A political crisis is looming in the country as major political parties are stick to their guns while blame each other for not reaching consensus on key issues which may jeopardise the general elections slated for February.
Despite series of meetings starting from February, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP) and other smaller parties could not ditch their differences on the July Charter and proportional representation (PR) system, the two key issues need to be resolved for a free, fair and peaceful election.
Politicians and experts fear that the election could face delay if the parties fail to reach the desired consensus by October.
Dilara Chowdhury, retired professor of Government and Politics at Jahangirnagar University, said if there is disagreement over crucial issues like the legal framework of the July Charter, the election could be delayed.
“If something like that happens, the government should shoulder the responsibility as its actions have been confined to meetings rather than implementation,” she told TIMES of Bangladesh.
Amid this situation, the National Consensus Commission, headed by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, is going to resume its final round of talks with the political parties on Sunday.
Sources at the NCC say that they want to get a positive result on key issues by Tuesday. The tenure of NCC, which had been extended twice, is set to end its term on 15 October.
Many suggest October will be crucial in determining whether the situation will ease or escalate further tensions as the government is to announce its decisions on the implementation of July Charter and PR system.
The stalemate grows as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP have different views and are not willing to change their minds.
If the government takes unilateral decision on those issues, it might go against the demands of some parties.
Several parties have already announced plans to take to the streets if their demands are not met.
Many fear that if the parties take to the streets to realise their demands, it may create a major obstacle to the government in conducting the elections.
The BNP supports the state recognition of July Charter but opposes its direct inclusion in the Constitution before the national election.
While Jamaat seeks immediate legal framework and NCP wants a new constitution and the implementation of the July Charter through a Constituent Assembly election.
The differences also extend to the PR system in both the upper and lower houses.
On the other hand, Jamaat, NCP and the Islami Andolan Bangladesh have called for the banning of Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance, a demand BNP strongly opposed.
BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said that the Charter cannot be placed above the constitution.
“BNP has submitted its proposal to the NCC and hopes a solution can be reached in the Commission’s meeting. The party endorses the Commission’s proposal and expects the July Charter to be finalised by October,” he told TIMES.
Another standing committee member Selima Rahman questioned the movement of Jamaat and other parties over PR system. “Many believe this movement is a conspiracy to delay the election,” she said, hoping that all parties will reach a consensus for the sake of the election.
Jamaat along with seven other parties is carrying out a second phase of protests, demanding implementation of the July Charter and the introduction of the PR system in both houses of parliament. They have also threatened to go for tougher movements if the demands are not met.
Indicating BNP, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad blamed a “single party” for the prevailing uncertain situation.
“The implementation of the July Charter is being delayed due to the obstruction of a single party. People lost their lives during the July uprising to end the old system. The Charter must be implemented timely,” he told TIMES.
A major party cannot simply disregard the demands of others, he said, adding if there is no consensus, a crisis is inevitable.
Meanwhile, the NCP accused both the BNP and Jamaat of creating trouble over the issues.
“They are pursuing self-centered politics in this process and consensus can not be reached due to a lack of people-centered politics,” NCP Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib told TIMES.
He said they are planning to wage movement for a new constitution, the implementation of the July Charter and for the party symbol Shapla.
Abdul Latif Masum, a retired professor and political analyst from Jahangirnagar University, said if there is no positive resolution on the two burning issues it may lead to a political deadlock in the country.
