UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after Sunday's general election in Bangladesh.

In the run-up to the polls, he said an environment free from violence would help enable a peaceful, credible and inclusive election.

In a statement yesterday, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN secretary-general, said, “All Bangladeshi citizens, including minorities and women, must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote. Civil society and electoral observers should be fully supported to play their role in the process.”

Guterres also reiterates the continued commitment of the United Nations to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh, it added.

The call for a peaceful and free, fair and inclusive election comes at a time when violence continues across the country before the 11th parliamentary election.

Last week, the UN said it is closely following the situation ahead of the polls in Bangladesh. 

On December 10, Dujarric said, “We believe, as a matter of principles, that elections should be held in a positive climate, free from any sort of intimidation.” 

In another development, the US yesterday expressed concern by the high level of campaign violence over the last two weeks.

Talking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda at the Election Commission Secretariat, US Ambassador Earl Miller said he asked for this meeting because the US is concerned by the high level of campaign violence over the last two weeks, says an embassy statement.

All parties have been victims of violence, including minorities and female candidates. However, it appears opposition party candidates have borne the brunt of most violence, he said. 

Miller added, “I appreciated the opportunity to consult with the Election Commission to see what plans it has to create a conducive atmosphere, so all Bangladeshis, no matter their political affiliation, feel safe to go to the polls on Sunday and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice.

“Bangladesh is rightfully proud of its democratic traditions, including elections where upwards of 70 percent of the electorate turns out to vote. In any democratic election there must be space for peaceful expression and assembly; for independent media to do its job covering electoral developments; for participants to have access to information; and for all individuals to be able to partake in the electoral process without harassment, intimidation, or violence.”

The US wishes all Bangladeshis a free, fair, tolerant and peaceful election day on Sunday, the envoy added.

Bangladesh Nationalist Front President SM Abul Kalam Azad today said that the national election will not be free and fair under this Election Commission.

"Our supporters, voters, activists are feeling insecure," Azad, who is contesting from Dhaka-17, was speaking to reporters after a meeting at the commission.

Azad is currently a lawmaker of the current parliament and his party BNF is also a component of the Awami League-led ruling 14-party alliance.

"Our constitution says an election will be held under the Election Commission. But, we don't see it. It is heavily influenced by the ruling party," he said.

Speaking after meeting Election Commission Secretary Helaluddin Ahmed, he claimed 55 BNF candidates were attacked by Awami League and Oikyafront men.

"We want to stay in the election till the last day, but it should be held under a neutral Election Commission," he said.

Ali Imam Majumder

Ali Imam Majumder, a former cabinet secretary, said the Awami League's manifesto reflected the development works carried out by its government in the last 10 years.

"They said they would learn lessons from the past mistakes and if they do it for real, the nation will benefit," he said.

Ali Imam was critical about the ruling party's role against the opposition parties, saying it did not allow any political space to the opposition in the last 10 years, not even during the elections.

About the BNP's manifesto, he said the rosy words it had mentioned did not match their past history.

"They are promising to bring balance of power between the president and the prime minister, but unfortunately the party's power centres around only one person," he said.

That's why there is still apprehension about its sincerity to fulfil the pledges, he said.

He hoped that the party would be more sincere to materialise the promises, if voted to power.

Syed Manzoorul Islam

Noted writer and columnist Syed Manzoorul Islam said, "The Awami League's manifesto is practical and detailed. They prepared it keeping in mind what they have done and what they can do. It does not reflect many of the popular aspects like digital security act."

“The BNP is not in power, so it is easy for them to make an attractive manifesto. They did it as they touched upon the interests of all the quarters. The BNP's manifesto is very ambitious. The proposals are more attractive but absolutely lacking the strategic details,” he said.

Manzoorul, a retired Dhaka University professor, however, said the manifesto was meaningless if the proposals were not implementable.

Prof Hasanuzzaman

Prof Al Masud Hasanuzzaman, a teacher at Jahangirnagar University, said the AL's manifesto focuses mostly on development and its pledges to continue the development works.

On the other hand, the BNP focuses on democracy and the rule of law and there are some surprises in the manifesto, he said.

The challenge for the AL is to establish good governance in the country as it has promised. If good governance is ensured, democracy and development will also be ensured, he added.

On the contrary, it is challenging for the BNP to meet many of its promises -- especially in cases where constitutional amendment is required.

To implement those pledges, it will require a two-thirds majority in parliament.

DR Iftekharuzzaman

Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of the Transparency International Bangladesh, said the AL president's call to consider her party's failures with a forgiving attitude may be viewed as refreshing, especially in a culture where political leaders are not known to acknowledge mistakes.

"This is important because she has also promised to learn from mistakes if she is given a mandate to move on. One would wish her Godspeed as her party takes the challenge of being truthful to this commitment," he said.

He also said the party's commitment to ensure inclusive development was extremely important and raised hopes. The proponents of such a commitment are however expected to realise that inclusive development is impossible in a situation where people's voice and demand raising potentials are restricted by curtailing free media, freedom of speech and opinion, and right to assembly.

"Therefore, if truthful to this commitment, they must also pledge to amend the laws like Digital Security Act and refrain from all types of actions against free media and freedom of speech that are sine qua non for inclusive growth."

Equally important is the commitment for zero tolerance to corruption which was also reflected in AL's earlier manifestos, he said.

Iftekharuzzaman said it would take quite an effort to faithfully deliver on this pledge. The key to it would be the courage and capacity to punish the corrupt without fear or favour and depoliticise the key institutions of accountability which had been converted into monopolised territories of the ruling party.

These include the bureaucracy, law enforcement agencies, judiciary, anti-corruption commission and not least the parliament itself, he said, adding, "If these institutions are not allowed to operate in public interest, independently, transparently and with professional integrity, the talk about zero tolerance for corruption will remain a paper tiger."

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has termed BNP’s election manifesto as a colourful balloon saying the party came up with some unrealistic pledges intending to come to power.

“BNP made some miraculous and unrealistic pledges in its manifesto. It is nothing but a colourful balloon,” Quader made remarks while talking to reports at a view exchange in Miabazar area of Cumilla this afternoon.

Claiming that there is no real ground in implanting the commitments, Quader also read transport and bridges minister, said BNP will forget all of its pledges if it comes to power in the upcoming general election.

BNP today unveiled its election manifesto promising that it would bring all war criminals book for trial if it is voted to power in the December 30 general election.

Criticising BNP for coming up with such promise, Quader said it might be the best joke of the year.

Quader said his party wants that the Jatiya Oikyafront-led by Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain would stay in the electoral race until the December 30.

He also blasted the Oikyafront for knocking the doors of their foreign friends without going to the doorstep of the voters.