Upcoming General Election of Bangladesh a Challenges for Stakeholders

Bangladesh is a multi-party democracy. In a pluralistic democratic system with any form of government, an election is the only lawful way to assume state power. The Bangladesh Constitution requires, except under exceptional circumstances, that the elections take place within the 90-day period before the expiration of the term of the Parliament or Jatiyo Sangshad. The current Sangshad first sat on 29th January, 2014, so in accordance with article 123(2) (a) of the Constitution, the next election is expected be held on a date between 31st October, 2018, and 28th January, 2019. The previous general election was held in 2014. However, it was boycotted by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies as their demand for the restoration of the system of ‘Care Taker Government’ was not met. Here, it needs to be mentioned that the ‘Care Taker Government’ system was declared as null and void by the Supreme Court in its judgment. Subsequently, the system was abolished through an amendment to the Constitution. The Awami League coalition led by the current Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, won the election and formed the government.

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