January, 2002

Election Results in the Islamic Republic of Bangladesh

Dr. Al-Sayyid Awad Othman

The Islamic Republic of Bangladesh held its eighth general elections in October 2001. These ended with the victory of the Bangladesh National Party, which won 199 seats, beating the then ruling Awami League, which got only 62 seats. The competition was between the two leaders of the parties, Sheikha Hasina Wajed of the Awami League, who held office from 1996 up to the elections, and Begum Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh National Party, who held office from 1991 to 1996 and is currently president for another term which will end in 2006.

The conflict over government, nurtured by deep-rooted hostility and animosity, is apt to threaten the democratic experience in a country considered to be one of the poorest in the world. More than 40 per cent of Bangladesh's population of 125 million lives in dire poverty, and illiteracy rates exceed 70 per cent.

Long after independence from Pakistan and autocratic military rule, parliamentary democracy was ratified in 1991. Yet political parties, whether in office or as opposition, have shown little adherence to democratic principles, which in turn has left this emerging democracy threatened by acute political fluctuations. This conflict has had a negative influence on political stability, and this atmosphere has resulted in the prevalence of violence, social secession, demonstrations, public strikes, civil riots and political crises.

Needless to say, all this comes at the expense of competitive economic performance, the achievement of development, the satisfaction of citizens' essential needs and the attraction of foreign investments. The situation has also rendered it difficult to maintain economic reform policies and work on the diversification of resources. This has translated into $68 million of direct losses annually. It has become urgent for the political elite to realise the importance of ending this political conflict over authority. It is essential for any party in opposition to adapt itself to the aspirations of the population and to adhere to its role as a national power, guiding the resolutions and policies of the regime and helping at the same time to consolidate democracy and the transfer of authority.

If the current situation is a sign of things to come, the harsh competition between the leaders of the two main parties, even at the expense of the nation, does not bode well for the future.