All political parties are contesting in the upcoming parliamentary elections this time and their campaigning is on a steady rise. It is almost the same scene all over the country. Hopefully, people will get a chance in this inclusive election to express their opinion through their votes.However, things are heating up in certain areas. Incidents of pre-poll violence have already been reported. This is unwarranted.

In the political culture of Bangladesh, anxiety among the supporters of the contesting parties tends to mount during the competitive election fray. That anxiety has led to an outburst of violence in some places. The law enforcement agencies are trying to bring situation under control in those areas.

The overall environment will surely be festive as the voting date comes closer. That will be an incentive for people’s participation to increase.

The opposition party’s decision to contest the national election is commendable as this will help carry forward democratic politics in the country. They are becoming active in the constituencies. We also have to praise the government for its role in bringing the opposition to the polls.

The oppositions demanded that the government and the election commission ensure a free and fair election. The campaigns of the ruling party’s candidates indicate an increasing interaction with the people. We look forward to a lively parliament irrespective of whoever comes to power. Participation of the representatives of all the parties will make parliament more people-oriented.

The statements of the authorities seem to suggest that the election commission is working to make the election a free and fair one and increase people’s participation in the process.

In Lakshmipur, I have seen the candidates have not pasted any posters on walls and electric posts following the electoral code of conduct. No slogans were chanted in processions to incite the opposing candidates or their supporters. Everyone is even abiding by the timing set for use of loudspeakers.

The election commission has certain restrictions. Taking everything into consideration, I think, the commission is carrying out its responsibilities efficiently.

The opposition had been complaining about the lack of a ‘level playing field’ even before it took the decision to contest the polls. Finally, they came to polls, only after the prime minister Sheikh Hasina assured them of free and fair polls in the talks.

The opposition parties also contest polls to come to power. I think most of their allegations directed against the government or the election commission are to keep the government under pressure. This is what generally happens in our politics. Awami League also used it when they were in the opposition.

But, the incidents like that of the attack on the motorcade of Kamal Hossain or Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir should not happen at all. Our political culture blurs the identity of the persons involved with such attacks. This is why the truth should be unearthed and action taken accordingly.

*A S M Maksud Kamal is a professor at Department of Disaster Science and Management of Dhaka University and president of Dhaka University Teachers’ Association. The article, originally appeared in the print edition of Prothom Alo, has been rewritten in English by Shameem Reza