This Election Will Land the Government in Deep Trouble: Masud Kamal

Senior journalist and political analyst Masud Kamal has warned that the upcoming election could lead to significant trouble for the government, particularly for those who emerge victorious.

In a recent appearance on a television talk show, Kamal remarked:

“This election will create immense trouble for the government. But those who get elected will face the greatest peril. Frankly, the credibility of elections in Bangladesh has already hit rock bottom.”

He was particularly critical of a recent statement made by Dr Muhammad Yunus, who had reportedly pledged to deliver the “greatest election in history”:

“Dr Yunus said he would conduct the greatest election in history. He uttered those very words. I don’t know what he meant, or how well he understands history — or greatness, for that matter.”

Concerns Over Voter Representation

Kamal highlighted a critical issue in the Bangladeshi electoral landscape — voter loyalty to the ‘Boat’ symbol, traditionally associated with the Awami League. He explained:

“There are at least ten million voters in this country who have never voted for any symbol other than the Boat. What alternative are you offering them?”

He continued:

“Who is this election really for? Is it for political parties, or for ordinary people? If it’s for the people, and the candidate or party they wish to vote for isn’t even on the ballot — can you really call it an election?”

Legitimacy in the Eyes of the World

Kamal cast doubt on how internationally acceptable such an election would be, recalling the 2014 general election, which was widely criticised:

“When the Awami League came to power through the 2014 election, was it celebrated as a credible process? Even they didn’t speak about it with much pride. Now Dr Yunus is planning something similar and thinks it will be the most glorious election in history? That’s a fantasy.”

On the Alleged Banning of the Awami League

In response to a question about whether allowing the Awami League to participate in the election — after allegedly being banned — would be accepted by others, Kamal distanced himself from the controversy:

“I didn’t ban the Awami League, so don’t drag me into that mess. That’s for Dr Yunus to explain — why he’s doing what he’s doing, or not doing.”

Kamal concluded with a sobering note on Bangladesh’s current human rights record, quoting Human Rights Watch:

“Whatever Dr Yunus plans to say or do during the election won’t change the global perception. Human Rights Watch has already said it — the state of human rights in Bangladesh remains as it was before.”

Points from Masud Kamal’s Commentary

Masud Kamal’s candid remarks reflect a broader concern among analysts regarding the credibility, inclusiveness, and global acceptance of the upcoming election, particularly in a politically polarised climate where key stakeholders remain excluded or marginalised.