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The two political parties’ leaders and activists from different levels told the Daily Sun that currently they are not declared illegal or their activities are not banned like that of the Awami League, but they are being victimised from day one, after the 5 August uprising that followed the 5 August uprising.
They alleged that many of their party offices across the country have been occupied and vandalised by mob violence and that the interim government did nothing, instead patronising mobs.
They also alleged that many of their leaders and activists are being harassed and arrested by the administration. Many of them are living as fugitives for long periods.
Jasad’s Office Secretary Sajjad Hossain said, “We took a decision not to participate in this kind of ‘staged election’ at our national council meeting. Our leaders from across the country were in favour of not participating in this election. Though the Election Commission requested us to take part in the election — we think this election is a trap set by the government, so we have refrained from it.”
However, some leaders of Jasad said that they will observe the election closely and they think that this year’s election will be a repetition of elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024 and it will automatically create broader scope for them in future politics.
On the other hand, Workers Party’s leaders said that it is very urgent for an elected government to come to power in the country at this moment for the betterment of the country and politics. “Sometimes a bad election is better than a good election,” said a number of Workers Party leaders regarding the current situation of the country.
Workers’ Party General Secretary Nur Ahmed Bokul told the Daily Sun, “There is political uncertainty and serious safety concerns ahead of the election. There is a lack of security and threats from uncontrolled mobs against candidates. Our central party office remained occupied by the NCP’s student wing from 12 November to 5 January.”
Expressing frustration with the Election Commission and the interim government, Bokul said, “Workers Party is an election-oriented party. But, this time we are not taking part in the upcoming election as there is no environment for parties like us. And we have cleared it to the Election Commission by a written letter — explaining why we are not going to the election.”
The Workers’ Party General Secretary also said that Bangladesh’s politics flow along two streams—one pro–Liberation War and the other opposing it.
He said, “Because of the ideals of the Liberation War and our sacred Constitution, we, the 14-party alliance, aligned with the Awami League. We have never been involved in the Awami League’s plundering. Our alliance is based solely on ideals.”
“Although currently the forces opposing the Liberation War have gained some strength in the country’s politics, this will not last long. The politics of this country will inevitably return to its original course. Our politics will continue with that goal,” he added.
At the same time, Workers Party’s central office in Dhaka was attacked twice, and its offices in Rajshahi, Barishal, Chuadanga, Rangpur, and Chattogram were vandalised, looted, and occupied. In addition, the central offices of Chhatra Maitri and Jubo Maitri – student and youth wings of the Workers Party – were vandalised twice and illegally occupied, said sources at the Workers Party.
A central leader of the party told the Daily Sun that some leaders and activists of Chhatra Shakti, the student wing of the National Citizen Party (NCP), on the night of 12 November last year attacked and occupied the Workers Party’s central office on Topkhana Road and looted many important archival materials as well as computers and furniture.
However, leaders and activists of Workers Party, Chhatra Maitri and Jubo Maitri recovered their party office ten days ago with the help of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said the leader.