Ground Report

After a five month long medical treatment in USA, Bangladesh Awami League (AL) president Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh today (November 6, 2008) morning at 8:49 am. She was welcomed by thousands of supporters, workers and leaders of her party. Law enforcers imposed tight security measures at Zia International Airport, her resident Sudha Shadan and her motor-furrow from airport to Sudha Shadan. At the airport, Sheikh Hasina told the newsmen that the country was passing through a crucial time. All concerned should be more consolidated to continue struggle for democracy. She stressed on the parliamentary election and said it must be held on the scheduled date of December 18, 2008. She urged to her party men and the people to be aware about any conspiracy against the forthcoming parliamentary election. Return of Sheikh Hasina boosted up the morals of AL workers and leaders to few more steps to the high, said political observers of the country. Meanwhile, AL has started election campaign formally from today after receiving party president. Process of fixing candidates in 300 parliamentary constituencies and 482 Upazila also reached at the point of final draft and was waiting for the final approval of Sheikh Hasina. Her return will make the process more acceptable to the party workers and leaders, the observers added. On the other hand, Sheikh Hasina and other two accused are already been freed from an extortion case filed on January 11, 2007 by a businessman. The investigation officer of this case said in the report that there was no evidence of crime against them. Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) also said that they could not find any illegal wealth possess by Hasina and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia. So there would be no legal procedure on this issue, ACC mentioned. These steps from the authority are seen by the political analysts as positive initiatives in favour of the upcoming elections. At this point in time, BNP-led four-party alliance leaders held a meeting last night presided over by Khaleda Zia to take decision on parliamentary election. After the meeting, at 11 pm, BNP secretary general Kh. Delower Hussin told the press that if the government accepted the 7-point demand of the alliance, the 4-party would join in the election. Total withdrawal of state of emergency, and providing opportunity to the convict leaders of BNP for competing in election are the major points of the demand-list. Before the 4-party alliance meeting, Khaleda Zia said in a statement that ‘any unacceptable election could lead the country to a crisis. Thus I am requesting to avoid the ongoing path and process. I never believe in revenge. I am assuring that, in future I will behave in a lawful, just and reasonable manner to all concerned.’ Observers and Analysts said that Jamate Islami (JAMAT) has changed their nature and ideology by paper and managed to get registration with EC, and become illegible to compete in parliamentary election. This is why the fundamentalist party is eager to participate in the election, which will provide legitimacy to them. Other two sideline partners of 4-party alliance are also managed by JAMAT to join in election process. But the alliance leader i.e. the BNP is yet to face the challenge of election. At this point of view BNP leadership want to get some space to reorganise the party. Press reports mentioned, BNP is seeking at least one hundred new faces to compete in the forth-coming parliamentary election. BNP leadership have also that much of understanding that scheduled election would be held as per schedule as the military backed government, most of the parties, other power factors of the country and international community, and most importantly the people of Bangladesh are intending to see the holding of election in time. BNP leadership also aware that if the election process somehow jeopardized for the behaviour of BNP, there is no chance to get excuse from the people and other factors of power and governance. Thus, demands from BNP are not very significant on this issue. Demands are to take some space, to take extra facilities, if possible, the Observers and Analysts mentioned.Political analysts and observes also mentioned the presence of two former prime ministers, the pivotal leaders of two popular political parties, could make the election race a colourful fair competition that is also desired by the people of the country. They also said that these two leaders have that much of ability to make the journey of two years a successful struggle of democracy.