THIS is with reference to your editorial ‘Bangladesh poll sweep’ (Jan 1).

The cases of serious offence against the leaders of the opposition political parties were instituted long before the government under the present prime minister took over in 2009. They were convicted by the apex court of the country on the basis of the merit of the cases. The government had no role in influencing the decision of the court.

No opposition worker, per se, was arrested for political reasons; some arrests were made on specific criminal charges.

As for suspending the 3G and 4G mobile internet service, this is a common practice in the security management of an event of this scale to check the spread of rumours and fake news. I point to the undue influence of social media in the last US presidential election.

The Bangladesh election was held in a free, fair, participatory and festive manner except for isolated incidents of violence. As many as 175 foreign election observers and diplomats based in Dhaka visited polling centres and monitored the polling.

The international election observers have expressed satisfaction at the overall peaceful environment and fairness of the election.

Counsellor (Press)

Bangladesh High Commission

Islamabad

(2)

THE whopping election success of Awami League in Bangladesh winning 288 seats out of 300 has caused resentment among all democracy-loving people. The dreadful situation was created by the government in the days before the election and on polling day.

The elections were marred by violence, and there were many irregularities. At least 19 people were killed on poll day. There are no words for this except pre-planned rigging.

Almost 100 candidates of the opposition allaince led by Bangladesh National Party had initially refused to take part in the election due to unfair situation but later relented.

Opposition leader Kamal Hussain has rejected the election result and demanded a fresh election under a neutral government.

Even the United Nations and the United States have reservations on the general election.

Selected democracy only leads to people losing faith in the election system in Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi people will lose faith in democracy and the country’s election system. Sheikh Hasina Wajed’s election success may eventually cause a huge disaster for Bangladesh progress and politics.

M.Rehmat Ullah Alvi

Muzafargarh

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2019