Perspectives
What if Khaleda Zia opts out of election
AS her last stint of prime ministership ended after a burlesque of governance, pervading corruption and myriad sleazy activities with regard to public affairs, speculations were rife that Madam Zia would like to call it a day. This was in spite of the fact that our politicians have no tradition of voluntarily quiting the turf unless shown the door and hounded out of office by people's power. Few thought that she would again show her face, smeared with so many slurs, to an alienated people deluded by her perfidious rule. The notion was reinforced gradually with stories made public of pillaging, misfeasance and moral turpitude perpetrated by her sons, relatives and favourites, as well the nefarious role of the so-called Hawa Bhaban mafia.
Belying those speculations, the madam's continuity in power politics with undiminished stamina and tenacity raised many eyebrows, although the party minions and mascots still remain beholden to her misplaced bravado. The government also has gone the extra mile to give her political space as a major stakeholder even though she has lost significantly in stature with her dismal performance. Yet, the madam, while blowing hot and cold, seems to be out to extract as much as possible as the price for cooperating with the authority in giving democracy another chance.
As she talked genially to the newsmen a few days back she displayed confidence about upcoming election, saying that she had no misgiving about it and was going to put up her own candidature. But, only days later, she, in a bizarre turn-around, made a volte face by demanding the resignation of the Election Commission and asking the caretaker government to behave impartially, although the dispensation sent her arch rival Hasina to jail prior to her own incarceration.
After the BNP's standing committee deliberations, and following the meeting with ten obscure parties aspiring to be in an expanded BNP-led four party alliance, Madam Zia parotted the patent cliche usually uttered by any politician in trouble. She found the country "in deep crisis" and "sovereignty in danger," while her redoubtable secretary-general reiterated the BNP's demand for rescheduling the election after fulfilling the party's seven points. Only then will the BNP-Jammat alliance consider whether or not to participate in the election.
A rather composed Hossain Zillur called the development the result of frustration, without elaborating what that frustration was due to. At the same time, he went on a late night mission to the Mainul Road residence of the madam, presumably for further bargaining and a possible patch up to rescue the ensuing election from deadlock. Although, in his characteristic optimism, Zillur put up a brave face expressing his confidence in the planned conduct of election, the caravan of which is well on the highway and steadily moving past its important milestones after the election schedule was declared by the Election Commission.
It may be the BNP's well-guarded secret but, according to informed quarters and BNP insiders, the party is simply not election-worthy at this moment. As the party's survey reports from the electoral fields across the country poured in, it presented a desperate picture about the party's electoral prospects. It's not surprising that amid desperation and gloom only the party supreme and her secretary general have suddenly begun talking deliriously while others are keeping a studied silence. It's only an attempt to take refuge in sophistry as to various issues involving the poll.
BNP's predicaments are not difficult to understand. In the first place is the image problem the party created for itself. It's incompetence, misrule, corruption and repressive measures are now indelibly sketched in public perception as the party's hallmark. To change that perception overnight is a daunting task, even with angels participating in a chorus to drum up BNP's clean image. Even if the BNP minions cry their hearts out to make others believe that the hustlers have turned saints, it will fail. Therefore, the BNP obviously wants to buy time to repair its dented imageno matter what the impact will be of that long haul on the nation already mired in deep crisis.
Secondly, the BNP's power brokers, Hawa Bhaban mafia and partners in plunder, the mainstay of BNP's strength, are either in custody or on the run. The BNP received a mortal blow to its organisation from an intra-party schism denuding the mainstream from the so-called reformistsbreeding doubts, apprehension and disbelief which go down the rank and file of the party all over the country. To bring it back to its original shape will be a difficult task, even if at all possible. As a result, the party is apparently not ready for election as per the election schedule.
Moreover, the election date on December18, only two days after victory day and four days after the martyred intellectuals day, is certainly a damper for the BNP-led alliance infested with collaborators and war criminals. The national psyche has been gripped by a sense of trauma during these sensitive times. The madam would, therefore, need some more time to avoid this date, which is unfavourable for her. So, as a strategy, the party is leveling blanket accusations at the electoral issuesalready adequately taken care ofand taking shelter in ambivalence so that it cannot be blamed for not participating in the poll just now.
While it may be prudent to continue with the policy of persuasion and appeasement, the election cannot perhaps be prolonged indefinitely. More so when the madam's intention now is to delay the election or put it in fresh uncertainty.
The nation is at a dangerous crossroads, from where it ought to immediately adopt its chosen path of a democratic transition impatiently awaited by the millions both at home and abroad. Much more that, it is hinged to immediately addressing our piled up problems inherited both from BNP-Jamaat misrule and an un-elected dispensation that has gone well past its mandated time. Madam Zia already did great harm to the nation by obstinately sticking to her guns and dismissing others' counselings, and is still resorting to sophistry to keep alive a state of uncertainty. She must be exorcised of the demons overpowering her sense of judgment.
Given her past record and the enviable following she is a phenomenon in our politics. Under the circumstances, her best bet would be to avail a win-win situation which the present arrangement provides, or else she may be condemned forever for making our election questionable with her non-participation. In doing so she will gain nothing, but will be left out in the cold.
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