No-compromise mindset pushes democracy to the brink

Civil society members at a roundtable Saturday expressed that the ruling party's unwillingness to compromise pushed the democracy to the brink of collapse, leading to a general election without participation of the key opposition party.
The roundtable, organised by The Hunger Project in collaboration with Shushashoner Janya Nagorik (Citizens for Good Governance) (SHUJAN), was held at the YWCA auditorium in the city.
The discussion, titled "Ensuring Fair, Impartial, and Competitive Election Environments: Expectations, Realities, and Actions to Take," was chaired by SHUJAN Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar.
Other attendees included former election commissioner Brig Gen Shakhawat Hossain, SHUJAN members Sharmin Morshed and Prof Robaet Ferdous.
Brig Gen Shakhawat Hossain shared his experience, stating that people told him about their inability to cast votes in the past two general elections (2014 and 2018) in Bangladesh.
He added that there was a sense of fear among the people regarding the upcoming 12th parliamentary election scheduled for January 7.
However, he noted a positive change that the people were actively discussing the election this time.
He said the reality was the country had two major parties now -- ruling Awami League and the key opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Emphasising the importance of inclusive elections, he stated that without the participation of the key opposition, no election could be considered truly democratic.
Prof Robaet Ferdous expressed concerns about the ruling party's reluctance for dialogue, stating that a lack of space for dialogue signified the death of democracy.
He predicted a contentious election among ruling party leaders for power, if the opposition party was absent, with the possibility of numerous rebel candidates from the Awami League in every constituency.
Indigenous rights activist Sanjib Drong highlighted the destruction of democratic institutions through partisan politics.
He pointed out the lack of shame and ideology among the leading figures in society, asserting that the country was at risk of failure.
Sharmin Morshed claimed that ruling party members were attacking homes of opposition parties in villages, comparing the incidents to those during the Liberation War in 1971.
SHUJAN Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar expressed concerns about the Election Commission's formation, questioning the fairness of election.
He argued that appointment of the latest election commissioners, including the chief, violated the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment Act, 2022.
Majumdar emphasised the need for the government to initiate a dialogue to create a favourable environment for the election.

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