No indication of meaningful participation in the upcoming national elections: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed its concerns about the January 7 parliamentary elections, stating that there is no indication of a "meaningful" participation. 

"Due to the escalating political circumstances during the election schedule announcement, it is believed that a participatory election cannot be achieved this time," said TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman during a press conference in Dhaka on Thursday.

"We have already expressed our concern regarding this [lack of participatory elections]. The government may be formed through an election, but it will not be one where the spirit behind the people's right to vote is ensured," he added.

At the press conference, the think tank unveiled 76 recommendations in nine categories for parliament, the judiciary, and some other sectors.

Along with implementing a "no vote" provision in local and national polls, it also recommended that after being elected the prime minister and ministers should resign from their political posts to ensure the principle of an all parties' government.

The recommendations include changing the provision of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) which bars the EC from cancelling election results of a constituency and allows it to withhold polling only at specific centres where irregularities occur.

Other recommendations include calls for measures to curb political interference in the judicial process and to cease the harassment of honest government officials.

The TIB Executive Director mentioned that these recommendations have been proposed on several occasions in the past. This time, TIB plans to distribute the recommendations among various political parties.

While the country has traditionally followed a constituency-based parliamentary democracy, there is now a call for establishing a proportional representation-based parliament. This matter warrants thorough discussion, emphasising the importance of conducting free, fair, and impartial elections, he said.

Iftekharuzzaman highlighted the pivotal role political parties play as crucial institutions for democracy, good governance, and justice. Acknowledging their significant influence, he emphasised the need for reforms within these parties as well.

The TIB executive director said state institutions such as the Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, and Human Rights Commission have been politicised, serving as tools for short-term political gains. It is imperative to break free of this culture.

On 15 November, the Election Commission announced that the 12th Jatiya Sangsad elections will be held on 7 January next year.

The ruling Awami League expressed its satisfaction with the EC announcement, asserting its alignment with the constitution and the subsequent adherence to the election timeline.

In contrast, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi dismissed the election schedule, cautioning that the nation was now moving towards an "unavoidable conflict".