Are elections becoming a mask of democracy in the grip of power

The question has arisen again about the upcoming national parliament elections in Bangladesh - how neutral and acceptable will the elections be in this context of political unrest?
In the current political context, the country is now standing in a critical dilemma. On the one hand, the preparation of the interim government for the election period, on the other hand, the caretaker government as demanded by the oppositionReturn - The nation is moving towards an uncertain direction due to the tension between these two.
The question has arisen again about the upcoming national parliament elections in Bangladesh - how neutral and acceptable will the elections be in this context of political unrest? The political arena of Bangladesh is now standing in a critical dilemma. The electoral climate is already rife with ongoing agitations, counter-programmes, and allegations of administrative bias across the countryhas become hot. The opposition parties say that elections under the government mean "predetermined results", while the ruling interim government claims that the elections will be based on the July charter and will be "fair and participatory. The Election Commission will maintain 100% neutrality. Now the question is whether the elections will be under the theoretical government? Or under the government. Anyway, on the one hand, the government will hold the national elections in February."The declaration, on the other hand, the strong position of the opposition parties — "No election can be neutral with power in the hands of fascist allies. And the government does not have the time it needs to get rid of fascism. That is why the opposition political alliances, including BNP leaders, say that the current administrative structure is virtually partisan and does not have the capacity to control the electoral process. According to them, the interim government mustA supervisory structure needs to be transformed — so that all political parties gain confidence and the Election Commission can function truly independently.
BNP Secretary General said in a recent speech, "The politics of fear, repression and blood are going on in the country today. Nowadays, bodies of people are constantly found floating in the river, people are being killed by entering their homes. In this situation, elections under the government are a farce. The Amir of the Jamaat is still saying.Election shall be by peer system and plebiscite. NCP leaders say that Jamaat is trying to feed fascists. Now the question is what will people think. Political analysts also say that if fascist tendencies remain within the administration, no matter how much the Election Commission tries to remain neutral, the electoral environment will not be transparent and acceptable. Also, the opinion of the experts before making the selection acceptableElection environment should be fixed. There should be no partisanship in any matter and absolute neutrality. As there is a possibility of using muscle power in the next election
There are more. It may spread through abuse of power.
The government claims that the elections will be held on time as per the constitution and that the interim government will perform its duties administratively. But the question in the public mind is if this government is of the same political powerIf controlled, is it really “neutral”?
There is only one way to restore the country's democracy and political status - to form an interim structure that is free from party influence and a symbol of people's trust. Elections are not just about polling day - it is a democratic process based on trust.
If that faith is overshadowed by fascism, however transparent the ballot, public confidence returnsno
The impartiality of elections depends mainly on three factors—administrative impartiality, independence of the Election Commission, and mutual trust among political parties. In the current situation, questions are raised in these three areas. Administrative appointments, police raids, and disruption of opposition party meetings — these events are seen by political analysts as undermining electoral confidence. Political analysts say that to sustain the democratic process,Elections should be participatory, competitive and trust-based. But political instability, violence and partisan administrative behavior are eroding the foundations of that trust. They felt that the formation of an interim neutral administrative structure could be the way to restore confidence. Even if there is no change in the government, the responsibilities during the election will be in the hands of non-party people, so that the election process is transparent and credible.Surveys by research institutes and media have shown that a large part of the public still believes that it is difficult to make elections completely neutral without a supervisory or impartial structure. In such a context, the people of the country expect a peaceful, free and violence-free election.
"Electoral impartiality is not the result of a legal framework; it is a reflection of public trust. Where trust is absent, democracy is mere formality."is limited. In this case, there is a need for post-word neutrality in the government. I hope that the government and the election authorities will not consider this matter in particular. So that the future lack of impartial and fair elections is the real way of democracy. By October 2025, the political situation in Bangladesh is in deep uncertainty. Movements, blockades, clashes and arrests are continuing in various districts including the capital. GovtAnnounced - According to the constitution, the national elections will be held next February, but the opposition parties say, "Elections in the hands of the current ruling power means predetermined results. The interim government is saying that the elections will be fair, participatory and 100% impartial in the light of the "July Charter". The Election Commission has also assured - a credible election by ensuring administrative impartiality.But the question remains in the public mind — if this government is under the control of the same political forces, is it really "neutral"? Opposition political alliances, including BNP leaders, claim — the current administrative structure is virtually party-based, and has lost its ability to control the electoral process. According to them, the interim government must be transformed into a supervisory structure, so that the confidence of all political partiescan be achieved and the Election Commission can function truly independently.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said in a recent speech, "The politics of fear, repression and blood are going on in the country today. People's bodies are floating in the river, people are being killed by entering houses. In this situation, the government must be more careful to make the elections fair. On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami is still saying that elections should be held through referendum or peer system.So that people can directly judge.
On the other hand, NCP (National Conservative Party) leaders feel that Jamaat and some political groups are actually trying to "rehabilitate fascists".
As a result of this two-pronged stance, the confusion and mistrust in the public mind is deepening.
Political analysts say that if the fascist tendencies remain within the administration, no matter how much the Election Commission tries to remain neutral, the electoral environment will change.Will not be transparent and acceptable. The issues that are sensitive are still hazy. But in the current situation, the deficiency in this field is obvious.
Police raids, disruption of opposition rallies, and the political role of government officials — all undermine electoral confidence. Political analysts say, "Electoral neutrality is not just a matter of legal framework; it is a result of public trust. Where people lose faith, the ballot isAnd democracy ceases to be a symbol—it becomes a formality
According to some recent media polls, about 62% of the country's voters feel that it is difficult to make elections completely neutral without a supervisory or impartial structure. About 70% of citizens feel that clear measures are necessary to prevent violence and administrative bias before elections. If the impartiality of elections is called into question, the political unrest will be prolonged — soPolitical observers are also worried.
The government claims that the elections will be held on time as per the constitution and the interim government will perform administrative duties. However, the election environment will not be stable without political compromise - this is what domestic and foreign diplomats are saying.
They feel that unless a "minimum bridge of trust" can be built between the government and the opposition, the threat of violence will remain.
Democracy in BangladeshNow a crisis of confidence is passing through. Therefore, there is only one way to restore the country's democracy and political status. Establishing an interim structure that is free from party influence, administratively independent and can be a symbol of public trust.
Author and Researcher:
Aurangzeb Kamal
the president
Dhaka Press Club.