SHAFAQNA PAKISTAN (Shia News Agency)
Shiekh Hasina has celebrated Election Day as “Constitution and Democracy Protection Day” but since her term in office from 2008, she has used its mandate against opposition, amended constitution for her own political interests, thus undermining the true concept of democracy. Even the fourth largest party, Jamaat e Islami (JI) was barred from running into elections 2014, because of its Islamic character. In this political crisis, country has witnessed slow economic progression under AL. Shiekh Hasina has been playing her anti-Pakistan stance and also establishment of International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for the military court trials for the war criminals of 1971, under which many Islamist leaders have been prosecuted, as steps to gain political advantage at home. AL deep rooted animosity for Pakistan lies since the time of Shiekh Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, due to political differences and sense of economic deprivation between the two wings. Shiekh Hasina considers India as its mentor, for its support to Bangladesh in 1971 war and alleges Pakistan for provoking unrest in Bangladesh and sponsoring militancy. AL wa nts to destroy BNP as a political force before 2019 elections as it threatens AL’s geo- strategic and political interests. AL mistrusts Khaleda Zia for her pro-China and pro-Pakistan tilt and also for her soft policy on Islamist leaders which are opposed to AL’s core agendas. Under AL, country’s economic competence has become irrelevant, many Jatiya Party ministers are planning to quit form parliamentary opposition, and public sentiments have been hurt due to suspension of human rights and humiliation of Mrs. Zia. The political violence has alienated the neutral voters and AL’s rigid policies to control the courts, security apparatus and press have further aggravated the situation. Arrest warrant for Khaleda Zia after she failed to appear in Court hearing against two corruption charges against her and hanging of JI leaders have added to national discord and polarization in the society. Although PM Hasina Wajid hopes that Bangladesh will able to overcome this manmade crisis but the current situation in Bangladesh will not change dramatically. If the crisis deepens, there could be two scenarios whether Bangladesh will move for fresh elections or Military will intervene, thus pushing democracy at back seat.
pakistan.shafaqna.com
