Shadows of Conspiracy: The Return of the ‘Minus-Two Formula

In a troubling echo of past political upheaval, vested interests are once again conspiring to implement the controversial “minus-two formula” in Bangladesh. This strategy, which previously aimed to exclude two of the nation’s major political figures, has resurfaced as tensions mount in the wake of a recent mass uprising that forced Awami League President Sheikh Hasina to flee the country.

With Hasina out of the picture, conspirators are now setting their sights on Khaleda Zia and her son, Tarique Rahman, hoping to create a political vacuum that could undermine local business interests while advancing an agenda aligned with foreign powers. In response, a coalition of concerned citizens took to the streets, protesting outside a major newspaper office in Karwan Bazar, highlighting the public’s growing unease with these machinations.

The gravity of the situation has prompted BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to sound a clarion call against the revival of the “minus-two formula.” He firmly declared that any attempts to exclude the BNP from the political landscape will be met with staunch resistance. “The people of Bangladesh will never accept it,” he asserted, emphasizing the party’s pivotal role in the nation’s future.

In a candid interview, Alamgir denounced the notion that any political maneuvering could occur without the involvement of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, reinforcing the BNP’s commitment to securing early elections. As the interim government prioritizes reform agendas, many citizens and protesters are calling for a focus on reforms before any electoral processes can take place.

Despite the ongoing turmoil, Khaleda Zia may seek medical treatment abroad, while the timeline for Tarique Rahman’s return from London remains uncertain. The BNP faces internal frustrations as administrative hurdles continue to impede the resolution of legal challenges against its leaders.

Political analysts recall the role of influential media figures during the 1/11 political changeover, noting how certain editors actively sought to marginalize prominent leaders, including Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina. Editorials from a particular daily newspaper have long pushed the “minus-two formula,” advocating for the rise of a so-called elite class to replace established political figures.

Critics accuse this publication of fostering instability and encouraging unconstitutional forces to undermine the state’s governance, all while escaping accountability for its actions. The paper’s historical missteps include a notorious incident involving a satirical cartoon that mocked religious sentiments, prompting widespread public outrage and protests.

As Bangladesh navigates this complex political landscape, the specter of the “minus-two formula” looms large, raising questions about the future of democracy and governance in the country. The ongoing struggle between entrenched powers and the voices of the people will determine whether the nation can rise above its turbulent past or become ensnared in cycles of conspiracy and conflict.