Accepting defeat is the character and spirit of democracy. Within 48 hours next, the time is coming to the politicians of Bangladesh that they are democratic in nature or they have to go far to achieve democratic norms and culture. Even it is the time for them to show tolerance and patience as the 9th parliament election is schedule for vote on tomorrow. These words are spoken above because of the experience the people of Bangladesh gathered after 2001 election result, which was not pleasant and obviously anti-democratic and anti humanity as well.
Upcoming parliament poll is not holding in due time. 9th parliament poll was due on 22nd January of 2007. But as a result of misdoings of party in power, mistrust among political parties and alliances had been created a chaotic and confused political situation that lead the country to a extra constitutional governance under a military backed interim government, which was running the country through a state of emergency. Immediate after taking over the state power the military backed interim government put their two-year road map to the nation that was accepted by all walks of people including the two major political parties i.e. Bangladesh Awami League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). December 29 parliament poll is the last job of interim government to be done as of the road map to democracy.
With many limitations the interim government and of course the political parties of Bangladesh were able to come in a point that a acceptable and credible election is a must in due time for the nation. The outcome of the realization is the 29th December poll.
The people of Bangladesh along with the international community are expecting that through this election the country is going to put a step in the process of democracy and development further. By the time, it is observed, there are many qualitative changes in democratic process of the nation, which was not been observed ever. People concerned are hopeful that these changes would be important factors for establishing democratic norms and culture among concerned people, parties and authorities, which will lead them to show the generosity of accepting defeat.
Meanwhile campaign for election has been stopped from the zero hour of 28th December. BNP wrap up their campaign by organizing central election rally at Paltan, Dhaka on Saturday last. AL was doing so at Lal Dhighi, Chittagong. Both of the party-chiefs have also addressed the nation Saturday night through broadcast speech. Sunday is the day of silence for the campaigners and a very busy day for Election Commission (EC), officials involve in election process and for the security personnel.
At her speech in Paltan rally, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia said, “We want to make a fresh start. We’ll work in light of public opinions” and former prime minister apologizes for past mistakes, if any. AL president Sheik Hasina said at Lal Dhighi, “We want to create a good life for you that will be free of the curse of unemployment, we want to ensure education and healthcare for all,” said the former premier and pledge for a modern Bangladesh.
The 29th poll is to be observed by thousands of local election observers along with foreign participants for various development partners, donor agencies and nations. Though all of the observers are not beyond criticism, it is expected that they will perform their duty properly and their activities would be helpful to the polling process and more democratizing the total election procedure. #
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