The parties are drifting apart. It now appears that both sides have lost interest in a negotiated settlement of issues that call for immediate resolution. Even a few weeks back there were signs of a possibility of discourse on some level.
Senior Awami League leaders had hinted in various forums that there could be dialogue on the election-time government and related issues. But due to a lack of attention and sincerity on part of the other decision-makers of the ruling party, no initiative was taken.
This has been frustrating for the opposition, for it also expressed its willingness to have a discussion. In any case, the ball is in the court of the ruling party. But it seems that they are not interested to roll the ball.
Even today, intense deliberation is on at various levels. Members of civil society, NGOs, the journalist community, teachers’ groups, and government and opposition activists are regarding the urgent need for a settlement.
However, the opinion is sharply divided. Almost all quarters of society have been calling upon the government to accommodate the opposition demand in that it reflects the aspiration of the larger section of the society.
They all opined that unless the polls were arranged under a non-partisan/caretaker government, the elections would not be credible and the whole process (government efforts to hold polls and the opposition attempt to foil it) would result in more crises.
It is only the government party that holds on to its position of not budging an inch from its declared standing. It says everything will be done according to the constitution, thanks to the brute majority of the party in the parliament.
While concern runs high, elections campaign goes on unabated. The ruling party leader is making rounds of the country and laying foundations or inaugurating projects and seeking votes for the upcoming polls. And opposition leader is also visiting places and calling on people to remain by her side in her struggle for reinstatement of caretaker government. Whatever ambiguity persisted regarding BNPs plans about its movement strategy is now out of the clouds.
Begum Khaleda Zia has made it clear in her public addresses that the opposition will not allow any polls to be held under Sheikh Hasina. She emphatically said that there will be “songram” (movement) committees formed in all voting centers to resist any election activity across the country.
Veterans have spoken of the dangers of a one-sided election. They believe it will be a great loss of credibility for the government and the nation.
Things appear to be grim. If the government does not take steps to accommodate opposition demands we are in for tough times.
What are the implications of the uncertain atmosphere? Experts say it will have a serious psychological impact on the citizen’s psyche. They will look for security in the wrong places. They will resort to practices that will bring negative outcomes in the long run.
Society will be in economic despair. The consumer market will be in a shambles. This will not do us any good as we have already developed a culture of negativity. In the past there have been senseless killings, destruction of property and colossal economic losses.
Business and trade will be the worst affected. We are already afflicted by peacetime problems in our manufacturing sector (RMG and others), labour problems are menacing, international trade paint a very grim picture, there persists a huge trade imbalance with our trading partners and competition is getting tougher in the global arena.
Educational institutions are always the victims of such prolonged uncertainty. Session jams and unwarranted closures of universities and colleges are regular affairs. Schools suffer as much.
There is a rise in crime in the society. Crimes of various natures become frequent, damaging the fabric of society. We are left in the hands of criminals who pervade the corridors of our world, be it in the streets in the garb of a mugger or killer, or indoors, posing as philanthropists.
If the implications of such situations are taken into consideration, we cannot afford to wait. Maybe, this time around, things could be worse than the last crisis. It is like we have been plunged into a state of war.
