Bangladesh will be heading toward more division, inviting confrontation and conflict further unless the next election becomes inclusive, said the Daily Khoborer Kagoj Editor and Publisher Mostofa Kamal.
He observed that the role of the Election Commission (EC) was very crucial in such a situation which would determine to save the nation in the days ahead.
Mostofa Kamal made the observations taking part in a dialogue with journalists working in print media on Monday (October 6) afternoon. It was organised by the EC at its secretariat at Agargaon in Dhaka.
He said "politics of vengeance" has now entered many families. Many also have decided to leave the country after feeling insecured due to rampant mob terrorism.
The Khaborer Kagoj editor said: "We now see such a Bangladesh which unknown to us where cultural and religious entities have been mercilessly destroyed. We have seen many sculptures closely associated with Bengali culture were vandalised and destroyed. But, those were the parts of Bengali culture. It conveyed a very negative message to the outside world. So, if the Election Commission can arrange an inclusive election in such a situation, all of the divided nation will take part in the polls and violence in the election will substantially go down."
Referring to the fascism, he said parts of the government, administration, different forces, and mass media were also responsible for creating fascism in the country. It should be taken into account that holding an election is not the full responsibility of a prime minister or any single authority of the government..
Mostofa Kamal said, "We shouldn't compare our Election Commission with the one that exists in India. Rather, we should pay attention to strengthening our Election Commission further."
Praising the role of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), he expressed the hope that the Election Commission would set such an example where the participation of all political parties would be ensured and no section of the society would left behind.
"It's the responsibility of the Commission to ensure that voters can cast their ballots without fear and intimidation. We hope that a festive mood will prevail on the day of election across the country. But, it is not possible keeping a half of the voters outside the polls," he said.
He further said that many couldn't cast their ballots in the past. Common people were not responsible for it. The EC should mull over how to create a level-playing field and make the election inclusive and participatory.
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