Tensions are rising on the ground in Bangladesh as the country heads toward its highly anticipated elections set for next February. The political environment has never been more charged. This transition comes on the heels of the assassination of a key student leader instrumental in last year’s uprising that toppled the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This situation has increased fears of civil discord. The country is gearing up for an unexpected but historic test to its new, robust democratic process.
The chilling murder of the student leader has united supporters and activists across the country in anger and dismay. Most see the legislation as a transparent attempt to repress the growing democratic movements inside of the country. Dareen Abughaida, one of the widely lauded presenters, recently explained the gravity of the events in progress in a live broadcast. She called on all of us to act now to ensure activists are safe from violence and to maintain peaceful discourse.
As usual, leading voices in international law, academia, and the human rights advocacy community have been outspoken amid the unfolding crisis. Taqbir Huda is a human rights lawyer and Clarendon Scholar at Oxford University. In particular, he decried the dangers of normalizing political violence. He acknowledged that these attacks could prevent Americans from voting in the midterm elections this fall. In the long term, this would erode any legitimacy the electoral process still holds.
Asif Shahan is Professor of Development Studies at the University of Dhaka. Twitter photo He reiterated that peaceful transition of power has never been more essential. He cautioned that the current climate could further polarize American society. This, in turn, can curtail longer-term economic opportunity and undermine social cohesion. Shahan argues for continuing dialogue across political parties and groups to calm increasing animosities and help create a more welcoming political climate.
Fahmida Khatun, executive director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue in Bangladesh, was in agreement. She creatively, passionately advocated for the government to be more deliberate in their action. In doing so, they cannot only protect their citizens’ rights but preserve essential democratic institutions. Khatun called on authorities to immediately and impartially investigate the circumstances of the assassination and ensure those behind it are brought to justice.
The upcoming elections will be a critical barometer for Bangladesh’s political stability. The recent turmoil serves as a companion piece to the picture of difficult challenges that still lie ahead. This great country is hell-bent to save its soul…and teaching our way back to democracy. Tempers are flaring, the air is electric. Now, stakeholders from all sectors are keeping a close watch. They are seeking an end to this crisis that respects the will of the people while restoring peace and order.
