami League and affiliated and fraternal organizations in Dhaka and its surrounding districts and cities.
A joint meeting of the parties will be held this afternoon at the central office of the Awami League on Bangabandhu Avenue. The party’s central secretariat, the Dhaka Metropolitan North and South Awami League, the Dhaka District Awami League, and the presidents and general secretaries of neighboring organizational districts of Dhaka will be present.
Several important central sources of the party said that, apart from the program announced by the central committee, special programs will be held after understanding the situation at the district and upazila levels. The Awami League will have a special plan around Dhaka metropolis. Leaders and workers of every police station and ward of the Awami League and allied and fraternal organizations have been instructed to be ready. The leaders and activists have been asked to be ready to enter the field to face any situation.
