Hossain Zillur Rahman: Conducting an election amid chaos could have disastrous consequences

Former Caretaker Government Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman Warns of Chaos in Disorderly Elections

On Friday, former adviser to the caretaker government, Hossain Zillur Rahman, warned that conducting elections amidst disarray could have grave consequences.

Speaking during a session titled "On Which Path Unity?" at the Bangladesh Agricultural University Institution in the capital, Rahman expressed optimism that political leaders would share his concerns.

He emphasized that the political transformation witnessed in Bangladesh stems from a collective yearning to restore voting rights. In addition, he highlighted the emergence of two other pressing aspirations: justice and dignity.

Rahman acknowledged the sacrifices made by students and the general public to achieve this political shift, describing them as unprecedented. He noted, “The whole world is watching Bangladesh with curiosity. Something extraordinary has happened here, but the future remains uncertain. However, I hope all political leaders agree that heading into elections under chaotic circumstances would be disastrous.”

Identifying Three Key Uncertainties

Rahman outlined three significant uncertainties faced during the tenure of the interim government:

1. Economic Hardship: He pointed to the worsening economic difficulties faced by ordinary citizens, stressing that discussions on unity, reform, and elections must account for the pressing economic realities.

2. Rejection of Political Malpractices: He noted that while autocracy has been ousted, a political culture involving land grabbing, extortion, and judicial manipulation remains. He questioned whether this culture could be entirely eradicated.

3. Capability of the Interim Government: Rahman raised concerns about whether the interim government could effectively address economic struggles, counteract fleeing autocrats, and tackle systemic challenges.

The Path Forward

Rahman proposed three focus areas to move the country forward:

1. Building a Strong Government: He stressed the importance of maintaining the nation’s regained resilience, noting that while issues stemming from bureaucratic dominance exist, they are surmountable.

2. Reform Initiatives: Rahman suggested a dual approach to reform. Immediate measures should aim to improve state functionality, while broader reforms must involve consensus across stakeholders.

3. Political Transition and Voting Rights: Restoring and securing voting rights remains central to the political transition.

He concluded by emphasizing that rebuilding trust with the people is essential for progress, reiterating that unity and effective governance are critical for the nation’s stability.