During political unrest linked to the upcoming elections on January 7, a tragic incident unfolded in Bangladesh’s capital. On Tuesday, unidentified individuals set a passenger train ablaze, the train was stopped at Tejgaon, resulting in the unfortunate loss of at least four lives. Among the victims were a mother and her young son. This event is the latest in a series of violent anti-government protests that have seen dozens of buses and vehicles torched, leading to at least six fatalities since October 28.
Boycott the elections in Bangladesh
In response to this horrific event, the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), declared a nationwide shutdown on the same day. The BNP is currently campaigning to boycott the elections and has planned a formal protest against the Election Commission’s polling schedule.
The report by fire service official
Shahjahan Shikder, a fire service official, reported that supporters of the strike set three compartments of an express train ablaze. Four bodies were recovered from one of the compartments, among them a 32-year-old woman and her three-year-old son. The train, which was en route to Dhaka from the northern district of Netrokona, was already in motion when passengers noticed the fire.
Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan expressed concern over the security challenges posed by such a large railway line. He revealed plans to deploy 2,700 paramilitary troops in the coming days to guard against similar incidents.
BNP criticizes the PM’s Awami League
The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), whose top leaders are either imprisoned or in exile, has called for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down. They demand the establishment of a neutral government to oversee the January 7 elections, which they have boycotted.
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, a senior BNP leader, has called for a judicial inquiry into the train fire, labeling it as “sabotage”. He stated that such heinous acts could only be carried out with the assistance of illegal and anti-people forces.
Hasina has consistently dismissed the opposition’s calls for her resignation. She blames the BNP for the recent deadly street protests. In the upcoming election, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party has shared 26 of the 300 available constituencies with its ally, the Jatiya Party. This arrangement allows the latter to field candidates in a total of 283 seats.
Rights groups have accused the government of targeting opposition leaders and supporters, a claim the government denies. However, it faces pressure from Western nations to ensure free, fair, and participatory elections.
As per standard practice, Bangladesh’s election panel has decided to deploy the army from December 29 to prevent any violence.
Bangladesh’s Declining Democracy
Bangladesh’s democracy is currently facing significant challenges. The nation is grappling with political instability, corruption, and human rights issues. The government’s increasing authoritarianism is exacerbating these problems, hindering Bangladesh’s potential to become a global influencer.
The country’s democracy is fragile, with widespread political violence. The ruling Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has shown alarming authoritarian tendencies, using all means to suppress its opponents.
Political tensions are high as the BNP, led by the ailing former premier Khaleda Zia, has boycotted the upcoming January 7 polls. Their demands for a caretaker administration to oversee the elections have not been met. In their absence, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ruling Awami League has emerged as the front-runner.
Bangladesh ranks 144th out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom. The Digital Security Act (DSA) has been criticized as draconian, with calls for its repeal.
In conclusion, while Bangladesh has made developmental strides, the declining state of democracy, curtailment of personal freedoms, and increasing government authoritarianism are grave concerns.
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