Bangladesh has definitely developed in economic terms — along with several other terms — recently. The South Asian country has experienced significant growth in several economic and other sectors including agriculture, manufacturing and services during the current Awami League government. Economic development has been fueled by factors including increased foreign direct investment, the implementation of various development policies, government initiatives to promote industrialization, increased remittance flow and the expansion of the garment industry. Bangladesh has also taken mega development initiatives over the last decade including the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, the Dhaka Metro Rail and the Karnaphuli Tunnel, connecting different regions. Among others, there has been social improvement in several indicators.
But many are not economically developed and socially improved, though the economic size has increased and Bangladesh has globally emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies. While many are affected by poverty, lack of income opportunities and economic disparities, there is, according to multiple newspapers, economic corruption and mismanagement. Additionally, there are political and other problems. The problem of holding credible elections and/or the limited scope of exercising voting rights, political repression and the political culture of revenge are some of the crucial political problems that have been affecting Bangladesh for decades. While economic development initiatives, along with development in some other terms, are crucial and need to be continued, political problems are also crucial problems in Bangladesh.
The political problem regarding the lack of credible elections — a crucial problem in Bangladesh — has led to political movements, clashes and boycotts of parliamentary elections. The manipulation and rigging of elections, voter intimidation, the incumbent favored role of public administrations before and during elections and the instances of forced vote casting in front of party leaders/cadres during the party-in-power government are some often noted electoral problems. Consequently, current opposition political parties including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party have been carrying out political movements for credible elections while the then Bangladesh Awami League carried out movements for the same purpose from 1994 to 1996. But there is no indication of resolving the problem of holding credible elections in Bangladesh.
Economic development, along with development in some other terms, cannot definitely be the alternative to political rights including voting rights and does not annul the significance of the latter at all. Each aspect is crucial and undeniable. While economic development increases the buying capacity, improves the standard of living and brings many other positive outcomes, political rights including voting rights ensure the participation and representation of citizens in decision-making processes, provide the freedom to vote, run for office and express their opinions without fear of persecution, generate transparency and hold government accountable and bring many other positive outcomes. Consequently, the political problem of Bangladesh regarding credible elections also needs to be resolved.
But it remains unclear whether the stated political problem will be resolved and whether the 12th parliamentary elections will be participatory and credible. Though the government repeatedly assures that the next parliamentary elections will be credible during the party-in-power government, opposition parties are probably unconvinced driven by factors including the culture of electoral manipulation by the incumbent and a lack of trust in the BAL government for its betrayal in the 11th national election. Political talks and some concessions from the government and opposition parties may peacefully resolve the electoral problem and lead to credible elections. Otherwise, political clashes are likely.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
