As many as 135 Bangladeshi journalists from various media outlets across the globe have called for the immediate suspension of the ongoing national election preparations, labelling them as “one-sided” and undemocratic.
In a joint statement, the journalists argue that an election without broad participation from all political parties would fail to reflect the will of the people and could plunge the country into further political and social instability.
The statement, released on Thursday, emphasises that the proposed election, spearheaded by the Awami League and a few allied progressive parties, contradicts fundamental democratic principles.
“We, 135 journalists working in various media in Bangladesh, declare that the upcoming national election must be participatory and democratic,” the statement reads. It highlights widespread public disinterest in the current process, warning that proceeding without inclusive involvement would not foster political stability but instead create new crises in politics and society.
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Citing historical precedents, the signatories point out that elections lacking representation from a significant portion of the population have proven incomplete and unacceptable. “We have seen proof of this in the past,” they note, adding that such a move would waste national resources and exacerbate existing tensions.
The journalists also raise concerns about the neutrality of the interim government overseeing the polls. They claim the administration has shown clear bias, with local news outlets facing undue pressure and financial burdens. Furthermore, the Election Commission’s impartiality has come under scrutiny, as it was formed amid political controversies and lacks representation from diverse viewpoints. “The entire election arrangement is now questionable,” the statement asserts.
In light of these issues, the group demands two key actions: the immediate halt of the current “questionable one-sided electoral process” and the organisation of a fresh election that ensures participation from all political parties and ideologies. “We believe that only through national unity, dialogue, and the involvement of all parties can a truly democratic election be possibleโone that will lead the country toward stability and progress,” they conclude.
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The statement was issued on behalf of the signatories by Taimur Faruk Tumar, a US-based expatriate journalist. The list of endorsers, not in order of seniority, includes notable figures such as Molla Jalal, former president of the Bangladesh Federal Journalists’ Union; Farida Yasmin, former president of the National Press Club; and Shafiul Haque Chowdhury, president of the Dhaka Journalists’ Union. It also features senior journalists, editors, and union leaders from across the country, as well as expatriates from the US, Canada, the UK, Italy, and Australia.
This collective outcry comes amid growing political tensions in Bangladesh as the nation approaches its national polls. Opposition parties have echoed similar sentiments, accusing the interim setup of favouritism. Government officials have yet to respond to the journalists’ statement, but analysts suggest it could amplify calls for electoral reforms.
The full list of signatories spans media professionals from print, television, and online outlets, underscoring a broad consensus within the journalistic community against the current trajectory.
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