After a long period of political unrest and a massive campaign of state reforms, Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election is set to be held on February 12. On the same day, voters will also take part in a national referendum on the proposed ‘July Charter’ to reform the new constitution and state structure.
After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus has governed the country for about 18 months. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin announced the election schedule on December 11. After the primary election activities of all the candidates participating in the election, they are now busy campaigning. The total number of voters in this election is about 127.7 million. Of which 45,71,216 voters have been newly included in the voter list. Of these, 18,70,000 voters are male. And 27 lakh are female voters. There are 251 third gender voters. In total, 34 percent of the total voters are new voters. Among them, the participation of young voters and expatriates is believed to be higher than ever before. For the first time, a digital postal ballot has been set up for expatriates, where about 800,000 expatriates have already registered. And political analysts believe that they can decide the fate of the candidates in the election.
The political scene surrounding the elections is also witnessing major changes. The registration of the Awami League, which was ousted from power in the face of student and public movements, is suspended, so they are unable to participate in these elections. As a result, the fight is mainly going to be on three fronts: BNP and its alliance: BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, is campaigning extensively to return to state power. Jamaat-e-Islami: The party has returned to the elections as a single force after a long break. National Citizens Party (NCP): This new political force, the main coordinator of the July Revolution and representing the young generation, has emerged as a big surprise. Those who have formed an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami.
Observers say that all voters, including young voters, are hoping for change. They do not like to see politics as before. Employment opportunities, quality education, good governance, law and order, and modern civic amenities have become the main issues for voters. There is also hope among students about this election.
Strict security measures have been taken across the country to ensure a free and fair election. About 100,000 army personnel have been deployed in 64 districts across the country, including the capital Dhaka. In addition, about 900,000 members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Ansar Force will be deployed. Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman said that no kind of violence will be tolerated during the elections and the army is providing all kinds of assistance to the civil administration to ensure security at the field level.
Voters will be given two ballots. One is a white ballot, which is mainly for the election of members of parliament. The other is a pink ballot, which is for the ‘yes/no’ vote or referendum on the ‘July Charter’ of constitutional reform. “This election is not just a change of power, but the foundation stone for building a new, non-discriminatory Bangladesh,” state analysts and young voters believe.
The commission has said that all preparations have been completed for the upcoming parliamentary elections and referendum. According to EC sources, voting will be held in 42,766 centers across the country. There will be 247,482 booths in these centers. 785,225 presiding and polling officers will be on duty in the upcoming elections.
(Rakibul Islam Rafi, Epic Verse Journal)