ICG thinks BNP needs a strong cabinet to deliver

After a landslide victory with over two-thirds of parliamentary seats, the International Crisis Group on Friday said BNP will need to announce a strong cabinet and hit the ground running if it is to deliver on its ambitious election promises and meet the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.

"The BNP administration that is expected to take office in the coming days faces a number of daunting challenges, including boosting the economy, ensuring security and continuing the reform process," said Thomas Kean, Crisis Group's Senior Consultant on Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Given the importance of this election in restoring faith in the democratic process among Bangladeshis, he said, it is also vital that any allegations of irregularities are taken seriously and the Election Commission handles them in a transparent manner in line with the law.

The International Crisis Group is an independent organisation working to prevent wars and shape policies that will build a more peaceful world.

Kean said Bangladesh's first 'credible election' in 17 years has been completed smoothly, with only isolated reports of violence or irregularities.

The vote marks an important step towards the restoration of genuine democracy in Bangladesh, he said.

The participating political parties, the interim government, the Election Commission and security agencies, not to mention the people of Bangladesh, deserve credit for their contributions to ensuring a safe and credible vote, Kean said.

The atmosphere was largely 'festive, with voters appearing optimistic' that the election would lead to lasting change in Bangladesh.

"The turnout and strong support for a yes vote in the concurrent referendum on the July Charter - a series of reforms negotiated by all participating parties over the last year - reflect the credibility of both the election and reform process in the eyes of most Bangladeshis," Kean said.

The country's largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has recorded its best-ever performance, he said.

Together with some leaders of the student-led National Citizen Party who have also secured parliamentary seats, it now has the numbers to form a strong opposition capable of holding the government accountable, Kean said.