—Audite Karim—

Tomorrow is the election day. Voting is the greatest festival of democracy. Through their votes, citizens declare that they are the true owners of the republic. The largest democratic exercise should be festive, peaceful, and joyful.

Throughout the day, we do not want to hear news of violence. We do not want to hear allegations and counter-allegations of polling station takeovers or fraud. The people of this country want to live in peace. They want a life free from anxiety and fear. They want the freedom to express their opinions and to move about safely. Let this election mark the beginning of that journey toward hope.

The people of Bangladesh are deeply unfortunate. They work hard and move forward carrying golden dreams in their hearts, yet political division and conflict repeatedly dim those dreams. Pain clouds the green landscape. In 55 years of independence, politics has divided this nation. Innocent people have burned in the fires of revenge. Bangladesh has not reached its desired destination. Politics of division and hatred has obstructed development and pushed back education, the economy, culture, and social progress. Let this election end those divisions and open a new chapter for Bangladesh.

For many reasons, this election is extremely important. It comes 18 months after a historic political turning point. Therefore, this election is not merely a ladder to power – it is the beginning of a new path. Thousands took to the streets in July ’24 demanding that path. The student-citizen movement sought a Bangladesh free of inequality and corruption, a country where fundamental human rights are ensured for all. Yet in the 18 months following the fall of the Awami League government, we have not come close to realizing that vision. Instead, new instability has pushed us into uncertainty. A farmer hoped that after August ’24 he would receive fair prices for his crops and no longer be hostage to syndicates. A small trader hoped extortion would stop eating into his modest earnings. A mid-level entrepreneur expected to work with government offices without paying bribes. Industrial investors who create jobs for millions hoped for a business-friendly environment free from harassment, where utilities and banking support would be accessible and politics would not interfere.

Students dreamed of campuses free from violence, with a healthy educational atmosphere and world-class opportunities. Unemployed youth hoped their suffering would end and that merit – not bribery or influence – would determine employment. Women expected a safer country, free from harassment and humiliation, both on the streets and online. Journalists hoped they could speak the truth openly.

August ’24 expanded the horizon of our dreams. We hoped to sleep safely at night, buy essentials at affordable prices, receive proper healthcare, and raise our children in a drug-free society. The people of this country never expected all dreams to bloom at once – only that the journey toward them would begin.

BUT WHAT HAVE WE RECEIVED?

Over the past 18 months, Bangladesh has echoed with disappointment. The “new Bangladesh” has become divided, and that division has often taken ugly forms. Human values have been overshadowed by displays of brute force. Inequality has not disappeared; instead, new forms of exploitation have emerged. Ordinary people have found little justice against mob violence.

Unemployment persists, and many have lost jobs. Bribery and influence still dominate hiring. Extortion continues to burden everyone from small traders to major industrialists – in fact, it has increased. Mob violence has destroyed factories and businesses, creating fear among investors. Corruption has not declined; business owners say the cost of bribery has only risen.

Farmers still struggle for fair prices. Educational institutions face unrest, with teachers fearful and some humiliated by mob actions. Women remain unsafe, with alarming increases in abuse. Freedom of expression has become risky; media outlets operate under fear, and journalists have lost their jobs over differing opinions. Bangladesh’s international image has suffered, with some countries tightening visa access.

Mob actions frequently disrupt public life in the name of demands. Civil society representatives have raised concerns about transparency in several agreements and purchases by the interim government.

To escape this suffocating situation, elections are the only path. A free, fair, and credible election – leading to a government chosen by the people – is widely seen as the way out of crisis. That is why this election is more significant than any other in recent times. It will shape the country’s future. Political parties must act responsibly, recognizing their duty to the people. Their primary goal should be restoring normalcy, freeing citizens from fear, anxiety, and despair. Saving the country must be the central mission.

Citizens therefore expect political parties to understand public aspirations. No party should attempt to deny voting rights. Polling station takeovers, fake votes, or manipulation must be avoided. To preserve a festive atmosphere, candidates must behave with restraint. All parties must respect voters’ freedom of choice. Only peaceful voting can move the nation toward peace. Whoever assumes power must understand the hopes of the people and guide Bangladesh toward tolerance, stability, and prosperity.

No more division. No more revenge. Let this election begin a new chapter of democracy. Today, we want a festival of votes – and after the election, we want a homeland of peace.