A statement by Mahfuz Alam, the Special Assistant to Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, has sparked a debate regarding the possibility of barring the Awami League and its allies from participating in political activities. Speaking at a press briefing on October 19 at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Mahfuz Alam addressed concerns about the legitimacy of the last three elections and the participation of those elected during these controversial periods. He highlighted public concerns about the integrity of the elections and suggested that the government might take measures to restrict the political activities of the parties involved. However, he clarified that no final decision has been made and that such matters would be discussed after the reconstitution of the Election Commission.
Mahfuz emphasized that the government has yet to decide on whether to prevent any political party, including the Awami League, from participating in the upcoming elections. The focus, he noted, remains on ensuring a transparent and fair process, which will involve consultation with all relevant parties.
The elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 have been subjects of significant controversy. The 2014 election saw a boycott by major parties, including the BNP, as they protested what they viewed as a one-sided process. In the 2024 elections, allegations arose that the Awami League, by cooperating with its allies, orchestrated a manipulated outcome. This controversy eventually led to a popular uprising involving students and civil society, which resulted in the government’s fall six months after the elections.
Critics, including Jonayed Saki of the Democratic Platform, argue that decisions about barring political participation should be left to legal channels and the people’s judgment. He emphasized that accountability for the actions during the past governments should be determined through lawful proceedings.
Opposition leaders like BNP’s Amir Khosru Mahmud have stressed that the Election Commission should be the body responsible for deciding which parties can participate in elections. He noted that while the BNP took part in the disputed 2018 elections, they did so with objections and critiques of the electoral process. Similarly, Matiur Rahman Akand of Jamaat-e-Islami mentioned that his party withdrew from the 2018 elections due to irregularities on election day itself
Meanwhile, some factions within the government and other political groups are advocating for stricter actions, including a ban on the Awami League. Reports suggest that student leaders from the recent protests and other groups are pressuring the interim government to take action against the party. Even within the government, there are hints that some officials are considering such a course
Professor Al Masud Hasanuzzaman of Jahangirnagar University provided his perspective on the matter, stating that any decisions regarding political participation must involve discussions among all parties under the Election Commission’s guidance. He acknowledged that the political context has shifted following the anti-government protests, which included significant violence, leading to calls for tougher measures against the Awami League.
This evolving scenario has raised questions about the future role of the Awami League in Bangladesh’s political landscape and has triggered broader discussions about the fairness and inclusivity of the next election cycle. With pressure mounting from various sides, the government’s next steps will be closely watched as they seek to balance calls for accountability with the need for political inclusivit.
Source: Prothom Alo
