Dhaka
Silence is Silver
In Bangladesh, the ruling party’s dominance in the political landscape and its control over key institutions have created an environment of fear among citizens.
Following the general election in Bangladesh, which resulted in a landslide victory for the ruling Awami League, the post-election landscape has been marked by an unexpected calm. Despite widespread anticipation of public outcry due to allegations of a crackdown on the opposition and a low voter turnout, the Bangladeshi public’s reaction has been remarkably muted. Officially reported as 40 percent, voter turnout has been the subject of skepticism, with rumors suggesting it may have been even lower, possibly in the 20s.
One notable aspect of the post-election scenario is the absence of robust public reactions. While discontent and frustrations are expressed in private conversations, there has been no significant public outrage. This phenomenon raises questions about the factors contributing to the subdued response from the Bangladeshi populace.
One factor could be the effectiveness of state-managed measures to control dissent and suppress opposition voices. The government’s crackdown on dissenting voices and strict control over media narratives might have deterred widespread public protests or expressions of discontent. Additionally, the ruling party’s dominance in the political landscape and its control over key institutions have created an environment of fear or resignation among citizens.
Moreover, the lack of a unified opposition front capable of mobilizing mass protests or resistance movements may have contributed to the muted public reaction. The electoral boycott by opposition parties further fragmented the political opposition, leaving citizens with limited avenues for collective action.
Furthermore, socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and basic survival concerns might have overshadowed political grievances for many Bangladeshis. Political disillusionment may take a backseat to immediate economic priorities in a country where a significant portion of the population struggles with daily livelihood challenges.
Bangladesh’s historical context of political instability and violence could have influenced public attitudes towards elections. Past experiences of tumultuous political transitions or violent protests might have instilled a sense of wariness or resignation among citizens, dampening their willingness to engage in public demonstrations or protests.
Overall, while private discontent simmers beneath the surface, the absence of robust public reactions to the 2024 general election in Bangladesh reflects a complex interplay of political, social, and historical factors. As the post-election landscape continues to unfold, the trajectory of public sentiment and the prospects for political change remain subjects of keen observation and speculation.
While Pakistan and Bangladesh have unique socio-political contexts, certain parallels can be drawn in terms of factors influencing public reactions to elections.
One notable similarity is the role of state-managed measures to control dissent and suppress opposition voices. In both Bangladesh and Pakistan, governments have utilized tactics such as censorship, media control, and crackdowns on dissenting voices to maintain their grip on power. The ruling parties in both countries have often been accused of manipulating the media narrative and stifling opposition voices, creating an environment where public protests or expressions of discontent are met with repression.
Similarly, the dominance of ruling parties and their control over key institutions are shared features of the political landscapes in Bangladesh and Pakistan. In Pakistan, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by the then Prime Minister Imran Khan, has faced criticism for its alleged influence over state institutions and electoral processes. This concentration of power can contribute to a sense of resignation or fear among citizens, limiting the scope for meaningful opposition movements or protests.
However, despite allegations of electoral manipulation and discontent with the ruling party in Pakistan, public reactions have often been more vocal and widespread than the subdued response observed in Bangladesh. Pakistani politics are characterized by a vibrant civil society, active opposition parties, and a history of mass protests, which can lead to greater public mobilization and resistance against perceived injustices.
Additionally, the role of socio-economic factors differs between Bangladesh and Pakistan. While poverty, unemployment, and economic challenges are prevalent in both countries, each population’s specific socio-economic dynamics and priorities can shape how political grievances are expressed. In Pakistan, issues such as inflation, unemployment, and corruption have often been central to public discourse, leading to protests and demonstrations that transcend political affiliations.
Furthermore, the historical context of political instability and violence varies between Bangladesh and Pakistan. While both countries have experienced periods of political turmoil and unrest, the nature and intensity of these experiences differ. In Pakistan, decades of military rule, political assassinations, and insurgencies have left a deep imprint on the collective psyche, influencing public attitudes towards elections and political engagement.
While there are parallels between the post-election landscapes of Bangladesh and Pakistan, significant differences are shaped by each country’s unique socio-political context. Factors such as state control, dominance of ruling parties, socio-economic dynamics, and historical experiences play a crucial role in shaping public reactions to elections and political developments. As both countries navigate their respective political trajectories, the interplay of these factors will continue to influence the dynamics of public sentiment and the prospects for meaningful political change.
The writer is an independent journalist based in Karachi. She can be reached at sara.amj@hotmail.co.uk
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