Govt has established electoral autocracy in Bangladesh

The current government has established an electoral autocracy system in the country by destroying democratic institutions, BNP has claimed.

Addressing a press briefing to mark International Day of Democracy at BNP chairperson’s office at Gulshan yesterday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Bangladesh went into an election (the 11th general polls) to show there is democracy, but the government are doing everything against democracy.

“What is ongoing now is an electoral autocracy, as participatory and liberal democracy does not exist anymore here,” said Fakhrul.

“There is no freedom of speech, judiciary and association, fundamental political rights, good governance, rule of law and the security of life in Bangladesh nowadays. How can human rights and democracy then exist?” he questioned.

Regarding the change in top leadership of Bangladesh Chhatra League, Fakhrul said the change confirms there was corruption.

“Hasina asking the Chhatra League leaders to resign proves the extent of irregularities in the country. Her party and its affiliated organisations - all are involved in corruption,” he claimed.

Replying to a query about forming the committee of Chhata Dal, Fakhrul said: “It is unfortunate that a court has been used to control politics. The government is behind it all, proving that it does not believe in democracy.” 

The council of BNP’s student body was scheduled to be held on September 14, but a Dhaka court on September 12 issued a temporary injunction on the event.

BNP Standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Dr Moin Khan and Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain were among those present at yesterday’s press conference. 

Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said: “There are two kinds of rule of law in the country now. One is for the government, and the other is for the opposition.

“After the 1/11 changeover, the incumbent prime minister was sued in 21 cases, none of which exist now. On the other hand, BNP leaders who were named in similar kind of cases are now being tried,” he added. 

“The government is fully controlling judiciary” he claimed.