As Bangladesh plunged into a political crisis and violence ensued after police dispersed an opposition rally on October 28, Distinguished Professor Ali Riaz has been quoted in several international media and published commentaries on the implications of these incidents.
Riaz, on the day of the rallies, expressed apprehension to Nikkei Asia that ‘the situation seems to be heading toward a confrontation between the [Bangladesh] government and the opposition’. He further noted that “I sense some worry and concerns within the ruling party, but its leaders are taking a belligerent posture, hoping that it will keep its supporters morale high and scare the opposition. The opposition, on the other hand, is feeling bolstered by growing support among citizens. A de facto consensus has emerged among all opposition that there is no way to participate in an election under the present government.” Opposition parties are demanding that Sheikh Hasina government resigns ahead of an election scheduled in January 2024 to ensure a free and fair election. She is in power since 2009.
In a commentary published in the Daily Star Riaz underscored the need for a long-term solution to current political impasse. He wrote, “Passing the day, peacefully or otherwise, does not guarantee that there won’t be another day or more like this soon. Perhaps worse is in the making, unless this day is followed by actions to address the fundamental cause of such a face-off situation.” As police foiled the rally of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) violence spread through the capital,
Riaz published a commentary in the Bengali daily Samakal urging that the government refrain from persecution of the opposition and trying to hold controversial elections like 2014 and 2018. Both are considered by international media as seriously rigged.
Riaz was quoted in another report of Nikkei Asia on October 31 as the opposition enforced blockade and deaths of protestors being reported. Riaz is quoted as saying “”There will be more pressure on the government from the international community. It’s the responsibility of the government to deliver safety and create a pathway for a free, fair and inclusive election.” The U.S. and other western countries have been calling for creating a conducive environment for a free and fair election.
