Dhaka – Bangladesh is poised for a general election on , an event many observers are calling potentially historic for the South Asian nation. While elections are a regular feature of democratic governance, this particular contest carries a weight of expectation and apprehension not seen in nearly two decades, according to analysts.
The core of the matter, as articulated by Shafqat Munir, Senior Research Fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), is a perceived lack of genuine electoral choice for the past 17 years. “The last proper election was in December 2008; everything since has been a fixed match,” Munir stated. This claim speaks to widespread concerns about the fairness and transparency of previous polls, fueling a sense of disenfranchisement among a significant portion of the electorate.
A particularly striking aspect of this election is the sheer number of first-time voters. Nearly 60 million young Bangladeshis will be casting their ballots for the first time, individuals who have never “experienced a real contest,” according to Munir. For this demographic, elections have been synonymous with “ballot stuffing and irregularities,” raising questions about their faith in the democratic process and their expectations for a free and fair vote.
Despite the historical context of electoral concerns, there are emerging signs of cautious optimism. The current campaign period has been markedly less violent than previous elections, and has been characterized by a degree of civility that has surprised some observers. This shift in tone, while not a guarantee of a flawless process, offers a glimmer of hope for a more peaceful and legitimate outcome.
Munir emphasizes that the significance of this election extends beyond simply casting ballots. He views it as an opportunity for a “suppressed nation reclaiming its voice,” potentially marking “the beginning of a golden hour” for Bangladeshi democracy. This sentiment underscores the deep-seated desire for political change and a return to credible electoral practices.
Shafqat Munir’s expertise extends beyond domestic political analysis. His research interests encompass Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism (CT/CVE), Cybersecurity, and Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean, alongside broader regional security issues. He heads the Bangladesh Centre for Terrorism Research (BCTR) at BIPSS, coordinating track 1.5 and track 2 dialogues, and overseeing international collaborations for the institute. He also holds positions as a Senior Fellow at the Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka (INSSSL) and formerly at the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore (ISAS, NUS).
Munir’s academic background is rooted in international relations and security studies, having earned a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian National University (ANU). He furthered his education with a Master of Science in Strategic Studies and a postgraduate diploma in Counter Terrorism Studies from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, where he was a scholar. His master’s dissertation focused on developing a comprehensive Counter Terrorism strategy specifically tailored for Bangladesh.
His commitment to professional development is evident through executive education programs at Harvard University’s John F Kennedy School of Government, focusing on ‘Counter Terrorism and Global Security’ and ‘Leadership in the 21st Century’. He is also an alumnus of prestigious defense institutions including the Near East and South Asia Center at the National Defense University in Washington DC, Institut des Haute Etdues de Defense Nationale (IHEDN) in Paris, and the Centro Superior Estudios de la Defensa Nacional (CESEDEN) in Spain, where he participated in the Higher Defence Course for Asia Pacific Senior Officers.
However, alongside the potential for positive change, concerns remain. Munir highlights the pervasive influence of disinformation, which continues to fuel apprehension among the electorate. The spread of false or misleading information could undermine public trust in the electoral process and potentially incite unrest.
The outcome of this election will have significant implications not only for Bangladesh’s internal political landscape but also for regional stability. A credible and peaceful election could strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a key player in South Asia and enhance its international standing. Conversely, a flawed or contested election could exacerbate existing tensions and potentially lead to political instability.
As Bangladesh heads to the polls, the world will be watching closely. The hope, as expressed by Munir, is that this election will represent a genuine turning point, allowing the nation to reclaim its democratic voice and embark on a path towards a more prosperous and stable future. The challenge lies in ensuring that the promise of a “golden hour” is not overshadowed by the lingering concerns of the past.
