Delay in February election could threaten national security: Ali Riaz
“I have repeatedly appealed to political parties during the talks. They have responded positively, but the process cannot go on endlessly. In that case, the elections must be held,” he says
Highlights
- Ali Riaz warns February election delay risks instability and security
- Structural reforms needed for real change
- Political unity has weakened
If the upcoming national election is not held in February, Bangladesh could face internal instability as well as threats to national security, National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Professor Ali Riaz warned today (13 September).
Speaking at a roundtable discussion titled "The Path to Political Consensus for Elections" organised by Prothom Alo in Dhaka, Ali Riaz, said, "I have repeatedly appealed to political parties during the talks. They have responded positively, but the process cannot go on endlessly. In that case, the elections must be held."
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"If the polls are not held in February, it will not only create internal instability but also jeopardise national security and that is why political parties need to address this issue," he added.
If there is no consensus on fundamental changes to the state structure, I fear the outcome of the election will not bring any significant transformation
Ali Riaz cautioned that elections alone would not be sufficient without structural reforms. "If we simply maintain the current structure and make only minor changes, what will the election achieve? A winner will emerge, a party will govern."
"What we need is a consolidated democracy — a goal we have attempted three times (in 1973, 1991, and 2009) but never achieved. If there is no consensus on fundamental changes to the state structure, I fear the outcome of the election will not bring any significant transformation," he said.
Ali Riaz also noted that the unity established among political parties in the fight against Sheikh Hasina's personalist authoritarianism has become fragmented. "This has created the existing differences. If we clarify what we want through this election, then, I believe, we can reach that objective."
The roundtable was moderated by Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif, while Editor Matiur Rahman delivered opening remarks.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamaat-e-Islami Central Executive member Matiur Rahman Akanda, Ganosamhati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, and National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain were also present, among others, at the discussion.
