Landmark Election Coming in Bangladesh

CHAN:
Bangladeshis are gearing up for an election scheduled to be held four days after Christmas. Hopes are running high for a stable move back to democracy but it's a tough road ahead for this impoverished Indian Ocean nation.


STORY:
Bangladesh, a small nation of 140 million, has a political history pockmarked by turbulence, long periods of rule by generals in and out of uniform, and violence.

A brief term of credible democracy following the country's independence in 1971 ended with the death of founder president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a 1975 military coup.

After years of rule by army generals in and out of uniform, Mujib's daughter Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, the widow of slain president Ziaur Rahman, alternated as prime minister over a 15-year period ending in late 2006.

Hasina and Khaleda are now battling it out on the campaign trail.

Khaleda and her Bangladesh National Party (BNP) have accused the government and Election Commission of conspiring to ensure Hasina
and her Awami League win.

That means if Khaleda loses, her conspiracy theory could provide
justification for protests, and possible violence.

[Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh National Party Candidate]:
"My dear brothers and sisters, the 29th of December is a very important day for us. On this day the fate of our country's independence and sovereignty will be decided."

Hasina, currently the favorite, is focusing on getting more votes.

[Sheikh Hasina, Awami League Candidate]:
"If we can form the government, we will make this Narayanganj a port city and an industrial district by helping people here to grow."

A loss for Hasina could provide her supporters with grounds to claim they were cheated.
The real issue confronting Bangladesh is how to overturn a history of corruption in politics and bureaucracy.

Both women were held in prison for a year on charges of alleged graft and abuse of power.

They have also been accused of trying to build family dynasties and halting the rise of a new generation of leadership.

[Mili Afroza, Schoolteacher]:
"This is an election against corruption. So I am choosing to vote for a person who is not corrupt. But if I don't find anyone like that, obviously I will cast a 'NO' vote."

It is a view shared by many voters who remain undecided.

[Shathi Begu, College Student]:
"I have come here to listen to the candidates. I have not yet decided who to vote for. If I don't like anyone I may not cast my vote. But I hope it will be a free and fair election."

Meanwhile, the military is waiting on the sidelines and will undoubtedly swoop in after the election if the new government fails badly, especially on reducing corruption.

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[RajakarNizamiSyedi]

Al and Mohajot all the way