Participation is a precondition for good election

People wish to see a free, fair and healthy election. And we think this is also what the government and the ruling party would like to see. This can only happen if there is unhindered participation of all parties. That includes the space for carrying out all kinds of peaceful political activities leading up to the election. Thus, to the extent that the BNP was allowed to hold a meeting in Suhrawardy Udyan, it was heartening to see it go peacefully. But nevertheless, it leaves a few questions too.

We believe that political activities, of the opposition parties in particular, should not be restricted by imposing conditions, as was the case in respect of the BNP's meeting on Sunday. It had to fulfill twenty-two conditions to hold the rally. We wonder if similar requirements are or will be levied on all the other parties who have used or will use that or any other venue. Security checks on public transports on the highways, which put the commuters in great distress, are seen by many as another ploy to create impediments to the movement of party supporters towards the meeting place. We wonder why the newly formed coalition's request for permission to hold two rallies outside Dhaka was turned down.

It is also disturbing to see the vicious criticisms from the ruling party against a new political initiative for a coalition of opposition parties. The AL cannot fail to see the benefits of more parties and more contestants vying for the parliament seats in the 11th parliamentary polls. In fact, no prospective contestants should be discouraged or actively prevented from participating in the elections, because that would give more options to the people to choose the candidates of their choice. And that would ensure more participation.

We want a peaceful poll, more contestants and more options to choose from. And that should be encouraged.