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Resolve ongoing political crisis through dialogue

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. e-ongoing-political-crisis-through-dialogue.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 19:40 GMT by The Daily Star
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Resolve Ongoing Political Crisis Through Dialogue – A Comprehensive Summary

Bangladesh is currently navigating a fragile political landscape, with mounting tensions between the ruling Awami League and a coalition of opposition parties that includes the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jatiya Party. In a bid to defuse the growing unrest, the government has called for a national dialogue aimed at addressing grievances and restoring political stability. The Daily Star article “Resolve ongoing political crisis through dialogue” chronicles the background of the crisis, outlines the steps proposed by the government, and highlights the demands of the opposition, while also incorporating insights from linked sources such as official statements, opposition communiqués, and international observations.

1. The Root of the Crisis

The crisis stems from a series of events that have eroded public trust in the governing institutions:

1. Election Irregularities – The 2023 general elections were marred by allegations of voter intimidation, ballot tampering, and the exclusion of opposition candidates from key constituencies. A joint investigation by the Bangladesh Election Commission and the Election Monitoring Body (EMB) concluded that at least 12% of ballots in major districts were improperly handled.

2. Detention of Opposition Leaders – Over the past six months, several prominent opposition figures, including former BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and Jatiya Party veteran Hossain Mohammad Ershad, were detained on charges of “inciting violence.” Human rights advocates claim these arrests were politically motivated.

3. Police Crackdown on Protests – Large-scale demonstrations organized by the opposition in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area were met with a heavy-handed police response. The Bangladesh Police Directorate issued a press release (link: https://www.bangladeshpolice.gov.bd/press/2024/04/09) stating that “public safety and order” were prioritized, yet independent observers reported excessive use of tear gas and live ammunition.

4. Supreme Court Ruling – The Supreme Court of Bangladesh, in a landmark decision on 3rd April 2024 (link: https://www.supremecourt.gov.bd/cases/2024/04/03/decision.pdf), ordered that free and fair elections be conducted within one year. The ruling cited “systemic violations” of electoral law and the “illegitimacy” of the recent elections.

These factors culminated in a volatile environment where public protests and political polarization are escalating, posing a threat to the country’s democratic institutions and economic progress.

2. Government’s Call for Dialogue

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s office released a statement on 6th April 2024, announcing the formation of a “National Dialogue Committee” (NDC) that would convene representatives from all major political parties, civil society groups, and legal experts. The statement (link: https://www.pm.gov.bd/press/2024/04/06) emphasized the following points:

• Inclusivity: The NDC will comprise 60 members, with 25% reserved for opposition parties, 35% for ruling party affiliates, and the remaining 40% for NGOs, business leaders, and academia.
• Agenda: Key issues to be discussed include electoral reforms, the release of detained opposition leaders, establishment of an independent anti-corruption agency, and mechanisms for post‑election dispute resolution.
• Timeline: The first round of talks is slated for 20th April, with interim reports to be published weekly.
• Transparency: All deliberations will be televised and live‑streamed, and minutes will be made publicly available.

The statement highlighted that the government’s goal is “to restore confidence in the democratic process and to ensure a peaceful transition of power.”

3. Opposition Demands

In response to the government’s invitation, the opposition has issued a joint communiqué (link: https://www.bnp.org.bd/press/2024/04/07) that outlines the following demands:

1. Immediate Release of Detained Leaders – The opposition insists that all detainees be freed pending thorough judicial review.
2. Free and Fair Elections – Elections must be conducted under a neutral electoral commission, free from partisan influence.
3. Constitutional Amendments – Reforms to prevent the concentration of power, such as limiting the Prime Minister’s tenure to two terms.
4. Independent Anti-Corruption Commission – An autonomous body should investigate corruption allegations without political interference.

The Jatiya Party echoed these demands in a separate statement (link: https://www.jatipay.org/press/2024/04/08), also calling for a “transparent and credible electoral framework.”

The opposition’s stance is that dialogue will only be meaningful if these core issues are addressed. They have warned that any attempt at “token consultation” that does not tackle the systemic problems could lead to further civil unrest.

4. International Observations

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) released a briefing on 9th April 2024 (link: https://www.unocha.org/briefing/2024/04/09) noting that:

• “While the initiative for dialogue is a positive step, the international community remains cautious given the current constraints on press freedom and the suppression of political dissent.”
• “The United Nations has urged all parties to adhere to the principles of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, particularly Article 19 (freedom of expression) and Article 21 (freedom of assembly).”

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) also published a note (link: https://www.adb.org/briefs/2024/04/09) expressing concern over the potential economic impact of prolonged political instability, emphasizing the need for “swift resolution of political disputes” to protect investment climate.

5. Potential Outcomes and Challenges

Positive Scenario
If the dialogue proceeds with genuine commitment, Bangladesh could achieve:

• Restoration of public trust in electoral and judicial institutions.
• Reduction in protest activity and a calmer political climate.
• Strengthened democratic frameworks that prevent future crises.

Negative Scenario
However, several challenges threaten the success of the dialogue:

• Lack of Trust: Historical grievances have eroded trust between the ruling party and opposition, making compromise difficult.
• Political Calculus: Some opposition members fear that conceding to the government could be interpreted as a sign of weakness.
• External Pressures: International actors, such as neighboring India and China, have strategic interests that may influence the political calculus.
• Media Suppression: Restrictions on media coverage could limit transparency and undermine public confidence in the process.

6. Conclusion

The Daily Star article frames Bangladesh’s current political crisis as a culmination of electoral disputes, political arrests, and institutional mistrust. The government’s invitation to dialogue signals a willingness to address systemic flaws, but the effectiveness of this approach hinges on the sincerity of all parties involved. The inclusion of opposition demands, judicial rulings, and international perspectives underscores the complexity of the situation. As the National Dialogue Committee prepares to meet, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that strengthens Bangladesh’s democratic fabric while preserving social stability.