The ruling Awami League is considering several alternatives in case the main opposition BNP boycotts the next parliamentary polls if held under an interim government headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The alternatives include allowing some components of the AL-led grand alliance, including Jatiya Party, to contest the elections separately.
Besides, the AL high-command is considering persuading components of the BNP-led 18-party alliance and some other parties like Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh and Gono Forum to take part in the polls.
The AL also plans to bring several BNP leaders in the elections as independent candidates.
“If the BNP cannot control rebels inside the party in local elections, how can it check party rebels in the national elections?” asked a key minister, preferring anonymity.
His view was echoed by another influential minister and several senior leaders of the ruling party.
According to these leaders, the options are being considered to make the election credible to the international community if the BNP boycotts it for not being held under a non-party caretaker government.
Efforts would also be made by both the AL and the probable interim government to ensure casting of more than 50-55 percent votes so that the election results appear credible. The next elected government could then claim it has majority public support, say top AL leaders.
The main opposition party has repeatedly been saying that it would not take part in the next election if not held under a non-party caretaker government.
AL insiders say these alternatives are under consideration to ensure the continuation of democracy. The party would make all efforts for that.
“Election is the only means to keep the democratic process going. So, our prime target is to hold the election in due time no matter which party takes part or not,” AL Organising Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim told The Daily Star.
He also said they were hopeful that the BNP would finally participate in the national election under a Hasina-led interim government.
Talking to The Daily Star, two senior AL leaders said efforts were being made to bring the BNP in the elections. The AL would continue persuading the BNP to take part in the polls, saying that the next election would be free, fair and credible, and the administration would not interfere or influence it.
The AL would try to convince the BNP, saying it did not interfere in any of more than 5,500 local body polls or by-elections held in the last four and a half years, and would not do so in the parliamentary polls either.
If the BNP is not convinced, the AL would then mobilise its leaders and workers across the country to resist the party so that it could not hinder or foil the polls.
Several AL leaders and lawmakers believe if the party could hold the elections and come to power again, other parties would not be able to topple the government.
Source: The Daily Star