In the lead-up to Bangladesh’s national elections scheduled for January 2025, political tensions are reaching a boiling point. On December 4, 2024, renowned economist and political figure, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, called for urgent electoral reforms to ensure the legitimacy of the upcoming elections. Yunus, who has been an outspoken critic of the ruling Awami League, emphasized the need for changes in the electoral system, constitution, and judiciary before any votes are cast.
Calls for Electoral Reforms Amid Rising Tensions
Yunus’ comments come after several months of protests and political unrest, as opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), accuse the current government of undermining democratic processes. The opposition argues that the electoral commission is biased and that the current government has stacked key judicial bodies with loyalists, making fair elections impossible.
The ruling Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has defended its track record, calling the protests a disruption to the democratic process. Despite this, the government has been under increasing pressure from both domestic and international observers to hold transparent and fair elections.
The upcoming election is set to be one of the most contentious in Bangladesh’s history, with the possibility of violent clashes and a tense political atmosphere. The international community, including the United Nations and the European Union, has urged all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis before the elections, highlighting the importance of peaceful and democratic processes in ensuring national stability.
