BANGLADESH MAY HAVE TO RESTORE PEACE & ORDER

Contrary to widespread apprehensions, Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh were held rather peacefully on February 12 for 299 seats of Jatiya Sangsad, an unicameral legislature. Election could not be conducted on one seat owing to death of a candidate. Rest of fifty seats are to be filled by nomination.

Side by side, in an unusual exercise, voters gave their positive opinion on 84 point July 2025 Charter, highlighting four major reform areas which includes limiting the term of Prime Minister, proposals for constitutional amendments, enactment of new laws, expanding fundamental rights, increasing participation of women in political process etc.

Voter turnout was not impressive, at 59.88 %, as opposed to 2008 and 2018 elections when it was 87 and 80 percent respectively. In 2014, 2024 and 2025, it was still lower at 40, 42 and 50 % respectively.

Meanwhile, in absence of Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) could receive 50% of votes while it was 31.7% in respect of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI).

Demand for Recount

Concerns about tampering of results or casting aspersions on the integrity of election process are the usual reactions. But hardline outfit JeI, alleging irregularities, has demanded recount in 32 seats. After stating that results were deliberately altered, they may have to pursue legal remedies.Their act of boycotting swearing in ceremony of the new government on February 19 was certainly unwarranted.

Accusations of Sheikh Hasina

However, Sheikh Hasina, former P.M. has called elections a farce, which was ‘well planned’ and had begun in the evening of February 11. It involved seizure of polling centres, gun fire, vote buying, distribution of money, stamping of ballot papers and agents signing result sheets.

It may be noted that the election had non-participation of Awami League for the first time, as it was barred from contesting on account of conviction of Sheikh Hasina in “war crimes” which led to 1400 deaths and injury to over 20,000. Even though Mohammed Yunus, Chief Advisor termed the elections free, fair and inclusive, paving the way for a new Bangladesh, sizeable minority population kept away feeling insecure.

Plight of Minorities

Murder of 15 persons in 45 days ahead of polls and altogether 51 incidents against them since 2025 is an issue of grave concern according to Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council. In two brutal episodes, the bloodied body of a young Hindu tea garden worker was found in Kamalganj and a 62 year old Hindu trader was hacked to death inside his shop in Mymensingh. All this may have led to low presence of voters from minority community, particularly Hindus.

Both BNP led by Tarique Rahman and JeI, led by Shafiqur Rahman bagged 212 and 77 seats respectively, their highest ever. National Citizen Party (NCP), an offshoot of July-August 2024 uprising under the leadership of Nahid Islam could manage to win barely 6 seats.

Announcements of P.M. Designate

After confirming his party’s clear victory, Tarique Rahman called for national unity and he wanted all to remain united. He also gave a call against organising rallies and meetings. Instead he asked supporters to hold prayers at noon at Mosques.

It may be recalled that T.Rahman had fled the country in 2008 after a politically motivated persecution was launched against him. He returned to Bangladesh recently after fifteen years of self imposed exile in Europe.

Swearing In Ceremony Was A Good Opportunity

The elected M.P.’s took oath on February 17 and new P.M.and Cabinet was sworn in on February 19. Idea of inviting Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan and many SAARC Head of states was appreciable, as such a gathering was going to materialise only for the second time after swearing in of Narendra Modi in May 2014.

Revival of SAARC ?

Tarique Rahman, 60 year old son of Khaleda Zia may be justified at hinting to revive SAARC and to decide their foreign policy in keeping with the interest of Bangldeshis in mind. Afterall, the new Government has inherited a weak economy and pathetic law and order scenario even when an Economist of repute was at the helm of affairs for 18 months.Further, constitutional and statutory institutions leave much to be desired. State of Inflation, price rise, unemployment, struggling garment sector and water sharing disputes with India are going to require topmost attention.

Foreign Affairs

Four thousand kms of international border of Bangldesh will continue to be an area of concern. As involvement of China through Belt and Road initiative, supply of JF-17 jets and location of Drone production unit close to Siliguri border etc. had increased during the regime of Caretaker Government, the new Government may consider a review if not scrapping things altogether.

As far as relations with India are concerned, attendance of Om Birla, Lok Sabha Speaker at the swearing in of new P.M.did not cut any ice. It was not expected to be. Yes invitation to visit India extended by P.M.Modi to Tarique Rahman at a convenient date, is likely to make sense. Rahman may be right in saying that he would take up international engagements only after issues stabilise on home front in Bangladesh. It will be interesting to watch if he decides to visit Pakistan.

Farewell Address of Md.Yunus

In his farewell address, Mohammad Yunus did mention that Bangladesh was no longer a country with submissive foreign policy or dependent on advice of other countries (indirectly hinting India). Knowing it full well that communication and transport in the N.E. region of India had suffered since August ,2024, he did not forget to mention that his country could provide huge potential for economic prosperity of the region. But he had very little to say on anti-India posturing, rise of extremism and unabated attacks on minorities, particularly, the Hindus. This issue is likely to linger on for a long time.

However, with departure of Md. Yunus, points of disagreement between him and the President of Bangladesh have interestingly come out in open. Latter may be correct in saying that Md. Yunus had exceeded his brief but he too should have asserted his authority as per country ‘s Constitution.

Mob Culture in Bangladesh

Touching this highly sensitive issue, Salalhuddin Ahmed, the new Home Minister has ‘promised’ that the days of mob culture were over and that democratic culture was to continue. But it remains to be seen if the new government will identify the culprits at a fast pace.Yes, temporary reprieve seems to have been seen since the day of elections.

Foreign Policy : Promises or Expectations ?

Khalilur Rahman, new Foreign Minister has hinted that the Government will not stop seeking extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India but at the same time, this issue will not become a roadblock. But will promise for a re assessment of Bangladesh-India relations actually become a reality ? It is well known the bi- lateral relations had been restrained considerably during 18 month Md.Yunus led Interim Government.

First Address of New P.M. of Bangladesh

In his maiden address, Tarique Rahman has promised to turn his country into a land for all faiths, regardless of party, opinion, religion or ethnicity. He has vowed to strengthen rule of law and strictly ” control” corruption. But he did not touch upon rising prices and unemployment.

His assertion that everyone had equal rights in his country, obliquely hinting at pluralism, assume significance as the Hindus and other minorities have been suffering for a long time. Promise for accountability to people is also a positive development provided it gets translate into reality.

As promised, can he succeed in dismantling all the syndicates of wrong doing and irregularity in every sector of economy ? Having said so, will he turn his attention towards skill development so that the country can restore its place in garment sector atleast ?

(The author is former Chief Secretary, Sikkim)