All for an empty victory!

Disregarding, what we consider to be well argued reasons, the EC and the ruling party are going ahead with an election which will be devoid of any public mandate. An election brings about an elected government. In the present instance, the majority of 153 seats have already been won uncontested, and the present ruling alliance has already gained enough seats to form the new government without the election being held, and a single vote cast.
While the government refused to work for an inclusive election, the opposition, regrettably, indulged in unprecedented and brutal violence, killing several hundred people so far. The most despicable part was the setting on fire a public transport and killing ordinary people.  
The so-called election is an imposition on the people of Bangladesh. Likewise, the opposition's recourse to sustained violence is a crime against the people.
If the opposition had desisted from violence and allowed a normal environment on the election day, the anticipated low turnout would have had a stronger moral meaning than it would otherwise. If they intimidated, instigated and hindered the process, the government would have cause for explaining that the low turnout was the result of fear rather than a voluntary boycott on the voters' part.
Both the ruling party and the opposition have disappointed us. Our plea for an inclusive election fell on deaf ears. Our repeated condemnation of the opposition's violence did not elicit any positive response. In spite of the above, we make a clarion call for the shunning of violence and establishment of peace, which is what people want.