After the announcement of the schedule for the 12th Parliament elections, the polarization of the political parties is becoming more evident. Several parties, including the ruling Awami League, have started election preparations. On the other hand, BNP and like-minded parties have rejected the schedule and holding agitation programs.
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) urged political parties to compromise while announcing the schedule on Wednesday (November 15).
Earlier, US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu wrote to the three major parties to sit down for dialogue. But there is no sign of dialogue or reconciliation.
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader told a press conference on Thursday (November 16) that the ruling Awami League will respond to Donald Lu's letter within a day or two.
He said, 'There is no time left for dialogue. I said this on Wednesday (November 15). I spoke to the Prime Minister about Mr. Donald Lu's letter. I will reply to that letter in a day or two. It is a matter of courtesy, manners.
After the announcement of the schedule, the parties that have good relations with the Awami League have started preparing for the elections. Trinamool BNP will start distribution of party nomination form tomorrow Saturday.
The alliance of 14 parties are also preparing for the elections. The Jatiya Party, the opposition party in the Jatiya Sangsad, has also reportedly started preparations to participate in the elections.
In response to the question whether Awami League will hold this 12th Parliament elections as a 14-party alliance or not, party general secretary Obaidul Quader said in a press conference yesterday, "We are monitoring the situation." Time will clear. This time there is a very little chance of going uncontested elections .
Meanwhile, the BNP and like-minded parties have come to the field with a protest program rejecting the announced schedule. They are conducting hartals, blockades, protest marches.
Many political analysts fear that this division of political parties ahead of the 12th parliamentary elections will intensify the political crisis.
*This report, originally published in the Khaborer Kagoj print and online edition, has been rewritten in English by Md Sahadad Hossain
