Bangladesh is heading to a crucial general election on December 30 amid a tense political atmosphere and widespread allegations of repression and intimidation by the ruling party. The main opposition alliance, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has accused the government of cracking down on its activists and supporters, arresting thousands and filing false cases against them. The government has denied the allegations and said it is only enforcing the law and order.
The election is seen as a test of the country’s democracy, which has been marred by violence, corruption and authoritarian tendencies in recent years. The incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in power since 2009, is seeking a third consecutive term. She faces a challenge from Dr. Kamal Hossain, a veteran lawyer and former foreign minister, who is leading the opposition coalition called the Jatiya Oikya Front (National Unity Front).
The opposition has demanded a level playing field for the election, including a neutral caretaker government, a reformed election commission and an end to the digital security act, which critics say curbs freedom of expression and dissent. The government has rejected these demands and said the election will be free and fair under the existing constitutional framework.
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The election campaign has been marked by clashes between rival supporters, attacks on opposition candidates and workers, and allegations of vote rigging and manipulation. The opposition has also expressed concern over the role of the military, which has been deployed across the country to maintain law and order. The government has said the military is only assisting the civil administration and will not interfere in the electoral process.
One of the most contentious issues in the 2018 Bangladesh election was the role and influence of the military. The ruling party, the Awami League, claimed that the deployment of army personnel across the country would boost the confidence of voters and ensure a peaceful and fair election.
However, the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, accused the government of using the army to intimidate and harass its supporters and candidates. The army was also accused of being biased in favor of the Awami League and of interfering in the electoral process. The army deployment lasted for 13 days, from December 29, 2018, to January 10, 2019.
According to some reports, at least 12 people were killed in election-related violence, despite the presence of security forces. The role of the military in Bangladesh’s politics has been a source of controversy and instability for decades, as the country has experienced several military coups and periods of martial law since its independence in 1971. The 2018 election raised questions about the extent of civilian control over the military and the prospects for democratic consolidation in Bangladesh.
The 2023 election comes at a time when Bangladesh is facing several challenges, such as the Rohingya refugee crisis, the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the growing threat of Islamist extremism. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the country’s stability, development and regional relations.
The role of the military in Bangladesh’s politics has been a source of controversy and instability for decades, as the country has witnessed several military coups and periods of martial law since its independence in 1971. The 2018 election raised questions about the extent of civilian control over the military and the prospects for democratic consolidation in Bangladesh.
The implications of the military’s role in the 2018 election were manifold. On one hand, it could be seen as a positive sign that the military did not intervene directly or overtly to overthrow or undermine the elected government, as it had done in the past.
This could indicate a degree of respect for constitutional norms and democratic institutions, and a recognition of the legitimacy and popularity of the Awami League. On the other hand, it could also be seen as a negative sign that the military still wielded considerable power and influence over the political process, and that it acted as a de facto ally of the ruling party, rather than a neutral arbiter.
This could undermine the credibility and fairness of the election and erode public trust and confidence in the democratic system. Moreover, it could create resentment and frustration among the opposition and its supporters, and fuel political polarization and violence. The military’s role in the 2018 election could also have implications for Bangladesh’s development and security.
On one hand, it could contribute to maintaining stability and order in a volatile and complex region, and to supporting the government’s efforts to achieve economic growth and social progress. On the other hand, it could also hamper the development of a vibrant and pluralistic civil society and limit the space for dissent and dialogue among different political actors.
Furthermore, it could also pose challenges for Bangladesh’s relations with its neighbors and allies, especially India and the United States, who have expressed concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh.
As the year comes to an end, Bangladesh faces a critical moment in its history. The country will hold a general election on December 30, which could determine its future direction and stability. However, the election campaign has been marred by violence, arrests, and allegations of repression and intimidation by the ruling party.