We people living in a country like Bangladesh which practices the multi-party democratic governance system, know the general election to the National Assembly is usually held every five years. According to the provisions of Article 65 of the Constitution, the National Parliament consists of 300 general seats and 50 reserved seats for women (where they are elected on the basis of adult Franchise).
According to the provisions of Article 123(3) (a) of the Constitution, there is a clear direction to hold general election to Parliament within 90 days before the completion of the tenure of Parliament. Therefore, democracy must continue in our country at any cost.
The Constitution of Bangladesh is the ultimate expression of the will of the country’s people. The constitution declares all powers in the Republic belong to the people.
Free and impartial parliamentary elections are one of the main means of establishing the people’s ownership of state power. Casting or not casting vote (willingly) is a democratic right.
So, BNP’s all-out move to obstruct the people to boycott the upcoming poll is an anti-state activity. Resisting voting is not a democratic right.
In no way, the undemocratic forces should assume power. Therefore, it is the Constitutional responsibility of every citizen, public representative and police personnel to prevent the ill-efforts of those who are trying to snatch people’s voting right.
The War of Liberation of 1971 came from democratic aspirations and emotions as well as spirit with values and in exchange of 30 lakh lives and sacrifice of the honour of 2 lakh mothers and sisters, the independent sovereign People's Republic of Bangladesh was established through the final victory (in the War of Liberation). The Constitution of the Independent Sovereign People's Republic of Bangladesh was adopted on December 16 in 1972.
Free and impartial parliamentary
elections are one of the main
means of establishing the
people’s ownership of state power
The countrymen desire that the state, parliament, government and public administration should be conducted in a democratic process that is enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic. The government has repeatedly expressed its clear commitment to make the upcoming parliamentary elections fair, free, impartial, participatory and peaceful.
The election commission is also discharging its duties with honesty, integrity and sincerity to the best of its ability and by taking all necessary assistance from the government to make the upcoming parliamentary elections free, fair and peaceful.
The law enforcement agencies are properly discharging their responsibilities entrusted by the EC to maintain law and order in the elections. All are determined to ensure that people can reach the polling stations and vote without any impediments..
We heard internationally that any activity that interferes with the poll should be considered anti-election act. And the US government would impose restrictions on the people creating obstacle to holding the elections.
But, now everyone is silent. Either the US or Europe are not saying anything about BNP’s move to foil the next general election.
If BNP believes in country’s democratic progress why the party is distributing leaflets against the election? And why the party is waging a non-cooperation movement?
Besides, we also want to know why the western countries and the US, and the so-called civil society of the country keep silent about BNP’s undemocratic and sabotage act. Why they are not talking about punitive measures against them (BNP men) though they have been enforcing strikes, blockades and carrying out sabotage to disrupt the polls.
Those who talk about human rights, good governance and free, fair elections in Bangladesh have remained silent about the misdeeds, anti-democratic, anti-constitutional activities of a party. They have not raised voice against destructive acts of the BNP yet.
However, amid various conspiracies hatched at home and abroad all believe the election commission, administration and other stakeholders are determined to ensure safety of the voters so that people can exercise their franchise going to polling stations safely in the January 7 general elections.