Dr Emazuddin Ahmed speaks to DOT :
Attacking the polls campaigns is a bad sign. The government does not want the next general election to be held freely and fairly and it is in fear of the votes to be cast by the countrymen, greatly.
Sheikh Hasina has sensed that she will not succeed if the people can get the chance to exercise their franchise. So, the opposition parties are being attacked from all over. It cannot be said what is going to happen next.
When Awami League will feel it would lose the election, the party will do something that will halt the polls. We going through uncertainty now. The law enforcing agencies and the administration are still in the grip of the government. Even the lower judiciary is under the government.
So, what can BNP do now? The people are BNP’s power. This is reason that tye government is trying to deprive the people of voting. Hasina is also accusing BNP of publishing fake ballots. I feel she is crafting a new plan to create an issue ahead of the polls. If not so, why is she making such an allegation?
I would urge the Election Commission to present a fair polling system so the people can get back their right to vote. Let them vote any party or alliance to power, to reinstate democracy in the country. Any election will have a result, making someone lose or win.
The writer is a Former vice-chancellor
of Dhaka University
Based on an interview by Khairul Alam, translated by Sayeed Muhammad