The amendment of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) comes at a critical juncture when the demand for holding a free and fair election in Bangladesh is getting louder at home and abroad

Absence of main opposition remains the biggest challenge

The rift within the local Awami League has put its mayor nominee for Barishal city in a tight spot, while the party ticket holder in Khulna city should have an easy run since he has no strong opponents. 

A fair election will require much more than token initiatives

It must be recognised that the election is not a one-day phenomenon – it is a process involving multiple interrelated steps

While the decision to scrap the EVMs is a step in the right direction, the EC must not lose sight of the fact that there are many other pressing issues that it must address for a free, fair and participatory elections.

The problem in Bangladesh is that politicians consider compromise as a weakness and a sign of defeat

2nd-day voting starts; Pro-BNP lawyers not yet casting ballots

Business-as-usual approach to dealing with the opposition will not create the right condition for free polls

Criminals like Samrat, Khaled and Mominul should be miles away from the political scene.

Restoring trust in the electoral process remains the biggest challenge

Regaining public confidence and trust in the Election Commission, which have been systematically destroyed by two previous commissions, is undoubtedly a tough task. Unfortunately, it seems the current EC, too, is failing us miserably.

We deserve free and inclusive polls.

In the landscape of world power rivalries, Bangladesh has somehow found itself in a dangerous and opportune position.

Will AL ever do anything about the criminality of its student wing?

Government must allow opposition to hold events without interruptions

Announcing counter-programmes on the same day as the BNP, and often at a venue close to the BNP’s, raises the possibility of tension at best and outright violence at worst.

Election Commission’s capacity to hold free and fair elections questioned.

Six by-polls are proof that there is a lot to be done before general election

Why should two political parties of the same nation receive polar opposite treatments?