Sm Najmus Sakib
30 November 2023•Update: 30 November 2023
DHAKA, Bangladesh
Opposition parties in Bangladesh signaled a boycott of the upcoming general election as none of its candidates registered Thursday on the final day of nominations.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and their allies confirmed that they are not going to participate in the election set for Jan. 7.
“We made our commitment to the nation of not participating in any election under this (Awami League party) government. So, we are not caring about the election schedule announced.”
BNP official Masud Ahmed Talukder told Anadolu.
The Election Commission announced the schedule for the general elections on Nov. 15. If the elections are held Jan. 7, it will be the 12th general election since 1971 when Bangladesh declared independence from Pakistan.
Opposition parties observed a nationwide blockade Thursday to demand the cancellation of the election schedule and a neutral election-time government.
“Returning the caretaker government system in the Constitution is our one-point demand,” said Talukder.
The Awami League party abolished the system in parliament in 2011 calling it "unconstitutional."
The ruling party said it is also on the field to ensure holding the election on time in line with the Constitution in a free and fair manner regardless of who is participating in the election.
BNP and allies announced Thursday a 48-hour strike beginning Dec. 3 to demand the cancellation of the election schedule and a neutral election-time government.
The political situation is escalating as parties take counter programs. At least 18 opposition members, including a journalist and a policeman, were killed and more than 20,000 BNP members have been arrested since Oct. 28 in the political turmoil.
More than 576 BNP leaders and activists were sentenced to jail terms since Oct. 28, including 37 of BNP and Jamaat members convicted Wednesday.
Cases were filed against over 76,000 opposition BNP members since Oct. 28, according to the party.
