Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed concern over the conflicting political situation in the country, saying it would ultimately undermine the people's interest.
It also said the election commission on one hand has failed to exhibit a responsible role and, on the other hand, political parties are holding their previous unmoved stances leading to scopes for the rise of undemocratic forces.
The Dhaka chapter of the Berlin-based international organisation, through a statement issued on Sunday, added that there is hardly any possibility of a truly free and inclusive election as all indicators centering the announcement of the 12th parliamentary election schedule have not been favourable.
The statement says that the Election Commission (EC) has not taken any steps that could ensure a neutral and conflict-of-interest-free role of the election-time government consistent with its own election action plan.
The EC has not set any credible examples of actions either that could help build trust and confidence of all contending parties and the voters at large that a free, fair and inclusive election could be held.
TIB believes that a non-inclusive one-sided election may secure power, but not democracy, and not certainly the people's right to vote, nor their trust. Similarly, violence can in no circumstances be the means to achieve political objectives.
Underpinning the concern, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said in the past month, approximately two hundred vehicles have been set ablaze, and trains have been targets of similar arson.
"We question the democratic value of such actions against public transport. Moreover, a political blame game is on alleging each other of responsibility for the violence and the overall crisis."
Dr. Zaman demanded stringent accountability for all acts of violence through fair and unbiased investigations.
saif.febd@gmail.com