Experts: Three challenges await new president

Upholding the constitution, creating a suitable environment for the upcoming parliamentary election and keeping the political environment stable in the future – these are the three challenges which the 21st president of Bangladesh will have to face, according to political analysts and commentators. The main political parties - Awami League and BNP - are already at loggerheads regarding the 11th parliamentary election, set for later this year. Awami League claims that constitutionally, the election should be held under the rule of the prime minister, which is currently Sheikh Hasina – leader of the ruling party. But according to BNP, any election held under the ruling party will not be fair and hence, BNP will not take part in it. Political analysts fear the conflicting positions will heighten tensions in the country. Politics may take a dirty turn around the time of the election, they said. Amidst this unstable situation, the president will have to assume the role of a guardian. There is much anticipation to see what steps the president will take if such a situation arises. "The new president will face numerous challenges after assuming office," said Prof Muntasir Mamun. “Creating a participatory political environment during the upcoming election will be one of the major challenges for the new president. Even though the president's power is limited in our country, he has to ensure that nobody can create untoward situations by making an issue of the election,” he added. Echoing Prof Muntasir, Prof Anwar Hossain said: “If there are problems regarding the election, the president will have to come up with solutions.” However, according to Awami League Joint Secretary General Mahbubul Alam Hanif, the responsibility for all electoral functions lies with the Election Commission. “I personally do not believe that the next president will have to face many challenges. But he does have the responsibility to uphold the constitution,” said Hanif. The next presidential election is set to be held on February 18 of this year. The president will take his oath in April.This article was first published on banglatribune.com