Bangladesh Bank’s foreign currency reserves have crossed the $17-billion mark for the second time in two months thanks to buoyant remittance flow and export income.
The role and participation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in national politics require close scrutiny by authorities as this organisation has created deep concerns about the protection of the rights of women, minorities and others, according to a pre-election observation report prepared by two Canadian lawmakers.
The BNP, in particular, must also reflect on the possible role that Jamaat may be playing in its party and work to distance itself from this extremist organisation, the report said.
“Concern was expressed that women’s and minority rights may be impaired, and other Islamist ideals such as Sharia law may gain traction should a Jamaat-influenced BNP take power after the election.”
This Islamist party has recently been de-listed by the national electoral commission and is unable to run candidates in the next election.
“Even so, there was widespread agreement that Jamaat is still a major factor in Bangladeshi politics, as the organisation is well-financed and may be gaining influence within the main opposition party, BNP,” the report said.
The SADF (South Asia Democratic Forum) Pre-election Observer Mission, comprised of Canadian Members of Parliament Russ Hiebert and Joe Daniel, spent three days in Dhaka (November 12-14), examining the national political situation.
They were accompanied by two support staff– Antonio Vieira da Cruz, SADF Executive Director for Canada, and Peter Stock, Chief of Staff to Hiebert.
The Mission met leaders from a wide cross-section of Bangladeshi society, including religious leaders, journalists, lawyers, academics, former government and military officials, and representatives of various civil society organisations.
Despite the many challenges facing by Bangladesh, the observer mission was struck by the clear optimism expressed by all it talked to about the bright future that lies ahead for Bangladesh, the report mentioned in its conclusion and recommendation part. “Indeed, as a nation with a young, hard-working and substantial population, Bangladesh can achieve much if it achieves political stability.”
The mission is convinced that lasting political stability can be achieved if both government and opposition parties commit to fundamental reforms that will move Bangladesh towards democratic maturity.
Such reforms might include the government devolving more power to the parliament, and the opposition attending parliament to sincerely consider legislation.
The International War Crimes Tribunal has served an important role in addressing a tragedy from Bangladesh’s recent history and allowing the nation to move forward.
While 42 years later the Tribunal could never address every wrong committed in the past, it has nevertheless served to bring a measure of justice and reconciliation where none existed before.
The Anti-Corruption Commission legislation must be changed to ensure that the Commission is arm’s length and does not need the Government’s permission to commence investigations.
While the calling of peaceful general strike by the opposition BNP to pressure the government on critical matters may be acceptable, what is clearly unacceptable is the widespread violence that currently accompanies a hartal.
Such anarchy is a threat not only to the lives and property of those directly affected, but also to the political stability and economy of the nation as a whole, the report said.
Finally, the mission found that political stability is essential for Bangladesh to move forward socially and economically, and that a key to creating political stability is free, fair and credible elections.
During their stay in Dhaka, they heard about the current political situation in the nation, including various perspectives on the role of the Anti-Corruption Commission, the International War Crimes Tribunal, the Awami League, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and other political parties on the country’s affairs, and about Bangladeshis’ hopes for a stable political future.
The Mission observed a high level of optimism about the future of Bangladesh, both socially and economically, despite the current political unrest.
There was unanimity on the part of all those interviewed that political stability is essential for Bangladesh to move forward, and that a key to creating that stability is free, fair and credible elections.
Source: UNBConnect
