Bangladesh Needs Transparent Elections, Not Haste: Rupa Huq
- Update Time : 04:17:18 am, Thursday, 9 January 2025
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British MP of Bangladeshi origin, Rupa Huq, has criticized the 12th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for structural reforms to ensure a truly transparent election. Speaking at a reception in Dhaka on Wednesday, she stated that rushing the process could pose risks to the country. Reflecting on her previous visit in May last year to attend a UN meeting, she remarked that she saw a “Bangladesh 1.0” at that time, whereas now she observes a “Bangladesh 2.0.” However, she found the pervasive presence of portraits of Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with numerous statues, unsettling. She noted that while Bangladesh is a small but emerging nation with a vibrant youth population, these individuals should be engaged in reforming the state. She also shared her experience as an election observer in other countries but pointed out that Bangladesh has never invited her in that capacity. Referring to the January 7 election, she described it as a “fake election,” expressing hope for a truly transparent electoral process within a year, as indicated by Professor Yunus.
