Bangladesh’s main opposition party, BNP, and the newly-formed coalition comprised of Jatiya Oikya Prokriya and Juktofront, have voiced similar demands to hold the next parliamentary election in a fair and neutral manner.
Although the parties raised their demands from separate platforms, they have united in their demands regarding crucial electoral factors. These include: dissolving the parliament ahead of the announcement of national polls, forming an impartial government during the polls, reconstituting the Election Commission with members accepted by all political parties, deploying the army during the election, cancelling the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and withdrawing false cases against all political activists.
Although it is not clear whether they are working as allies, there are indications that they might unite ahead of the approaching national election.
The announcement of coalition by Jatiya Oikya Prokriya and Juktofront has come at a time when the major opposition BNP could forming a broader alliance to compel the incumbent government to hold the election under a non-partisan interim administration.
Over the last few months, BNP has been holding talks with the leaders of various political parties, including: the former president Dr AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury-led Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, ASM Rob-led Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Kader Siddique-led Krishak Sramik Janata League, and Mahmudur Rahman Manna-led Nagorik Oikya.
Each of these parties form part of the Juktofront political alliance, formed by Bikalpadhara Bangladesh President Dr AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury in late 2017.
Conversely, BNP has also spoken with Gana Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain regarding a new alliance.
New unity has been forged between Dr Badruddoza Chowdhury-led Juktofront and Dr Kamal Hossain-led Jatiya Oikya Prokriya to restore a “functional democracy”. However, possibilities remain regarding the formation of a broader alliance between BNP and the newly-formed coalition.
Despite not being an active member of any political party that announced the coalition, Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury was present at the event announcing it.
Zafrullah is known in the political arena as a pro-BNP intellectual.
“I was not there as a representative of BNP. Juktofront and Gana Forum have called for a broader coalition and I was at the event as a neutral person. However, we have already received hints that BNP will soon join the alliance,” said Zafrullah.
Meanwhile, the declaration by National Unity, consists of a five-point demand, is quite similar to the BNP’s 15-point demand— which it has prepared to float to political parties interested in an alliance.
The primary demand is that the election be held under a non-partisan interim administration.
BNP leaders believe that like-minded parties can run a significant movement together to realize their demands.
BNP Standing Committee member and alliance convener Nazrul Islam Khan said the demands made by Juktofront and Gana Forum’s coalition are similar to BNP’s 15-point demand.
“We welcome their alliance. Their demand of the formation of a poll-time neutral government, in consultation with all the political parties, for a fair and neutral election, is similar to our core demand. The parties and political alliances are supporting our demand and expressing similar opinions which we welcome,” he said.
Earlier BNP called for a national coalition, and discussed different agendas with Juktofront and Gana Forum.
“They have formed a coalition. The BNP's decision to form an alliance with them will come after our secretary general returns to Dhaka,” said Nazrul.
He, however, claimed that Zafrullah Chowdhury was not at the meetings and events at the request of BNP, but thanked the political commentator for speaking in favour of BNP.
BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said BNP called for a broader alliance and requested like-minded parties to enter the polls, together, with similar demands.
“We welcome the initiative taken by Juktofront and Gana Forum. However, we are not yet sure whether to form an alliance with them. It is still being discussed,” he added.
Nagarik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna said: “The BNP has not yet been formally allied with our coalition. The demand for a neutral environment during the polls, and reformation of the Election Commission, comes from all like-minded political parties—including the leftist ones,” he said.
“It is true that BNP is ahead of other parties in the field as they demanded this earlier, but it is also true that it would be a common demand by parties who want a fair election,” added Manna, also Juktofront member secretary.
He also added that Zafarullah was present at the meetings and events as a political expert.
Gana Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain said the coalition’s demands are similar to those by BNP.
“We have formed the coalition to participate in the polls together. If BNP is interested, we will sit with them and discuss the possibilities. We expect all like-minded political parties to take part in the election together; but no party directly, or indirectly, involved with the anti-liberation movement will be allowed to join the alliance,” Dr Kamal added.
BNP and National Unity Demands
BNP's Demands | National Unity’s Demands |
Dissolving the parliament before the election schedule is announced, and forming an election-time non-partisan interim administration in consultation with all political parties | Dissolving the parliament before the election schedule is announced, and forming an election-time non-partisan interim administration in consultation with all political parties. None in the election-time government should be allowed to contest in the polls. |
Reforming the Election Commission on a consensus basis | Reconstituting the Election Commission; restoring freedom of expression for newspapers, TV channels, social media; and ensuring the rights of all political parties to hold rallies and public meetings in the interest of holding a free, fair and acceptable election. |
Withdrawing cases against all political activists and leaders, including Khaleda Zia | Withdrawing the “false” cases filed against leaders and activists of all the political parties and students who waged the “quota reform” and “safe road” movements. Releasing political prisoners and not arresting any political leaders and activists until after the election |
Cancelling the use of EVMs and making amendments to the RPO to ensure a level playing field for all in the next polls | Cancelling the government's plan touse EVMs for the election—and amending the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 1972, to create a level-playing field for all the political parties. |
Deploying the army during the polls with magistracy power | Deploying the army with magistracy power 30 days before, and 10 days after, the election. The EC must have full authority to deploy and control law enforcing agencies |
