View from Bangladesh: Indian general elections an example for world to follow
Times of India | 28 May 2024
DHAKA/SYLHET/JAFLONG: Seventy three-year-old Aroma Dutta is a Bangladeshi social and human rights activist who has been nominated by the Bangladesh Awami League to a seat reserved for women in the 11th and 12th parliament of its Jatiya Sangsad. The niece of filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak and granddaughter of Dhirendranath Datta, a martyr of the 1971 genocide, Dutta knows that Indian govt has invited Awami League to observe the ongoing parliamentary elections, and is closely following our polls.
"Bangladesh, too, had invited India to observe our national elections that were held earlier this year," she told TOI in Dhaka."Elections in India are conducted in a technically sound and accountable manner. Both India and Bangladesh believe in the fundamental democratic norms and this Indian election is very important for India and other neighbouring countries. India has free, fair and credible elections. It is an example for the world. Geopolitically, Indian govt has played a strategic role. Over the years, India and Bangladesh have shared a partnership as neighbours and well-wishers. I want that to continue."
Dhaka-based writer Jobaed Ahsan sounded certain that some recent developments, especially in the context of CAA, would help garner votes for BJP. But the impact will be short-lived, he fears. "This act will certainly help BJP get more votes or stay on in office in the short run. But it will come at the cost of many things in the long run. I understand that Muslims in Assam and Bengal fear that the law could be used to declare them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and take away their citizenship. If that happens, will they be sent back to Bangladesh? If they are pushed back, then some vested quarters may try to do the same to Hindus in Bangladesh. I am aware some are ready to do that. This will hamper religious harmony in both countries. No peace-loving citizen, either from India or Bangladesh, will like this," he said.
‘I follow whatever is telecast about Didi, she keeps her word’
Some 286km away on the Paine riverbank in Sylhet, there is a degree of disinterest in India’s poll issues. Boatman Kazi Nazrul Islam ferries tourists on his country boat that plies on the river overlooking Dawki in Shillong. “I know of polls in India but what will I do following polls in Bangladesh or India? My only concern is to get tourists, so that I can earn enough to make ends meet,” he said.
The apathy is less 50 metres away, where coconutseller Md Azizul Haque sits with his wares. Unlike Nazrul, he has been following the polls. Azizul hasn’t warmed to PM Modi’s speeches. “It is always his rival, Mamata Banerjee, for me. I follow whatever is telecast about her on our news channels. She keeps her word,” Azizul said. Just next to him is lime water-seller Md Shah Alam. He, too, is a big fan of Banerjee. “Isn’t Banerjee Modi’s biggest rival? I can’t say who will win the polls, but I follow Banerjee,” he said.
It is easy to feel the antiModi vibe on the Sylhet-Shillong border.
“From our village, it is easy to just walk and cross the border. If security officers are not around, some often do that to have a chat with friends on the other side. I was a first-time voter for the last Bangladesh polls. The apparent religious bias of BJP will not go down well among the Muslim community in Bangladesh. But that doesn’t mean he has no support here. Those who have business interests in India speak in his favour,” said Ahya Ahmed Mamun, a resident of Aloobagan village.