Bangladesh Journalist Reports on National Election

Bangladesh Prepares for First Post-Hasina Elections Amid Optimism and Challenges

Bangladeshi journalist Muktadir Rashid has expressed strong confidence that the upcoming national elections in Bangladesh can proceed peacefully despite ongoing tensions in the country. Speaking in an interview with ANI, Rashid emphasized that the nation must embrace democratic values as it prepares for its first elections since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted during last year’s student-led uprising.

The elections, scheduled for February 12 by Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government, come at a critical juncture for the South Asian nation. Rashid dismissed concerns about election violence, asserting that only “500 bad elements” are causing problems, some of whom he claims hold positions within the cabinet and government.

“One hundred percent. I would say 100 percent is possible,” Rashid said regarding the prospects for free and fair elections. “Many of them [troublemakers] are inside the cabinet, in the government. They are creating problems. They wanted to create some noise, but they don’t have any alternative other than supporting this election.”

The journalist emphasized that political leadership is essential for stabilizing Bangladesh, which has experienced significant turmoil since the uprising that toppled the Hasina government. The political transition has created a power vacuum that various factions have attempted to exploit, according to regional political analysts.

Rashid outlined his vision for Bangladesh’s future, stressing the importance of maintaining independence from foreign influence. “We don’t want to make it a foreign power, a stooge. We want to bring all our friends together. We don’t want to make an enemy city with any of our neighbours or a foreign neighbour.”

This stance reflects ongoing concerns about geopolitical pressures in the region, where Bangladesh has historically balanced relationships with India, China, and other powers. The country’s strategic location in South Asia makes it a focal point for regional diplomacy and economic partnerships.

The journalist also warned against religious extremism, emphasizing that Bangladesh should not become a religiously dominated state. “We want this country to be a democratic, fairly elected country and that leadership will function so that democracy will be upheld, and they will rule not by extra toughness, not by false propaganda, and not by making a religious country.”

These comments come amid rising concerns about religious tensions in Bangladesh, where the secular foundations established during independence have occasionally been challenged by more conservative elements.

The political climate in Bangladesh has remained tense following the killing of Osman Hadi, a prominent figure in the July Uprising and convenor of Inqilab Moncho, a mass cultural movement formed during last year’s protests. His death has added to the volatility of the pre-election period.

The interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has faced significant challenges in maintaining order while preparing for elections. Yunus, known globally for his pioneering work in microfinance, has attempted to position himself as a unifying figure above partisan politics.

Bangladesh’s economy, once celebrated as one of Asia’s emerging success stories, has faced headwinds due to political uncertainty, global inflation, and disruptions in manufacturing and export sectors. The garment industry, which accounts for approximately 80 percent of the country’s export earnings, has reported production delays and canceled orders during periods of unrest.

International observers will be closely monitoring the electoral process, with many diplomatic missions already announcing plans to send election monitoring teams. The United Nations and various democratic nations have emphasized the importance of a transparent electoral process for Bangladesh’s democratic development.

As the election date approaches, the path forward for Bangladesh remains challenging but, according to Rashid, not insurmountable. “We have to build our country,” he concluded, calling for democratic support from neighboring countries and the international community.