Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain highlighted the challenging landscape of contesting elections in Bangladesh, noting that it typically requires between Tk 10 to 20 crore, which poses a significant barrier for individuals like himself due to the prevalence of black money. Speaking at a roundtable organized by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at the National Press Club, Asif expressed the dilemma faced by potential candidates in deciding whether to participate in elections under these circumstances.
He pointed out a shift observed in some politicians who initially advocated for reforms but later embraced anti-reform stances, questioning the motives behind such actions and emphasizing the detrimental impact on the country. Asif underscored the financial threshold for electoral participation, stating that without a substantial amount of money, typically ranging from 10 to 20 crore taka, running for office becomes practically unfeasible. He highlighted the reliance on ‘black money’ for electoral campaigns, where candidates either possess the necessary funds or receive financial backing from others, leading to potential conflicts of interest post-election.
The adviser raised concerns about the influence of money in politics, emphasizing the need to reassess the viability of holding elections within the existing framework. He referenced the exceptional case of Zohran Mamdani as an outlier in the electoral landscape, cautioning that such instances are not representative of the broader political scenario. Asif criticized the lack of support from political parties following the July Uprising while acknowledging missteps in decision-making processes within their own ranks.
Reflecting on the aftermath of Sheikh Hasina’s removal on August 5, Asif highlighted the rapid realignment of certain political leaders with the establishment, including some young policymakers. Despite advising against seeking alliances with the establishment, their counsel was disregarded, leading to a swift decision by student leaders to engage in governmental discussions. He noted the challenges faced by young leaders in navigating political dynamics without adequate support, particularly in forecasting the repercussions of unilateral actions.
Asif recounted efforts to facilitate neutral discussions during the transitional period, mentioning a proposed meeting at Dhaka University that ultimately shifted to Bangabhaban due to external pressures. The roundtable, moderated by Anti-Discrimination Student Movement President Rifat Rashid, featured insights from various speakers, including poet Farhad Mazhar, AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju, Professor Abdul Latif Masum from Jahangirnagar University, and Col (retd) Hasinur Rahman.