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Interim government should stick to 'middle ground' for an inclusive poll

Published : Wednesday, 19 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 610
Dr Mizanur Rahman
Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture in its political history. The recent student uprising, which led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the installation of an interim government, has plunged the nation into a state of uncertainty and disarray. Six months into their rule, the interim government has failed to deliver on its promises, and the country is grappling with corruption, economic instability, and political polarization.

The formation of the Jatiya Nagorik Party by the student coordinators, coupled with their anti-India rhetoric and exclusionary stance toward the Awami League (AL), has further complicated the situation. If Bangladesh is to avoid further chaos and achieve lasting peace, it is imperative to find a middle ground that allows all political parties to participate in the upcoming elections. This article explores the consequences of exclusion, the importance of inclusive democracy, and the role of student coordinators in fostering a peaceful transition.

Excluding any major political party, including the Awami League, from the electoral process is a recipe for disaster. Historically, Bangladesh has witnessed the fallout of such exclusionary politics. The country's political landscape has been marred by cycles of violence, boycotts, and instability whenever one major party has been sidelined. For instance, the 2014 elections, which were boycotted by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), resulted in widespread violence and a lack of legitimacy for the government. According to the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies, over 500 people died in political violence in the year leading up to the 2014 elections. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of exclusion.

The Awami League, despite its flaws, remains a significant political force in Bangladesh. It has a substantial voter base and has played a pivotal role in the country's development, particularly in areas such as economic growth and women's empowerment. According to World Bank data, Bangladesh's GDP growth rate averaged 6.5% between 2010 and 2020, largely under AL leadership. Excluding the party from elections would not only disenfranchise millions of its supporters but also risk alienating a significant portion of the population, leading to potential unrest.

Moreover, the student coordinators' anti-India stance and their efforts to stoke anti-India sentiment are counterproductive. India is not only a key regional ally but also a major trading partner. In 2022, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and India stood at $16 billion, according to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. Alienating India could have severe economic repercussions for Bangladesh, particularly in sectors such as textiles and pharmaceuticals, which rely heavily on Indian imports.

Democracy thrives on inclusivity. The right to vote and contest elections is a fundamental democratic principle that belongs to every citizen, not just specific groups or parties. The student coordinators, who once championed the cause of democracy, must now uphold this principle by ensuring that all political parties, including the Awami League, are allowed to participate in the upcoming elections. This does not mean turning a blind eye to corruption or wrongdoing. Instead, it means addressing these issues through legal and institutional mechanisms rather than through exclusion.

The interim government, despite its failures, has an opportunity to set a precedent for democratic renewal. It can do so by creating a level playing field for all parties, ensuring transparency in the electoral process, and holding accountable those who engage in corruption or violence. According to Transparency International's 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index, Bangladesh ranks 147th out of 180 countries, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms. These reforms should focus on strengthening institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Election Commission, rather than side lining political parties.

The student coordinators, who played a pivotal role in the uprising, now have a responsibility to ensure that their actions do not lead to anarchy. Their formation of the Nagorik Party and their exclusionary rhetoric risk alienating not only the Awami League but also other political groups and civil society organizations. To avoid anarchy, the student coordinators must adopt a more inclusive and conciliatory approach.

First, they must recognize that their legitimacy stems from their role as representatives of the people, not as self-appointed rulers. The student uprising was fuelled by widespread dissatisfaction with corruption and governance, but it was not a mandate for the coordinators to impose their will on the entire political system. They must respect the diversity of political opinions and ensure that all voices are heard.

Second, the student coordinators must refrain from using coercion and intimidation to achieve their goals. Reports of forced donations from small businesses and other forms of extortion are deeply concerning. Such actions not only undermine their credibility but also perpetuate the very culture of corruption they sought to eradicate. Instead, they should focus on building alliances with civil society, the private sector, and international partners to promote transparency and accountability.

Third, the coordinators must address the growing disillusionment among their own ranks. Many students who supported the uprising now feel betrayed, believing that the coordinators' true motives were not aligned with their initial promises. To regain trust, the coordinators must engage in open dialogue with their supporters, acknowledge their mistakes, and recommit to the principles of democracy and justice.

Finding a compromise that satisfies all political parties and stakeholders is a challenging but crucial step toward ensuring Bangladesh's stability. One possible solution is the establishment of a national unity government (NUG) that includes representatives from all major political groups. This proposed NUG would consist of 15 members: 4 from the Awami League (AL), 4 from the BNP, 1 from Jatiya Nagorik, 1 from Jamaat-e-Islami, 1 from JASAD, 1 from the interim government, along with 1 highly skilled economist with expertise in Bangladesh's budget, 1 expert in constitutional law, and 1 expert in administrative law. The economist and legal experts must remain independent and have no affiliation with the current interim government. The interim government would hand over power to the NUG which would be responsible for overseeing the electoral process, implementing critical reforms, and tackling the root causes of corruption and political violence.

Additionally, the NUG should establish an independent, non-partisan commission to investigate allegations of corruption and electoral malpractice, ensuring transparency and fairness in governance. This commission should have the authority to hold accountable those found guilty, regardless of their political affiliation. Such a measure would not only restore public trust but also demonstrate a commitment to justice and fairness.

Finally, Bangladesh's political leaders must prioritize the national interest over partisan politics. This requires a willingness to engage in dialogue, make concessions, and work toward a common goal. The international community, including organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union, can play a supportive role by facilitating dialogue and providing technical assistance for electoral reforms.

Bangladesh's future hinges on its ability to navigate the current crisis with wisdom and foresight. Excluding any political party from the electoral process will only deepen divisions and lead to further instability. The student coordinators, who once symbolized hope and change, must now rise to the occasion by promoting inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. By finding a middle ground that allows all parties to participate in the elections, Bangladesh can embark on a path to peace, democracy, and prosperity. The alternative-continued exclusion and polarization-is a path to chaos, one that the people of Bangladesh cannot afford to take. The time for compromise is now. The stakes are too high, and the consequences of failure are too dire. Let us choose peace over conflict, unity over division, and democracy over anarchy.

The writer is an IT Specialist, Enterprise Data Integration, Ex-Director, Data Warehouse, Medicare Australia


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