Bangladesh has once again been gripped by widespread violence following the announcement of its upcoming parliamentary elections. The Election Commission (EC) declared on Thursday that voting would take place on February 12 next year,. And the very next day, the nation descended into a fresh wave of unrest and violent protests. This latest surge in violence has brought a renewed sense of instability to Bangladesh's political landscape, causing significant concern among both the general populace and the administrative authorities.
Escalation of Violence Post-Election Announcement
The Election Commission's announcement on Thursday, setting February 12 as the date for the parliamentary elections, was immediately followed by a grave incident in the capital, Dhaka, while sharif Usman Hadi, an aspiring parliamentary candidate, was shot at close range in the head by three unidentified assailants while commencing his election campaign in the Bijoynagar area of central Dhaka. This assassination attempt left him critically wounded and marked the beginning of a new and dangerous phase of electoral violence in the country. The incident has Notably heightened political tensions, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty across the nation.
Election Commission Seeks Enhanced Security
In light of the escalating violence and, specifically, the attacks on election-related offices, the Election Commission has expressed profound concern for its safety and operational integrity. The EC has formally written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), urging for comprehensive security arrangements for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), other Election Commissioners (ECs), and senior officials of the Election Commission Secretariat. This urgent request comes after two EC offices, located in southeastern Lakshmipur and southwestern Pirojpur, were attacked by unknown assailants last Thursday, immediately following the announcement of the election schedule. These attacks have instilled fear among the commission's officials, prompting them to seek immediate and solid measures to protect themselves and their staff.
Detailed Demands for Additional Security
The Election Commission has outlined its security requirements in detail, underscoring the severity of the current threat. For the Chief Election Commissioner, the EC has requested an. Additional security vehicle, despite already having one police security vehicle assigned. This particular demand highlights the heightened level of perceived danger. Plus, the commission has called for 24-hour police protection for all four Election Commissioners and the senior secretary. The letter explicitly states that enhancing security is “extremely essential,” reflecting the critical nature of the prevailing circumstances, while beyond its top officials, the EC has also sought additional security for its 10 regional offices, 64 district election offices, and 522 sub-district level offices to safeguard crucial documents and election materials. Ensuring the secure conduct of the electoral process is paramount for the integrity of the upcoming elections.
Assassination Attempt on Parliamentary Candidate Sharif Usman Hadi
The attack on Sharif Usman Hadi, an independent candidate for the February 12 general elections, is a deeply troubling event. According to medical professionals, Hadi remains in a critical condition, fighting for his life. This attack isn't merely an assault on an individual candidate but also a direct assault on the democratic process in Bangladesh. Hadi's background further amplifies the significance of this incident; he was a prominent leader of last year's student-led protests, which ultimately led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government on August 5. His pivotal role in these protests makes him a politically significant figure, raising questions about the potential motives behind the attack and its broader implications for the political landscape.
Government Response and 'Operation Devil Hunt'
The interim government has responded swiftly to the violent incident. Lieutenant General (Retired) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the Home Affairs Advisor, announced at a press conference that the government would launch the second phase of ‘Operation Devil Hunt. ’ This operation aims to ensure public safety and combat the growing threat of illegal weapons across the country. Mohammad Yunus, the head of the interim government, has ordered a search for the suspects involved in. Hadi's shooting and has met with Hadi's family, assuring them of all possible assistance for his treatment. Yunus stated, “The whole country is praying for him, and. Everyone is trying to ensure he gets the best medical care. ” This response indicates the government's serious approach to the matter and its commitment to maintaining law and order in the nation.
Political Condemnation and Broader Implications
The attack on Sharif Usman Hadi has drawn strong condemnation from various political parties. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of critically ill former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, along with Jamaat-e-Islami and the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP), have all severely criticized the incident. These condemnations highlight that the attack is perceived not just as an assault on an individual but as a significant threat to Bangladesh's democratic process and political stability, while the incident creates a challenging environment for the upcoming elections and places immense pressure on the administration to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process. This escalating level of violence raises serious concerns for the future of Bangladesh's democratic journey.
