In Bangladesh, following the downing of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister, politics is at a heightened state of tolerance. One of the country’s major parties in opposition has now demanded that new elections be called because of how Hasina had won the elections and run the government. This political turmoil comes at an opportune moment for the country that is already spiraling down into more protests and demands for the greenery of democracy.
Why Was Hasina Ousted?
Sheikh Hasina, who held the state’s prime ministerial seat for more than 10 years, was becoming increasingly subject to criticism with varying allegations of electoral malpractice, human rights violations of the people, and dictatorial tendencies. Chronologies of Key Developments and Controversies in Hasina’s Rule have shown that undue influence, censorship of media, and oppression of the republic’s critics were some of the great challenges in this era. These grievances erupted into mass demonstrations eventually contributing to the ousting of the president from office.
The Development Plan of Sheikh Hasina was in charge not only with tremendous expansion and improvement of economics and amenities but her government was also regarded as having encroached on heads of democratic countries. The opposition parties and the people in the streets have claimed that her rule has become more and more so-called democracy with elections that are held in name only, & washing the faces of irrelevant figures to give the US justification for choosing to impose sanctions on unfriendly countries.
The Opposition Parties Demand Elections
After Hasina left, the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), demanded the calling of a new election that was free and fair. According to them, it goes to say that the desires of the people cannot be met under the prevailing conditions dominated by Hasina’s rule. The BNP leadership maintains that such elections are vital to allow the people of Bangladesh to speak their minds and go through the democratic process.
The opposition’s concerns as regards electoral reforms are not far different from their present demands. Mujib member BNP feels free and fair elections are only important when there is a commission that is not in any way associated with the incumbent government. They feel that this would guarantee that all the upcoming elections to be held would be legitimate and democratic.
Public Response and International Reactions
Many of these voices clamoring for new elections have found acceptance from many sections of Bangladeshi society, especially the youth and civil society bodies. Demonstrations have erupted all over the nation with the protestors calling for steps to be taken to ensure a credible election process.
On the international front, the domestic political crisis in Bangladesh has attracted world actors. Governments in the West and international human rights bodies are watching the developments and calling on the country’s leaders to refrain from subverting democracy and ensure that the next elections are free and fair.
What’s Next for Bangladesh?
As Bangladesh gets ready for a fresh round of elections in the future, the country is engulfed in a crisis. Though the opposition appears determined to press for change, there could be challenges ahead owing to Hasina’s political allies and other political stakeholders.
The next steps in Bangladesh’s political journey will most likely set the pace on the trajectory of Bangladesh’s democracy, democratic institutions, and governance. Successful conclusion of a credible election would however put the country on the right path of democratic advancement. On the contrary, dissatisfaction with the position of the opposition may turn the country into a state of chaos again.
The calls for a fresh poll following the removal of Sheikh Hasina have placed Bangladesh in a precarious political geographical location. With the opposition strategizing on reforming the political system and more people participating in democracy, the next few months will be more crucial than ever in determining the direction of the country. As the story progresses, Newspoint48 will continue to update you on the developments in the politics of Bangladesh.
