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, 2024. 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. On the other hand, the main opposition party BNP remains resolute in its decision to boycott the elections and continues to wage protests.
With the stage set for a dynamic electoral spectacle, the nation awaits the unfolding narrative of the political contest that will shape the future trajectory of Bangladesh.
Three nominated candidates from the Bhola-3 constituency commented on the seventh episode of the TV show “Election Debate 2023”, organized by Dhaka Tribune. They are Nurunnabi Chowdhury Shawon, member of parliament from Bhola-3, Bangladesh Awami League; Maolana Md Kamal Uddin Howladar, senior joint convener of Bhola district Jatiya Party; and Mohammad Alamgir, member of Bangla-desh Congress & chairman of Bangladesh Digital Unnayan Party.
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, the current opposition in Parliament Jatiya Party, and Bangladesh Congress expressed their views on the political situation, current goals, the global situation, economic challenges, women and youth situations in Bangladesh, and their plans for the Bhola-3 constituency.
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, AL candidate Nurunnabi Chowdhury Shawon said: “The challenge of the post-election economic situation is not a challenge for this government. As in the past, our prime minister will be able to face the challenge with a strong hand by continuing the trend of development. Due to the global situation, the economic recession is going on, not only in Bangladesh but its impact is all over the world. Despite facing the situation, this government has completed the ongoing mega projects and worked on market system regulation.”
He said: “As for our diplomatic activity on imports and exports, I think our activity will increase after the formation of the new government. In that case, our foreign trade relations will increase further and will be more helpful in facing this challenge.”
Jatiya Party candidate Maolana Md Kamal Uddin Howladar said: “The economic situation must be tackled by completing a fair election in our country. The rights of the people must be ensured, and I request the Election Commission to uphold the people’s rights and hold the election fairly.”
Leader of Bangladesh Congress Mohammad Alamgir said: “On one hand, Bangladesh is becoming Digital Bangladesh and Smart Bangladesh; on the other hand, a group is pulling Bangladesh backward. As a result, development is being hindered, and there are also plans to disrupt the elections. In this situation, our party is participating in the elections with a large number of people. We hope that if we are elected and form the government, we will take Bangladesh forward for twofold development.”
AL candidate Shawon said: “The main goal of the people of the Char region of my constituency was to save them from the erosion of the Meghna River. Two-thirds of Tazumuddin Upazila in this area has already been eroded away.”
“For the development of the people of this region, there are several projects to save the affected people from destruction, among them a project of Tk1,096 crores has been passed by the government. This is a work in progress. After this is completed, we will be able to fully preserve the banks of the Meghna River, which is the largest in the Bhola region. And we are also building a 34km road over the river. It will be like Marine Drive, from where you can see the beauty of Meghna. My future plan is to build a tourism way on the banks of the Meghna,” he added.
He also said: “The provision of employment to the poor is being made by providing loans on easy terms. Youth are getting handicraft training through various government initiatives. The seeds are being supplied to the farmers. The people of the Char region are able to enjoy the benefits of Digital Bangladesh because of the electricity facilities to the most deprived communities. Also, we have plans for an economic zone here.”
Jatiya Party leader Kamal Uddin said: “Bhola district is a major agricultural area. Even after meeting our demand, we can export these crops to other districts. Our main problem was river erosion, which this government is working on. But the condition of the roads needs work. Where no development is achieved. Rapid development is needed, we think.”
He said: “We are trying to encourage women and youth to vote. We are calling on those who are worried whether they will be able to vote correctly. Jatiya Party gave full freedom to mass media, and people had freedom of speech. But none of the parties that came to power gave full freedom. When we come to power, we will again take a tough stand against corruption and restore people’s freedom of speech.”
Bangladesh Congress’s Alamgir said: “If a bridge is built at Bhola, it can be developed
as a center for tourism. Industrialization will be created, the agriculture sector will
be developed, grain transportation facilities will be created. Along with that, the development of roads is a big initiative here.”
He added: “I will provide employment to the youth and women of this area in our institutions and private sectors. When we come to power, we will break the syndicate to prevent corruption so that people of all levels of the country can live peacefully.”
AL leader Shawon said: “I am working with the effort to 100% educate these people who are backward in education. There was no women’s college in our Tazumuddin Upazila. We established a Women’s College and Lower Secondary Girls School there. We have introduced Honors in Women’s College. For the development of women, we have formed committees in different wards by including the girls of this region. We are working to increase awareness in establishing women’s voting rights.”
He said: “Sheikh Hasina is liberal enough in different political views and freedom of the media. The media presents good and bad information. And we have zero tolerance for corruption. Anyone can make a complaint in the name of anyone.”
What they said
“The post-election economic situation is not a challenge for this government. An economic recession is ongoing, not only in Bangladesh but its impact is felt all over the world. Despite facing the situation, this government has completed the ongoing mega projects and worked on market system regulation. Regarding our diplomatic activity on imports and exports, I think our engagement will increase after the formation of the new government. In that case, our foreign trade relations will expand further and be more helpful in facing these challenges.”
“The economic situation must be tackled by completing a fair election in our country.
The rights of the people must be ensured, and I request the Election Commission to uphold the people’s rights and hold the election fairly. Our main problem in Bhola-3 was river erosion, which this government is working on. However, the condition of the roads needs improvement, where no development has been achieved. Rapid development is needed, we think. Besides, we are trying to encourage women and youth to vote. We are reaching out to those who are worried about whether they will be able to vote correctly.”
“If a bridge is built in Bhola, it can be developed as a center for tourism. Industrialization will be created, the agriculture sector will be developed, and grain transportation facilities will be established. Along with that, the development of roads is a significant initiative here. Also, I will provide employment to the youth and women of this area in our institutions and private sectors. If we come to power, we will break the syndicate to prevent corruption so that people from all levels of the country can live peacefully.”
“From Bangladesh’s Bhola-3 Constituency, the Awami League (AL), Jatiya Party, and
Bangladesh Congress presented their party and personal positions, evaluations, political stances, analyses, women, and youth development, as well as future commitments to the people. We observed that the Awami government is confident about dealing with the economic challenges after the election. On the other hand, the other two parties believe that breaking the country’s syndicates and giving special attention to import and export will enable the new government to eliminate the economic challenges.”
