Awami League Rejects US Proposed Dialogue, Citing Time Constraints and Hostile Environment for Bangladesh’s Elections
The ruling party of Bangladesh, Awami League (AL), has officially responded to a proposed dialogue by the United States over the country’s upcoming elections, stating that time constraints and a hostile environment make such dialogue impractical. In a letter signed by its General Secretary, Obaidul Quader, AL mentioned that even if they were willing to participate in the dialogue, ongoing blockades and the principal demand of the programs create an unsuitable atmosphere. Furthermore, with the schedule for the 12th parliamentary elections already announced, political parties need to focus on electoral tasks in the coming weeks, leaving little time for meaningful dialogue.
AL expressed its appreciation for the assistance offered by international friends and partners in ensuring free and fair elections in Bangladesh. The party emphasized its commitment to upholding the democratic process and people’s right to vote, highlighting the reforms implemented by the current government to establish the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) as an independent organization. These reforms include photo-based voter ID cards, transparent ballot boxes, and a law for the appointment of election commissioners.
The Bangladesh Election Commission has set January 7, 2024, as the date for the upcoming national parliamentary election, with the last date for nomination submissions on November 30, 2023. AL had previously expressed its willingness for unconditional dialogue with other political parties, but the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) insisted on the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government as a prerequisite for dialogue.
AL justified its rejection of the proposed dialogue by pointing out that BNP and its allies are currently engaged in coercive political activities like blockades and arson attacks to demand the government’s resignation. The Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence reported 154 arson attacks between October 28 and November 13 by supporters of the blockade. Given these circumstances, AL asserted that the conditions for meaningful dialogue simply do not exist.
Additionally, political parties need to focus on finalizing their electoral tasks, including reviewing and confirming nominees, preparing manifestos, and planning campaign strategies. This leaves insufficient time for dialogue even if all conditions were favorable.
Bangladesh Awami League values its partnership with international friends and hopes for their cooperation in ensuring a free and fair election in a peaceful environment.
In summary, Awami League has rejected the proposed dialogue, highlighting time constraints, ongoing blockades, and the principal demand for the government’s resignation as obstacles to meaningful discussions. With the election schedule already established, political parties need to prioritize electoral tasks, making it difficult to allocate time for dialogue. AL remains committed to ensuring a free and fair election and appreciates the assistance of international partners in this endeavor.
