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Download PDF An international organisation focussed on preventing deadly conflicts in a report said that a reformed, secular Awami League and BNP that respect the democratic rules, both internally and externally, is the best hope for democracy in Bangladesh and the best defence against religious extremism.
Brussels-based International Crisis Group in its report on Bangladesh urged the caretaker government along with the international community to take credible steps ahead of the December 2008 general elections to restore democracy in Bangladesh.
“If the government cannot bring the parties on board, it would carry the immediate risk of violent clashes and also increase the advantage militant Islamists are already quietly taking from the situation,” says Robert Templer, Crisis Group’s Asia Programme director.
The report titled “Restoring Democracy in Bangladesh” notes, “The suspension of democratic functioning, the arbitrary and political nature of the anti-corruption drive and the military’s intentions to embed itself into the country’s political process threaten to create many more problems than they solve.”
The report released Monday says that the army-backed caretaker government came to power “in reaction to fifteen years of mismanagement and corruption by both Awami League and BNP-led governments”. The government’s “desire to reform the political parties, stamp out corruption and end undue political interference in the military is understandable, but the motives for military rule go further.”
It adds, “The military [backed] government has been unable to advance reforms within the parties and is causing the economy to slow. The country’s foreign supporters have done little to walk the military back from its failing agenda.”
Stressing importance on reforming the political parties, the Crisis Group says that a return to democracy may not be so easy this time.
“Both the Awami League and BNP, the two parties most likely to lead the next government, have shown little in the way of readiness to initiate internal reforms necessary to sustain democracy in the long run. The longer the parties resist this reality, the longer the military will continue to justify its role in politics,” said the report.
In its report the International Crisis Group examines developments since this government took over in January, 2007 and looks at prospects for new elections. Although the caretaker government insists its plans to stamp out corruption and hold general elections by December are on track, its achievements have been patchy.
“Even if elections are held on schedule, there is no guarantee reforms will be sustainable,” says Michael Shaikh, Crisis Group’s Asia Advocacy and Research Analyst. “But, if they are delayed, the risk of confrontation between the parties and the army-backed government will only grow.”
The report states: On January 11, 2007, Bangladesh’s military installed a caretaker government, which used emergency powers to clamp down on violence in the run-up to bitterly contested elections. Ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia’s BNP had attempted to rig the polls, prompting the opposition Awami League to launch street protests. The caretaker government ended violence and raised hopes of political change, promising to tackle nepotism, infighting and corruption, which has included the jailing of the leaders of the two main political parties.
“There is an immediate need for dialogue between the government and the main parties. Any viable roadmap for elections has to be agreed by all major actors. The first step must be to address mistrust between the two sides, as well as the acrimonious relations between the Awami League and BNP. Ideally, a new consensus would not only cover how to hold elections but also develop commitments on post-election behaviour and democratic functioning such as addressing human rights abuses committed during the emergency in which over 400,000 arrests may have been made.
“International actors who have too placidly accepted the government’s rationale and supported its agenda should recognise that the priority is to maintain pressure for timely and credible elections. They should also be prepared to act as a possible guarantor to facilitate a delicate transfer of power and to support a longer-term programme of sustainable reforms to put the country’s democracy back on track.”
Regarding growth of militant groups, the watchdog says, “Prolonged military rule in Bangladesh has historically favoured Islamist groups, directly or indirectly linked to violent extremists. Previous military rulers, generals Zia and Ershad, both cultivated Islamists for political support. Even without direct support, undermining the mainstream secular parties as the military has done during the emergency creates more space for others. As a Western diplomat said, ‘by marginalising the political parties, the military is creating a vacuum that will be filled by the radical Islamists parties’.”
April 30th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Government must ensure fair and free election and ensure that all major political parties participate. The Two Lady PMs must be set free and face the cases against them as any other free citizen. They are not deadly crminals who can harm people if freed. They were PMs and peoples representatives. The best government next time would be if Banagladesh Awami League and BNP without real corrupt elements and terrorists in each party can form election allaince on the basis of spirits of liberation war. CTG must not insist on minus anyone from politics. It is basic fundamental right .Only people can make or abandon some one. CTG does have any right.The elements who are behind all these nefarious designs will soon get exposed and will have serious consequences.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Women leadership must be dismembered & annihilated for these two ladies are roots of all
hooliganism.
Choose highly educated presentable young leaders from Good & honest background. Let the major parties share the power & work as a united force for the betterment of the Country.Womens job must remain in social services & not political.
No women are respected by the Recognised politicians of the west & east.
Wake up People of Bangladesh & choose new leaders
who are honest & will work for the national Interest & not for their own pockets as done by both ladies & their family members & their supporters.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
PLS NOTE No Woman leader is respected by the recognised polticians of west or east.