Bangladesh Ruling and Opposition Parties Seek Democratic Compromise
October 20, 2006

Bangladeshi concerns of escalated violence in the following months prior to the election are warranted.  In 2001 hundreds of people were killed in election-related violence, in an electoral atmosphere “not laden with nearly as much controversy as these (upcoming) elections.” 

Negotiations leading into the January 2007 Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh are currently at a deadlock between the ruling Bangladesh National Party (BNP), and opposition coalition-party the Awami League.  Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s five-year term concludes on October 27, and the International Herald Tribune (IHT) is reporting that the BNP and Awami League are in disagreement “over who will take over at the end of next week,” referring to the expiration of Prime Minister Zia’s term.  The opposition party has also been calling for electoral reforms to “ensure free, fair, and transparent voting” according to Zeenews: International Edition, the online publication of the Hindi News Channel. 

The Awami League has threatened to boycott the January elections if the issue is not resolved fairly, creating fears of chaos that may lead to ineffective governance or military intervention according to the same IHT publication.  Opposition loyalists have violently clashed with police in the past, which has resulted in the BNP accusing the Awami League of “thwarting democracy.” 

Despite the uncertainty of the political situation in Bangladesh, the U.S. State Department has expressed optimism.  In a press statement on October 19th from the Office of the Spokesman, the State Department declared that “we are encouraged that Bangladesh’s major political parties have engaged in dialogue to try to resolve their difference on the upcoming elections.”  The press release also stated that the elections are “a critical opportunity to strengthen democratic politics and governance in Bangladesh.” 

The statements from the two major parties indicate that progress is being made towards a peaceful resolution, but also acknowledged that an official decision could be made before Prime Minister Zia and Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina Wajed return from their international trips.  The opposing sides will meet again for a 6th round of talks on October 23.

A resolution of the BNP-Awami League disagreement through democratic, peaceful means could help improve the standing of Bangladesh with the international community. Freedom House: Freedom in the World defines Bangladesh as “partly free”, with political rights and civil liberties ratings of “4”.  The publication claims “violent political polarization” has “impeded the efficacy of its democratic institutions.”  The creation of a caretaker government and the parliamentary elections to follow in January will demonstrate any progress or regression democracy has made in Bangladesh. 

Sources:

IHT:  Nobel comes just in time for troubled Bangladesh
ZeeNews: International Edition:  Bangla leaders make progress on electoral reforms talks
Hindustan Times: US calls for free and credible elections in Bangladesh
Freedom House: Freedom in the World 2006
October 19, 2006 Press Statement. Office of the Spokesman (U.S. Department of State)