Breaking from its usual protocol, the Election Commission has abruptly concluded its ongoing discussions without engaging with at least seven registered political parties, some of which have been longstanding allies of the Awami League for the past 15 years. This decision goes against the EC’s electoral working plan, announced in August, which had promised consultations with all registered parties before the upcoming polls.
Among the parties excluded from the dialogue are the Jatiya Party, Workers Party of Bangladesh, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Inu), Bangladesher Shamyobadi Dal, Ganatantri Party, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, and Jatiya Party-JP. A total of 47 parties had participated in the dialogue that commenced on November 13. Officials have confirmed that the talks have now concluded, with one invited party failing to attend.
Anwarul Islam Sarker, an Election Commissioner, stated, “The initial phase of discussions with political parties concluded today.” When questioned about the possibility of inviting the excluded parties later, he mentioned that decisions regarding those parties would be made at a later stage without providing further details. Another election commissioner indicated that discussions with the remaining parties might not occur at all due to objections raised from various quarters.
On May 12, the government imposed a ban on all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated groups, citing allegations of killings, genocide, crimes against humanity, and other serious offenses during the July uprising. Subsequently, the EC suspended the party’s registration.
Since 2008, prior to each national election, the EC has consistently invited registered political parties to discuss the electoral roadmap, the Representation of the People Order, 1972, and the code of conduct for candidates and parties. Between July 17 and 31, 2022, the commission engaged in dialogues with 28 political parties to shape its working plan for the 12th parliamentary election scheduled for January 7, 2024.
During the discussions leading up to the December 30, 2018, polls, the BNP and eight other opposition parties boycotted the talks, expressing doubts about the EC’s ability to ensure a free, fair, and inclusive election. In 2017, the EC conducted dialogues with all 39 registered political parties from August 28 to November 19 before the December 30, 2018, polls. Similarly, in 2007, talks were held with 17 parties between September 12 and November 11 ahead of the December 29, 2008, election.