The twelfth national parliamentary election of Bangladesh is scheduled to be held on January 7, 2024. In the meantime, the government parties and their alliances are preparing to participate in the elections in 300 seats of the country, while political parties with different opinions in the country are also contemplating election preparations.
However, the country’s main opposition political party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), still maintains that they will not participate in the elections, as they are protesting in the field for their one-point demand.
They feel that only a fair and participatory election can form a good government, so the demand for the formation of a neutral government through blockade and agitation is their main priority, rather than election preparations. The three potential candidates of Moulvibazar-2 Constituency commented on the first episode of the TV show “Dhaka Tribune Election Debate 2023”.
Awami League Organizing Secretary Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel, BNP Moulvibazar District Vice President Advocate Abed Raja, and Jatiya Party Sylhet Division Member Secretary Mohibul Kadir Chowdhury Pentu were present. This program is moderated by Dhaka Tribune Executive Editor Reaz Ahmad.
The program was aired on Channel 24 on November 16, where three leaders of Bangladesh Awami League, the main opposition BNP, and the current opposition Jatiya Party in Parliament will express their views on the political situation, their current goals, the global situation, economic challenges, and their plans for the Moulvibazar-2 Constitution. Additionally, the respective parties will discuss their political differences, freedom of expression, and the party’s commitment to anti-corruption.
BNP leader Advocate Abed Raja said: “We are conducting a movement to bring down the government. Election preparation is not in our thoughts because only when fair elections are ensured, and a participatory election is held, a good parliament will be formed. Otherwise, the current economic, political, and social crisis prevailing in the country cannot be improved.”
Commenting on the current global situation, he mentioned that the post-election government of Bangladesh will have to face unlimited challenges. He stated that BNP will work to set the wheels of the economy in motion with a grand plan to revive a troubled economy. The upward movement of commodities, the depletion of the bank’s reserve, and the current plight of poor people should not be taken for granted. The party has a master plan to eliminate these crises if they come to power through fair elections.
Awami League leader Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel said that in this era of globalization, there is no chance to move forward alone. Economic challenges are global, affecting not only Bangladesh but the entire world. He expressed confidence that his party is capable of dealing with all situations and keeping the economic wheels moving. However, he blamed the rise in commodity prices on the strike called by BNP.
He said that after the election, Awami League will move the country forward by dealing with a stronger hand at a faster pace. He also refuted the claim that the government party syndicate is behind the price hike.
Jatiya Party Sylhet Division Member Secretary Mohibul Kadir Chowdhury Pentu alleged that the government party syndicate is responsible for the price hike, which they are unable to prevent. He expressed plans for the socio-economic development of his constituency, focusing on the protection of biodiversity, industry, and employment. He emphasized working on a mega plan for the development of Hakaluki Haor and improving the welfare trust of tea workers.
Awami League leader Nadel said that the Sylhet region is more attractive than other tourist areas of the country. He proposed developing the tourism sector with minimal benefits from the government for tourists to increase employment in the region. He admitted that the government has not yet been able to develop Kulaura in the way that the surrounding areas have developed.
BNP leader Advocate Abed, also vice president of Jatiotabadi Ainjibi Forum, said that a change is possible in the tourism industry, crops, fisheries, and the overall ecological position centered on Hakaluki, through a plan with public participation.
Addressing the issue of corruption, when asked by Reaz Ahmad, these leaders criticized each other and presented opposing views. BNP leader Advocate Abed stated that during the long tenure of the current government, corruption has reached a point where it is gradually going down, not from the bottom up. He added that their party respects political dissent views and independent expression of opinion in the media. He questioned the position of Awami League, citing obstruction of political programs, arrest of BNP leaders and activists, lawsuits, and attacks. In response, Nadel said that they expect constructive political opposition.
Regarding the syndicate, he acknowledged it as one of the reasons for the increase in commodity prices and stated that the government is working hard to break this syndicate. Jatiya Party leader Mohibul Kadir Chowdhury Pentu believes that as an opposition party, BNP could not take constructive initiatives to break the syndicate, and these problems should be solved collectively. However, he acknowledged that the current government has been able to reduce the amount of corruption.
What they said?
Advocate Abed Raja. Photo: Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune BNP has a master plan through which we will work to eliminate these crises if we come to power through a fair election by the people’s votes. However, we are currently involved in a movement to bring down the government. Election preparation is not in our thoughts because only when fair elections are ensured and a participatory election is held, a good parliament will be formed. A change is possible in the tourism industry, crops, fisheries, and the overall ecological position centered on Hakaluki.
Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel. Photo: Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune The Awami League is committed to ensuring peaceful elections. We expect constructive political opposition, but BNP has made Bangladesh 5-time champions in corruption. From that position, my party is leading the country towards progress. If I am selected from this area, we will develop the tourism sector for tourists, then we can increase employment in this region and we will be able to develop Kulaura like other areas of Sylhet.
Mohibul Kadir Chowdhury Pentu. Photo: Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune After 1990, no government has undertaken any development of Hakaluki Haor. If I am elected on behalf of my party, my rst priority will be to work on a mega plan for the development of Hakaluki. Along with that, we will improve the welfare trust of tea workers. On the other hand, regarding the price hike situation, the government party syndicate is behind it, and they are unable to prevent it. The situation was similar during BNP’s tenure. There was no corruption during Ershad’s tenure.
Dhaka Tribune Executive Editor Reaz Ahmad. Photo: Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune In view of this upcoming election, it is time to gather opinions for the convenience of all voters. There are 300 constituencies across the country, but here, we will representatively understand the analysis of candidates from some constituencies. Those seeking nomination from major political parties will participate as potential candidates. From Bangladesh Moulvibazar-2 Constituency, BNP, AL, and Jatiya Party will present their party and personal positions, evaluations, political stances, analyses, as well as future commitments to the people.