People Demand an Impartial and Inclusive Election

Opinion

The interim government led by Yunus, while portraying itself domestically and internationally as a neutral administration committed to restoring democracy, is increasingly facing allegations of ideological bias. For Bangladesh, safeguarding the constitution, protecting sovereignty, and reconstructing the democratic governance system are imperative. Ensuring democratic stability while adhering to constitutional principles is critical not only for Bangladesh but also for other nations.

Since assuming power, the Yunus government has exhibited tendencies that many perceive as diminishing the significance of the Liberation War in the national consciousness—not just undermining it but appearing ideologically opposed and intentionally subversive. Individuals accused of distorting or fragmenting the history of the 1971 Liberation War or aligning with known anti-independence ideologies have been appointed to key administrative positions and as advisors. Although the government emphasizes abstract concepts like “neutrality” and “technocratic governance” in its official narrative, it has notably deviated from secular values.

Despite widespread public opposition to political Islamism, Yunus’s administration faces allegations of covertly re-establishing Islamist political networks. Global political analysts see this as a vengeful resurgence of forces that opposed the Liberation War in 1971, where international actors and organizations like Jamaat-e-Islami played significant roles. Jamaat had been effectively sidelined from politics due to its anti-liberation activities.

Reliable sources claim that the Yunus administration is secretly colluding with Islamist groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami. This includes the newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP), for which Yunus himself has acted as a patron. Furthermore, connections with several religion-based political parties that exploit religion for political purposes indicate a broader plan to integrate these groups into the electoral process and future governance.

Critics argue that this is not merely a political maneuver but a calculated strategy to weaken democracy and marginalize secular-democratic forces—particularly the pro-liberation parties—while empowering regressive and repudiated entities.

Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture. Following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in mid-2024, nationwide communal violence has emerged as a major crisis. Extreme political instability, extrajudicial killings, vandalism, and brutal attacks on supporters of the Bangladesh Awami League and minority communities have largely been carried out by Islamist extremist groups and a specific faction of a student organization. These events have raised serious concerns about the country’s democratic future.

Growing fear and insecurity among minority communities, ordinary citizens, government officials, and journalists have devastated public life, driven by political retribution and mass intimidation. The NCP, born out of Yunus’s so-called meticulously designed movement, has emerged as a controversial and contentious political force. Through behind-the-scenes arrangements with the Yunus government, the NCP successfully secured a ban on all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League last month.

Empowering Islamist groups, undermining the ideals of the Liberation War, and jointly banning or marginalizing a major democratic political party present dangerous signals for Bangladesh’s democratic trajectory and future. Particularly alarming is the legal maneuvering that led to the banning of the Bangladesh Awami League.

The Bangladesh Awami League, with its historic role, leadership in the Liberation War, and significant contributions to the nation’s socio-economic development through democratically elected governance, has earned its place as a party deeply cherished by countless Bangladeshis. Even amidst current adversities, various social media polls indicate that the Awami League enjoys the highest public support ahead of the upcoming elections.

If any major political party, such as the Awami League, is excluded from an election through legal stratagems or state intervention, or if their participation is hindered, the election will not only be viewed by the public and international community as biased, rigged, unjust, and invalid—it will also paralyze Bangladesh’s security, democratic progress, and economic growth.

For Bangladesh, an inclusive election is not merely a procedural formality—it is the foundation of safeguarding democracy, a prerequisite for social stability, and essential for ensuring global acceptance. Excluding major stakeholders from the electoral process will alienate a significant portion of the populace, deepen societal divisions, and jeopardize the democratic future of the country.

-Ejaz Mamun
Freelance Columnist