Jan18

Maintaining the neutrality of the administration will be key to holding a peaceful and credible election, political analysts said at a dialogue yesterday.

They said there were past efforts to influence the administration for political purposes, which had direct consequences on elections, and such practices must stop.

The dialogue, titled “Peaceful Election and Democratic Future”, was organised by Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) at a city hotel.

Prof Rounaq Jahan, distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said, “The administration has been politicised for a long time. If the administration can perform its duties without fear of its actions affecting promotions or postings, it will be able to function neutrally.”

All political parties, therefore, should express their commitment to this, she said.

The major challenges surrounding the election include security concerns, especially for minority groups and women, she added.

The administration has been politicised for a long time. If the administration can perform its duties without fear of its actions affecting promotions or postings, it will be able to function neutrally.

Prof Rounaq Jahan, CPD distinguished fellow

Minority communities are perceived as a vote bank of the Awami League, and there are now pressures on them to vote for certain parties, creating a dilemma for the community, she added.

She also said differences of opinion are inherent in a democracy and must be respected. Illegitimising opposing views creates a sense of insecurity, she added.

Rounaq noted that ending discrimination was a key slogan of the July uprising, but it is no longer part of the current discourse. 

She said it is essential that the youth continue to promote the values of equity in all spheres of society.

BEI President M Humayun Kabir said Bangladesh’s governance system will not improve as long as political parties use the administration for political purposes.

If the DCs and SPs want, they can deliver fair polls, he said, stressing that political parties must send a clear message to the administration of non-interference.

BNP Joint Secretary Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal said there were numerous instances where the interim government failed to maintain law and order, allowing mob violence, repeated road blockades, and chaos.

He also alleged that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus breached neutrality by recently saying that youths who formed a new party would become ministers and MPs after the elections.

Nagorik Oikya Organisational Secretary Sakib Anwar questioned whether a peaceful election would be possible if the interim government acted as it did on the night when the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, and Chhayanaut were attacked.

“Was there any government in Bangladesh then? What will happen if the same situation arises on February 12?” he asked.

Sakib Anwar said political practices have not changed despite numerous reforms.

NCP Joint Secretary Foysal Mohammad Shanto said the aspirations of the July uprising would fade if the next election is not held in a neutral manner.

“The influence of muscle and money must be prevented for a peaceful election,” he said.

Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Møller said Denmark expects the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh where all people enjoy equal rights.

Speakers also stressed the need for widespread awareness of the July Charter and referendum to prevent fascism in the future.

Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/neutrality-admin-key-credible-polls-4082001