Mohammad Ali Sattar
The declaration of all out resistance to holding of the polls by the government is loud and clear. Whatever ambiguity persisted about BNPs plans on its movement strategy is now out of the clouds. Last week, Begum Khaleda Zia has made it clear in her public address that the opposition will not allow any polls to be held. She emphatically said that there will be ‘songram’ (movement) committees formed in all voting centers to resist any election activity across the country.
The Chairperson of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been stressing that there shall be no elections under the Awami League-led government. Since there is no chance of a dialogue any more, all one can see is a frightful scenario ahead. According to an opposition insider, there will be a flare up of public anger and annoyance any time now.
Practically all sections of the society have been calling upon the government to accommodate the opposition demand reflecting a major shift in the public opinion. They all opined that unless an inclusive polls are arranged under a non-partisan care-taker government, the elections will not be credible and will result in greater crises.
Veteran political and public opinion leaders Dr.Kamal Hossain, Dr.AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, Dr. Akbar Ali Khan, Barrister Rafiqul Haque and many others have been putting in their logics and wisdom for having a non-partisan government in place for smooth elections. Dr Yunus also spoke on number of occasions about the futility and dangers of a one-sided election.
Against this backdrop, things appear to be grim. We are now faced with total uncertainty. And this is an ominous sign. Experts apprehend that this time round, things are likely to be worse than the last crisis.
Email:malisattar@hotmail.com
Source: Weekly Holiday
