#Title

Stakes too high not to reach consensus
M Humayun Kabir
FROM PAGE 1
and inspire the partymen. The party cannot say anything that demotivates its activists.”
The challenge, however, is that the election is attracting considerable global attention and that the international community has taken a strong stance on free, fair, peaceful and credible elections this time, he said, adding that implementation of the US visa policy is part of this strategy.
“Therefore, it will be difficult for AL to stick to its position. It is also challenging for BNP not to participate in the elections. BNP, it seems, will compromise eventually, if not immediately.”
If that does not happen, violence will escalate and the international community will not accept any violence, he said.
“The opposition forces, including the smaller parties, are getting stronger. Thus, it may not be possible for the government to hold a one-sided election. Also, police and administration may not provide the kind of support to the ruling party as they did during the last two polls.”
Countries that otherwise don’t say much about Bangladesh’s elections like India, China or Russia will not want any prolonged violence to protect their trade interests and investments, Kabir said.
Without the possibility of compromise between the political parties, foreign countries may not send election observers.
“That’s why starting a process of compromise at the earliest is a must. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the government to make the election internationally acceptable.”

Shantanu Majumder
FROM PAGE 1
confidence is bolstered because of the US visa policy and its sanction on RAB.”
Majumder believes the political parties will come to an understanding on the polls-time administration and not due to any external pressure but because neither party can afford to reach a “point of no return”.
“Against the backdrop of two previous controversial elections, AL will not take the risk of another bad election simply as it cannot afford it. On the other hand, BNP cannot afford to shun the parliament because that will create an existential issue for the party.”
Those who want to intimidate the elections this time will be the losers. If the government wants to hold a one-sided election, it will be the loser, he said.
About the issue of the polls-time administration, he said the caretaker system is not good for democracy as it consists of unelected people.
“There can be many democratic ways to ensure a free and fair election within the current constitutional framework. Those may include inviting many national and international election observers, random transfer of the DCs and SPs etc.”