Election must be held on time
As things stand, the nation seems firmly headed towards an election in February 2026, while the Election Commission (EC) plans to announce the schedule in November. This is the most important event for post-uprising Bangladesh as it strives to make a proper, smooth democratic transition. Nothing, therefore, should be done to disrupt it in any way, and any attempt to do so should be condemned. An election, despite all the challenges it entails, is the best way forward for the country to chalk out its future directions.
The NCP's demand for a new EC is both disruptive and poorly conceived. The party's claim that the EC is not neutral—because it refused to approve their demand for "Shapla" as a party symbol—is as partisan as possible. The EC has repeatedly explained that the flower is a national symbol enshrined in our constitution, and no one party can be permitted to use it for election purposes. Jamaat's concerns over EC neutrality seem similarly unsubstantiated.
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The latest amendment to the Representation of the People Order (RPO)—which makes it mandatory for members of an electoral alliance to contest under their own party symbols, rather than the coalition leader's—is something that we welcome. We agree with the law adviser that using one's own party symbol gives the voter a far better idea about the candidate and what their party stands for. Fighting under a bigger party's symbol does not give voters a clear understanding of individual candidates and parties. The fear expressed by some—that if BNP's coalition partners, for example, do not fight under its symbol of "sheaf of paddy", they may not win seats—is precisely why they should not be allowed to do so. If a party or candidate does not command the support of voters, then why should they be allowed to ride on the shoulders of a bigger party? If a party cannot win even in one constituency under its own symbol, it is clearly indicative of their actual strength and support among voters.
In fact, parties should welcome a shift where alliances are formed after the election is held, so that any partnership forged is among groups that have proven the strength of their support base and, as such, can rightly claim their place in the governance process. BNP's discomfort with this idea is understandable, but it also shows the value of the party symbol, and it should not be allowed to be misused.
We urge the interim government to use its full force, which it appears to have, to ensure a proper election process leading to a fair and participatory election on time. This is the most important national priority at the moment.
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