Candidates from various parties are vigorously contesting seats in diverse regions of the country in anticipation of the upcoming twelfth national parliamentary election in Bangladesh, slated for January 7. Even the smaller political parties are actively engaging in the democratic process, articulating their alternative agendas and pledging unconventional approaches to governance.
The ruling government parties and their alliances are gearing up for a robust presence in the electoral battleground, eyeing participation in 300 constituencies across the nation. On the other hand, the main opposition party BNP remains resolute in its decision to boycott the elections and continues to wage protests.
One of the most important constituencies in the capital is Dhaka-17, and three nominated candidates from the constituency commented on the eighth episode of the TV show “Election Debate 2023,” organized by Dhaka Tribune. They are Mohammad Ali Arafat, MP for Dhaka-17, and member of the Central Executive Committee of Bangladesh Awami League; SM Abul Kalam Azad, Ex-MP of Dhaka-17, and president of Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF); and Md Ainul Haque, president of Bikalpa Sromojibi Dhara Central Committee, Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh.
One of the most important constituencies in the capital is Dhaka-17, and three nominated candidates from the constituency commented on the eighth episode of the TV show “Election Debate 2023,” organized by Dhaka Tribune. They are Mohammad Ali Arafat, MP for Dhaka-17, and member of the Central Executive Committee of Bangladesh Awami League; SM Abul Kalam Azad, Ex-MP of Dhaka-17, and president of Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF); and Md Ainul Haque, president of Bikalpa Sromojibi Dhara Central Committee, Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh. alliances are gearing up for a robust presence in the electoral battleground, eyeing participation in 300 constituencies across the nation. On the other hand, the main opposition party BNP remains resolute in its decision to boycott the elections and continues to wage protests.
One of the most important constituencies in the capital is Dhaka-17, and three nominated candidates from the constituency commented on the eighth episode of the TV show “Election Debate 2023,” organized by Dhaka Tribune. They are Mohammad Ali Arafat, MP for Dhaka-17, and member of the Central Executive Committee of Bangladesh Awami League; SM Abul Kalam Azad, Ex-MP of Dhaka-17, and president of Bangladesh Nationalist Front(BNF); and Md Ainul Haque, president of Bikalpa Sromojibi Dhara Central Committee, Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh.
The program was moderated by Dhaka Tribune Executive Editor Reaz Ahmad. The program aired on Channel 24 TV yesterday, where the leaders from Bangladesh Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF), which was registered as a political party in 2013, and Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh expressed their views on the political situation, current goals, the global situation, economic challenges, women’s and youth situations in Bangladesh, and their plans for the Dhaka-17 Constitution. Additionally, the respective parties discussed their political differences, freedom of expression, and the party’s commitment to anti-corruption.
Regarding the economic challenges of the government, Awami League candidate Arafat said: “There are two challenges facing the post-election government, one is inflation due to which the prices of essential commodities are rising. Another reserve situation, which has to be improved by the newly formed government. However, the reserve situation is still not very bad; the Awami League government is in a good enough position. And we have implemented development projects, mega projects, with our own money, which will be improved in the future. And the market situation, we have managed to moderate the upward movement of commodities, which we will bring to a more tolerable position if people elect us again.”
BNF president SM Abul Kalam Azad said: “The impact of the global economy on the country’s economy is evident. The new government will have to go for a mixed economy policy to deal with the economic challenges. Because currently, market management has gone to the private sector more. Therefore, I think, for the proper management of the economy, a mixed economy should be managed.” However, Bangladesh is not in an extreme crisis yet, he added.
Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh’s leader Md. Ainul Haque said: “The economic situation of Bangladesh is still better than other countries. But it is possible to accelerate and improve the economy. In that case, the syndicate should be broken to reduce the price of daily necessities. And the development of industrialization can save the economy.”
One of the action plans of Awami League candidate Arafat for the voters of Dhaka-17 is that he wants to implement an ideal city for the low-income people who are living in this area. Along with this, there is a plan for the permanent rehabilitation of slum dwellers in this area. He said that the plan to build colonies for slum dwellers has already been accepted by the Awami government, and Sheikh Hasina has given instructions in this regard.
He added: “There are many misconceptions that Dhaka-17 constituency is an area of elites, which is not true; more than half of the people in this area belong to very poor, middle class, and lower-class families. There are many large slums in these areas. There are a lot of things to work on, issues ranging from water crisis, sanitation, lack of drainage, women’s health, girl child education, and even the quality of life.”
He also said it is important to work to make women voters aware of this area. Young people have less interest in elections and there needs to be work. Along with that, the youth should be involved in good initiatives. And he has a plan to set up a water recycling plant to solve the permanent water problem of the slum dwellers.
BNF candidate Abul Kalam Azad wants to work to ensure the safety of slum dwellers. He said that during his tenure as the MP of this area, he worked for the education system of the area, starting from electricity and water supply. If he is elected again, he will bring the situation of illegal occupation in this area under control.
He said: “The constituency has a significant number of women and youth voters. I have worked for the development of this area; I am their favorite person; they look for me. So I hope they elect their favorite candidate again.”
However, Bikalpa Dhaka Bangladesh leader Ainul Haque said besides working to improve the quality of life of low-income people and slum dwellers, he wants to work to solve the traffic congestion in Dhaka-17 constituency.
He added: “Special emphasis should be given to young women and men. Proper nursing is important after identifying them. Ensure good education and equality of work. It is also our responsibility to increase the confidence and tendency towards voting them."
Regarding the freedom of expression under this government, Awami League candidate Arafat thinks that there is more freedom in the expression of political dis-senting opinions and media opinions under this government than in the past.
He said: “Action is taken only against those who try to destroy the peaceful environment. This government practices free-dom, and that is why most of the media have got opportunities under this government. And if we talk about corruption, then parties like BNP and Jamaat will come first. They made corruption rampant. And the mega projects of our government also tell how much corruption has been reduced in this country under this government.”
BNF leader Abul Kalam claimed: “Freedom of the media has gone to the business community. Political criticism is on the decline in the media. The Anti-corruption Commission cannot prevent corruption; it needs a ministry. And commenting that corruption is now socialized, he cautioned that it should not become institutionalized.”
Bikalpa Dhaka Bangladesh’s candidate Ainul Haque said: “Free journalism and equal freedom of expression of opinions of all political parties are necessary here. Corruption in the country will be reduced if remittances can be brought in the right way, through government channels.”
What they said
Mohammad Ali Arafat, MP Dhaka-17 and Executive Member of the Central Executive Committee, Bangladesh Awami League There are two challenges facing the post-election government: one is inflation, and the other is the reserve situation. However, the reserve situation is still not very bad, and the Awami League government is in a good enough position. Regarding the market situation, we have managed to moderate the upward movement of commodities, and we would bring it to a more tolerable position if people elect us again. Our plan for Dhaka-17 is to implement an ideal city for low-income people. Along with the permanent rehabilitation of slum dwellers, building colonies for them has already been accepted by the Awami government.
SM Abul Kalam Azad, Former MP Dhaka-17 and President of Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF) The new government will need to adopt a mixed economy policy to address the current economic challenges, as market management has shifted more towards the private sector. Therefore, I believe that proper economic management requires the implementation of a mixed economy. However, Bangladesh is not in an extreme crisis at the moment. During my tenure as the MP of this area in 2014, I focused on improving the education system, as well as addressing issues related to electricity and water supply. This time, my plan aims to bring the situation of illegal occupation in this area under control.
Md Ainul Haque, President, Bikalpa Sromojibidhara Central Committee, Bikalpa Dhara, Bangladesh In addition to working on improving the quality of life for low-income people and slum dwellers, my focus is on addressing the issue of traffic congestion in the Dhaka-17 constituency. I believe that while the economic situation in Bangladesh is currently better than in other countries, there is potential for further acceleration and improvement. To achieve this, breaking the syndicate is essential to reduce the prices of daily necessities. The development of industrialization can play a crucial role in saving the economy. Efforts to combat corruption should include ensuring remittances are channeled through govt.
Reaz Ahmad, Executive Editor, Dhaka Tribune Three candidates from Dhaka-17 parliamentary seat, representing Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Front and Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, presented their personal as well as respective party positions on issues ranging from economic challenges to women empowerment, employment and youth development. While the AL candidate expressed his firm conviction in his party’s ability to deal with the economic challenges after the election, the other two emphasized putting more prudent economic policies in place and fighting out the syndicates of unscrupulous businesses.