The influential countries’ silence about the upcoming national elections has bothered BNP members, who expect foreign powers to play a vital role in stopping the polls slated for 7 January 2024.

“The Western world, including the United States and the European Union (EU), does not think like us. In the context of Bangladesh, the kind of immediate response we expect may not always be the same. On the same account, the implementation mechanism of US foreign policy and its outcome may not always be obvious to the people of Bangladesh,” BNP standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan told the Daily Sun.

Dozens of alleged human rights abusers around the world faced new sanctions on 8 December under a coordinated action by the US, Britain, and Canada. This came ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was observed as Human Rights Day on Sunday (10 December).   

The US imposed sanctions on 37 individuals in 13 countries while Canada did so on seven. Britain said it hit 46 individuals and entities with asset freezes and travel bans.

The lists contained no names from Bangladesh,  

which disappointed the opposition parties, especially the BNP, said party sources.

Several BNP leaders and activists told the Daily Sun they had expected foreign powers to impose sanctions on Bangladeshi entities/individuals for violating human rights but that did not happen. This was also the case last year, they said.  

“If any Western country sanctioned any individual or organisation of the government, it would have helped stop the upcoming elections. It would also have demoralised government men,” a central BNP leader told the Daily Sun wishing anonymity.

Sources said the Western countries that were vocal about Bangladesh’s political situation before the 28 October rally are now keeping quiet, which has bothered BNP.  

Before the rally, envoys and foreign representatives frequently held meetings with opposition parties, government officials, and ruling party members. The frequency of such activities decreased in the last one month, which is another reason why BNP men are disappointed.  

Insiders said the party has for a while been making massive efforts to draw the support of the influential international community for its movement and create pressure on the government to stop the polls.

The BNP sent several letters to the United Nations, the EU, and other powerful countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia, after 28 October, describing the Awami League government’s “repressions and oppressions,” including the opposition men’s arrests across the country.

“When foreign powers ask us what Bangladesh’s latest political situation is, we reply either through letters or by holding meetings,” BNP International Affairs Secretary Rumeen Farhana told the Daily Sun.

She alleged that neighbouring India is supporting the government to hold a lopsided election. “But people have boycotted the election. India does not understand the feelings of Bangladeshis.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi recently alleged that India had taken position against the people of Bangladesh by supporting the current Awami League government.

Insiders said the BNP high command is giving hope to the party men as well as the allied organisations that the Western countries would play a role in stopping the elections or take action if the government holds the polls without the opposition’s participation.

‘No human rights in country’

The opposition has been enforcing blockades and hartals since 29 October, except for a few days, to realise its demands. It formed a human chain in the capital and the district headquarters on Sunday marking Human Rights Day.

The human chain in the capital was formed in front of the Jatiya Press Club. Several hundred party members joined it. It was the party’s first public programme since 28 October.

Addressing the human chain, BNP standing committee member Selima Rahman said there is no human rights anywhere in the country. “The government has destroyed everything, including human rights.”

She urged everyone to come forward to protect their voting rights.

“Come out on the street and build resistance. We are carrying out a peaceful movement. The government is oppressing the people. We are on the street and will be there. We will cover the entire country with processions. We do not accept elections held by this government,” Selima said.

BNP Vice-Chairman AZM Zahid Hossain said everyone should come forward to protect their right to vote. “All rights of the people should be restored by changing the government.”

The party also announced the 11th phase of blockade, which would be enforced from 6am on Tuesday to 6pm on Wednesday.

73 BNP men jailed

Three courts on Sunday convicted and sentenced 73 BNP leaders and activists to different jail terms in three sabotage cases filed with the capital's Kalabagan, Bangshal, and Kotwali police stations.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ali Haider Chowdhury sentenced 40 BNP men, including its south city unit Member Secretary Robiul Islam Nayan, to 1.5 years in jail.

The court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Sheikh Sadi sentenced 25 BNP leaders and activists to prison for three years.

Besides, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Rajesh Chowdhury sentenced eight BNP men to one and a half years in jail.