Many assert that the country will have a farcical election on January 7. Several political parties, including the BNP, are united to prevent the arranged election of shared seats. Many of the country's intellectuals and civil society have been vocally opposing this election from the outset. On December 23, civil society representatives addressed this matter in a dialogue titled 'Voting and the Future.' The dialogue was organised under the banner of 'Writer-Artist-Teacher-Journalist' at the auditorium of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Banglamotor, Dhaka. Here are some of the major points raised by the speakers:    

Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary of SHUJAN: Citizens for Good Governance 

The voting train has advanced along the tracks, with our government stuck on it. However, the destination remains to be determined. We're heading towards an uncertain future because the vote is manipulated; there's no fair election.

Anu Muhammad, Economist 

During the 2014 elections, a majority of the MPs were elected unopposed. The upcoming government election follows an extended version of the 2014 model. What has been augmented in this iteration is the requirement for voter presence, which the government didn't previously consider. This time, they've introduced a competition using independent and dummy candidates to stage voter participation. A narrative emerges that those who choose not to vote anti-democratic and anti-election.

The government isn't leaning on the people for support; instead, it heavily relies on advertising agencies, hit-and-run tactics, affluent groups, privileged bureaucrats, intellectuals, and foreign powers such as India, China, and Russia.

Asif Nazrul, Professor, University of Dhaka

Every incoming party attempts to secure and prolong its authority by manipulating elections. However, none have been more brutally oppressive than and as desperate as the Awami League to cling on to power in the past. The failure of the BNP movement is evident, but the larger truth is Bangladesh's overall failure. Preventing fake elections remains an insurmountable challenge. Neither CPB, BASAD, Professor Tanzim, Anu Bhai, nor I have succeeded. Collectively, we're all falling short. Meanwhile, those orchestrating these fraudulent elections continue to prevail.

Abu Saeed Khan, Advisory Editor, Samakal 

The current voting system no longer mirrors the people's true judgments, and as a result, the dignity of the vote has been compromised.

Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, Professor, University of Dhaka 

The fact that our elections are being discussed in Delhi raises grave concerns. It becomes perilous when a government is willing to compromise the nation's sovereignty to secure its power.  

The aftermath of the January 7 election might turn our country into a battleground for global superpowers. Given the evil forces within and outside our borders, the severity of our crisis runs deep.

Shirin Haque, Founder, Nari Manch

We fear an increase in our helplessness following the January 7 election.