Doubts linger on fair polls: Debapriya
Everyone agrees that elections will take place, but uncertainty remains over whether they will be fair and widely accepted, he says
Despite broad political consensus on holding the national elections, concerns over whether the polls will be free and credible continue to loom large, said Debapriya Bhattacharya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
Speaking at a pre-election regional consultation today (10 december), he stressed that the Election Commission must reassure voters and ensure an acceptable and impartial voting process.
Citizen Platform Bangladesh for the Implementation of SDGs organised the event at Hotel Peninsula, Chattogram.
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"Everyone agrees that elections will take place, but uncertainty remains over whether they will be fair and widely accepted," Debapriya said.
Participants from various sectors voiced expectations for the next government, calling for security, good governance, protection of human rights, non-communal principles, transparency, accountability, a corruption-free state and the formal recognition of the third gender.
Jamaat's Shahjahan slams 'power-centric politics'
Mohammad Shahjahan, assistant secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami, criticised what he termed "power-centric politics", saying it fosters corruption and abuse of authority.
"Politicians engage with voters before elections but disappear afterwards," he said, proposing the formation of citizen forums nationwide to ensure accountability.
Professor Mohammad Nazim Uddin, vice chancellor of East Delta University, expressed concern over public anxiety surrounding the upcoming elections. Citing past experiences, he said the apprehension is no longer mere fear but "a lived reality".
He questioned whether citizens can rely on legal support if prevented from voting or if votes are unlawfully cast on their behalf. "Will the Election Commission address complaints and provide remedies?"
