Building Political Consensus in Bangladesh: A Path to Stability and Elections

Comfort Ero, President of the International Crisis Group, emphasizes the need for political consensus in Bangladesh to ensure fair elections. Following significant political changes, the interim government is focused on reforms amidst diverse demands from parties. Accountability for human rights violations is essential, and the Rohingya crisis continues to complicate the regional dynamics, requiring strategic engagement with neighboring countries.

The interim government of Bangladesh must prioritize consensus-building among political parties to facilitate an inclusive electoral process, as emphasized by Comfort Ero, President of the International Crisis Group (ICG). In her interview with The Daily Star, she asserted that without a fair playing field or resolution of critical issues, the elections are likely to be disputed, which is a scenario to be avoided.

The ICG has focused its attention on Bangladesh following the political upheaval in July, which has significantly altered the political landscape. The current government, led by Muhammad Yunus, is implementing substantial reforms in preparation for the national elections.

The political landscape is characterized by contrasting demands: while the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) seeks to conduct elections after minimal reforms, the newly-established National Citizen Party and other factions call for more comprehensive changes. Additionally, discussions regarding a ban on the Awami League, whose leaders are implicated in murder allegations, have emerged.

Ero highlighted the importance of establishing core principles that all parties can agree upon, reinforcing that such a consensus is crucial for meaningful reform. These principles must manifest in the July Charter and manifestoes of political parties to lay a solid foundation for future elections.

She noted the interim government’s commitment to values such as dialogue, participation, and transparency, although she is skeptical that all fundamental issues can be resolved prior to the elections. Thus, it is essential to unify political factions around the July Charter as a guiding framework for necessary reforms.

To foster reconciliation, Ero expressed the necessity of addressing the root causes of conflict, acknowledging the deep-seated and entrenched political rivalry in Bangladesh. She pointed out that unresolved issues could lead to further violence, particularly in light of last year’s tragic events, which underscore the urgency of initiating reforms through the national consensus initiative.

Accountability for those responsible for human rights violations must be ensured, but justice must be impartial and transparent to prevent further crises from arising. Ero reiterated that these foundational principles are vital to maintaining stability in the country.

The Rohingya crisis has also become increasingly complex due to dwindling funding and the ongoing conflict between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA). Ero remarked that although there is no active conflict in the Rohingya’s area of origin, a military blockade restricts access to essential goods, resulting in dire conditions lacking electricity and communication.

Regarding the actions of Rohingya armed groups in Northern Rakhine, Ero warned that such violence negatively impacts relations between the AA and Bangladesh as well as the AA’s rapport with Rohingya civilians, who ultimately bear the brunt of the consequences. She urged that neighboring countries reassess their security strategies in light of the evolving situation along the border with Myanmar, advocating for proactive engagement to ensure the safe repatriation of Rohingyas to Rakhine.

In summary, building consensus among political parties in Bangladesh is pivotal for a peaceful and just electoral process. The interim government must focus on core principles outlined in the July Charter while addressing the political rivalries that have historically led to violence. Moreover, the complexities of the Rohingya crisis necessitate a reevaluation of cross-border strategies to promote stability and ensure humane conditions for affected civilians. The path forward requires dialogue, accountability, and comprehensive reforms to foster national unity and security.

Original Source: www.thedailystar.net