The recent general elections on January 7, 2024 in Bangladesh constitutes a pivotal juncture in the geopolitical landscape in South Asia. It transcends the confines of a mere national election, emerging as the embodiment of the populace’s mandate, disregarding the red-eyes of the Western sphere. This twelfth parliamentary election witnessed a boycott from akin political entities such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), who exhorted the public to resist participation. In reality, the electorate unequivocally spurned this call. When a democratic party’s decision faces repudiation by the people, it assumes a politically perilous character, akin to a self-destructive choice. Consequently, the election held on January 7, 2024, in Bangladesh assumes paramount significance within the regional context. Moreover, the nation anticipates traversing a challenging and arduous trajectory in the foreseeable future.
With the exception of a few sporadic incidents, the 12th National Assembly elections unfolded in a free and fair manner. Notably, foreign observers, including those from Western nations, have lauded the proceedings as a free, fair, and violence free commendable electoral process. In a pre-polls context, a sense of trepidation pervaded the public consciousness. The BNP and Jamaat alliance sought to estrange the populace by imposing their decisions, orchestrating widespread sabotage programs to cast doubt on the election’s integrity. Furthermore, an extensive negative campaign was orchestrated to divert public attention from the electoral process. However, the collective endeavors of the citizenry and the vigilant security and law enforcement forces ultimately culminated in a transparent, free and fair election. The voters of Bangladesh, without hesitation, expressed their gratitude to the government for reclaiming their rights.
The coalition of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami endeavored to deceive the populace by conveying a misleading notion that a diminished voter turnout in elections would be disapproved of, particularly by Western nations, notably the United States. In actuality, this strategic move proved to be a significant error on their part, as the Constitution of Bangladesh imposes no stipulated minimum requirement for voter participation. Moreover, the United States, a beacon of democracy, had a voter turnout of 41.8% in its recent congressional elections. The BNP’s endeavor of sowing confusion within the nation has regrettably undermined its own position. Despite their efforts, the twelfth parliamentary elections witnessed a turnout of approximately 40%, a fact that garnered international acclaim.
Presently, it is imperative for the BNP and its grassroots leadership to engage in introspection concerning their doctrines and programs. As a political analyst, in my opinion, the BNP necessitates a comprehensive restructuring at the organizational echelon. A novel leadership, characterized by progressive, patriotic, and democratic values, should be initiated from the highest echelons communicated in a manner more accessible to the common populace.
Some political analysts are already seeing Tarique Rahman as a “heavy cargo” for BNP, as his series of blunders is pushing the party towards bankruptcy, if not extinction. For the sake of BNP’s very existence, it is essential to take back the party from the whimsical, funny and suicidal steps of Tarique Rahman. There should be an immediate end to Tarique Rahman’s leadership – as according to many – he has no quality of being a leader. Instead, he is a wholesale corrupt, fearsome figure and a pure evil head-to-toe.
