Road to parliamentary election still riddled with obstacles

Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:25 AM

Road to parliamentary election still riddled with obstacles

Bangla Press Desk:The path to holding the next parliamentary election remains far from smooth, with numerous obstacles – chief among them the lack of consensus among the country’s political parties on key issues ahead of the national polls. BNP leaders, including its acting chairman Tarique Rahman, have alleged that a conspiracy is underway to disrupt or delay the election in a bid to undermine the country’s democratic process. “Attempts are being made by various quarters to block the country’s return to democracy and deny people their right to vote,” Tarique Rahman said on Monday. Political sources point to multiple challenges: alleged conspiracies by the fallen autocratic Awami League and its domestic and international backers; differences among anti-fascist parties over the July Declaration, July Charter, and power-sharing; and the opportunism of greedy, unruly politicians.

Conspiracy by fallen regime to disrupt election atmosphere Despite the fall of the fascist regime, its networks remain active. Many Awami League leaders and activists are still in the country, with only a few arrests so far, while their supporters abroad are also engaged in political manoeuvres. Police recently arrested 22 leaders and activists of the banned Awami League, the banned Chhatra League, and affiliated organisations – along with an Army officer, Maj Sadique – over an alleged “secret meeting” in Dhaka. According to the case statement, on 8 July, the banned Chhatra League held a closed-door gathering at a convention centre in Bhatara, from morning until evening, attended by 300-400 people, including Awami League members and retired officials. They reportedly chanted anti-government slogans and, following instructions from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, plotted to rally supporters in Dhaka, occupy Shahbagh intersection, incite unrest, and create fear, ultimately aiming to pave the way for Hasina’s return to power.

Awami League supporters, both at home and abroad, have been accused of orchestrating chaos ahead of the polls, with violent incidents such as attacks on NCP members in Gopalganj and assaults on police in Chattogram leaving officers critically injured. Disputes over July Declaration and July Charter The anti-fascist camp itself is far from united. Three major political blocs have emerged: one led by BNP, another by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and the third by leftist parties. Differences are sharp over the July Declaration and July Charter.

While BNP has welcomed the Declaration, Jamaat and allied parties have criticised it, calling for amendments. Disputes also persist over various reform proposals and whether state reforms should be implemented before the election. Jamaat insists on giving both the Declaration and Charter a legal foundation, whereas BNP argues that many issues should be resolved in parliament. BNP and its allies favour the traditional electoral system, while Jamaat and its partners advocate proportional representation (PR). Meanwhile, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary warned on Tuesday that general elections “will not be held” in February if the fascist state machinery established during the Awami League era remains in place.

The NCP leader warned that if the government maintains the same “fascist” constitution and state apparatus, it must also reckon with restoring justice for those martyred in last year’s anti-fascist uprising. Fears of street confrontations Analysts warn that if the two largest political blocs clash in the streets, the result could be political chaos capable of derailing the election. Jamaat-e-Islami has already launched street protests demanding legal status for the July Charter and elections conducted under its framework. At its executive council meeting last Thursday, the party announced a seven-point agenda, including reforms before the polls, adoption of the PR system, and ensuring a level playing field. It has called for demonstrations nationwide on Wednesday to press its demands. Observers caution that if the National Citizen Party (NCP), BNP, and their allies also take to the streets with their own demands, the political temperature could rise dangerously. Prof Kazi Mohammad Mahbobor Rahman of the Political Science Department at Dhaka University told the Daily Sun, “If political competition turns into unhealthy rivalry, then the election may be obstructed. And the conflict turns serious and election is delayed then all antifascist forces have to suffer.” Role of third-party opportunists A further threat to the election comes from actors outside the mainstream political parties and the interim government. These opportunist groups, political analysts warn, may seek to trigger unrest to delay or obstruct the vote and prolong a non-political regime’s hold on power. Historically, such groups have emerged in the run-up to elections, engaging in subversive acts to destabilise the nation and smooth the path for authoritarian rule. BNP Standing Committee member Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has voiced deep concern over the possibility of deliberate disruption. “The country will experience a massive chaotic situation before the election as Mafia Boss Sheikh Hasina, staying in India, will unleash fresh terror to thwart the election,” he warned. Hafiz cited reports that the Awami League has established a “party office” in Kolkata, where exiled senior and mid-level leaders have been holding increased gatherings, even as the interim government moves to organise the polls before February next year. At a press conference, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Oli Ahmed urged the government to act decisively, “The government must arrest the traitors, recover weapons, and ensure punishment before the national elections. Otherwise, a fair, free, and impartial election is never possible. Because Sheikh Hasina has been constantly conspiring while sitting in India.This article was originally published on Daily Sun.

[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]B P/SP

Road to parliamentary election still riddled with obstacles

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