Bangladesh in 'deep trouble' centring polls: Brig Gen Sakhawat  

Former election commissioner Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain said the country is in a "deep crisis" centring on the forthcoming national election.   

"The fact is, whether we can sense it or not, we have been suffering from various issues. We are facing both an economic and political crisis," he said during a roundtable discussion titled "Bangladesh on the Way to Election?", organised by the Editors Guild, Bangladesh, at the Dhaka Gallery.

"Therefore, we need to find a way out. A free and fair election can rescue us from this situation. The last two elections have left us in such a predicament, and the integrity of future elections is now in question," he added.

The former election commissioner noted that the constitution provides options for holding an election: either by keeping the parliament or dissolving it.

"Now it all depends on the current government," he added.

Economist Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad stated that the economic situation fluctuates over time.

"Our economy was performing well until 2019, steadily progressing. However, it has since been declining. While decisions are being made, there is a lack of visible implementation," he added.

"The government initially banned foreign tours for bureaucrats to reduce expenses, but it proved ineffective. The reserves are continuously decreasing, which is a cause for concern."

Senior journalist Masood Kamal mentioned that Bangladesh is heading towards an election, but the duration of this path remains uncertain.

"Do people wish to witness a repeat of the 2014 and 2018 elections? No, they do not want a recurrence of such elections," he noted.

"Why do so many people have such a strong affinity for America now? It's because their aspirations align with the sentiments of the masses." 

Trinamool BNP Chairperson Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury pointed out that postponing the election isn't an option.

Delaying an election would be a serious mistake, he said, adding, "This could result in a highly unstable situation. The question of who gains or loses is not the main concern; what matters is the well-being of the country." 

Khushi Kabir, a renowned human rights activist, emphasised that the Election Commission's responsibility is to guarantee a free, fair, and level playing field, especially as time is running out.

"'Whether BNP participates in the polls or not, they cannot claim that the EC didn't provide them with sufficient opportunities to participate," she added.

Hasan Mahmud Khandoker, a former police chief and diplomat, doesn't believe that the country is currently in a "deep crisis". 

"While some may fear potential turbulence, the scenes from the streets say otherwise, he said. 

"There has been no violence from the two major parties in connection with the national polls, thanks in part to the main opposition party, the BNP." 

Mozammel Babu, chief editor of Ekattor Television, who chaired the session, recommended the enactment of a law to address election boycotts.

"I believe there should be a law against boycotting elections in the future, even though we hope to avoid situations like those in the 2014 or 1996 elections," he added.