The enthusiastic local leaders and activists of the ruling Awami League (AL) and opposition Jatiya Party (Japa) and general people of the country are eagerly waiting to welcome the political leaders, who got party tickets to contest the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) election slated for January 7, 2024.
All 300 constituencies have become colourful and decorative with scores of banners, posters, placards, festoons and paintings on the roadside walls. The election season has already started in the country.
The AL and Jatiya Party have announced the names of their candidates for the upcoming election. A total of 298 aspirants including 24 women of the ruling party have got AL tickets out of 300. Names of the candidates for the Narayanganj-5 and Kushtia-2 constituencies were not announced. However, as many as 71 incumbent members of the parliament of AL did not get the party ticket for the forthcoming 12th parliamentary election. The party has introduced new faces including star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan and cine actor Ferdous Ahmed for those constituencies.
On the other hand, Jatiya Party unveiled its nominated candidates for all 289 constituencies in the upcoming JS election on Monday. However, the BNP and some like-minded political parties have been observing hartals and blockades without public response since October 31 in order to ruin the next general poll at any cost.
The Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal has already expressed his firm determination to hold a free, fair and neutral national election, saying the national election schedule can be changed, if BNP decides to join it, but it does not mean deferring the polling date. As per the schedule for the next JS poll, the deadline for nomination form submission is November 30 and nomination forms will be scrutinized on December 1-4. We can say the upcoming election has generated a massive tide of public support that cannot be foiled by sporadic bombings and arson attacks.
National election schedule
can be changed,
if BNP decides to join it
BNP is now hatching a conspiracy to foil the election after its movement failed. People of the country are looking forward to exercise their franchises. So, let the opinion of the voters be reflected in the election. We believe the EC would apply its all-out efforts to hold a peaceful, participatory, free, fair and neutral election and it would not go beyond its jurisdiction. All want an atmosphere of fair voting. Those who burn people with petrol bombs, attack hospitals, burn cars, and attack school buildings cannot be a political party.
As long as they (BNP) continue to engage in these destructive acts, the country and society will remain under threat. BNP now has lost its path after being isolated from the party’s grassroots leaders and workers and people. AL does not do counter politics rather the party does the politics of ideology and it believes in people’s welfare. After being isolated from the mass people of the country and finding no way, the BNP is now engaged in disseminating negative propaganda against the country and the government as well in many ways.
Taking the chance many influential foreign countries like USA, UK and European countries always make attempt to interfere in our internal issues like general elections and democracy.
Besides, some foreign ambassadors and diplomats working here make statements against the government regarding the internal affairs of Bangladesh. All stakeholders should exercise ‘restraint, eschew violence and work together’ to create the conditions for free, fair, participatory, and peaceful elections.
We still believe BNP will participate in the next poll 7 to examine whom the people want to see in power. Let’s join the election to see how far one can. The upcoming general election will be held as per the Constitution under the Election Commission. If anybody hatches conspiracy centering upcoming general elections, the country’s people should give a befitting reply to him or her.
