Crucial October
POLITICSSOUTH ASIAFEATURED
Targeting the month of October, he said, "Whether democratic rights will be restored, whether sovereignty will be retained, or whether the people will be able to elect their leaders through their votes will be determined in the next few days."
October of this current year might well be a turning point for Bangladeshi politics. Even though the Awami League has held power consecutively for 15 years, many unexpected events could unfold this month. The upcoming electoral methods in Bangladesh, the potential release of Khaleda Zia, and whether the elections will be held under Hasina's regime will all be revealed this month.
Conversations with several influential political analysts of the country suggest that they foresee significant changes in national politics in October. Even if pro-government political leaders do not publicly acknowledge it, there is a palpable underlying pressure both domestically and internationally. While some deny any looming change, there is an internal preparation evident. The opposition, however, fervently believes that their long-standing demands will be resolved within this month, including the declaration of a caretaker government or an interim electoral government, the release of Khaleda Zia, and the withdrawal of political charges.
BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir remarked, "The fate of Bangladesh will be decided in the coming days." Targeting the month of October, he said, "Whether democratic rights will be restored, whether sovereignty will be retained, or whether the people will be able to elect their leaders through their votes will be determined in the next few days."
Similarly, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader stated, "The Awami League is in power this October and will remain so in the following Octobers." Emphasizing his confidence, he added, "People still want Hasina. So, why would we give up power? I see no reason to relinquish it. There's also no need for a caretaker government," he informed.
The two leaders of the two parties, regardless of what they say out loud, both sides' electoral preparations can be understood through various means. While the Awami League has publicly started its election campaign, BNP hasn't done so yet. However, they are prepared. Regardless of the past, BNP is fairly certain that the upcoming elections will not be held under the Hasina administration. Even though BNP has faced various oppressions, tortures, and legal cases in the past 15 years, they believe they have repeatedly proven that they are stronger at the grassroots level than before. Despite numerous obstacles, the turnout of leaders and workers at all the meetings and gatherings over the past year was noticeable. Even though they couldn’t overthrow the government despite having massive support, the stern stance of Western countries, including the United States, against the government has boosted the opposition's morale. While the government may not admit it, it's evident from the series of sanctions that the government is not in a strong position.
The latest sanctions by the United States, even though they did not disclose names, list at least 600 individuals, including government ministers, MPs, officials, and journalists. Because of these sanctions, the Air Force has had visa applications denied. A minister's son had to return from the U.S. During Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's stay in the U.S., due to the newly announced sanctions, foreign trade advisor Salman F Rahman, Foreign Minister Shahriar Alam, and many others could not enter the country.
Multiple sources have indicated that after her tours of the United States and London, upon returning to the country, Sheikh Hasina might face economic sanctions on Bangladesh if she does not declare her resignation for the sake of a free and fair election. Sheikh Hasina has been informed about this. As a result, the month of October could be a turning point for Bangladeshi politics.