Issue and Opponent: Opposition parties, led by the main Awami League party, opposed the corrupt influence of the BNP on the interim caretaker government, and were unhappy with the planned general elections that the interim government wanted to hold on January 22nd, citing fraudulent voter lists with millions of bogus names.
Dilemma Action: The Awami League, leading a coalition of 14 other parties, agreed on January 3rd to boycott the planned January 22nd general elections, knowing of the manipulation by the caretaker government and the BNP, and actively “resist the voting”. The opposition asked for President Iajuddin Ahmed, leader of the caretaker government, to step down as he had proved his inability to be impartial in the position, and for a new legitimate voter list to be published. The critical moment was when the opposition organized a three-day transportation blockade aimed at applying pressure on President Iajuddin Ahmed to step down. Blockades had been outlawed but protesters resorted to trying one when they were told that there were not be a delay to ensure a free and fair election as they desired. The blockade suspended deliveries and blocked neighborhoods. The protesters were met with severe violence that reflected badly on the government.
Outcome: On January 11th, President Iajuddin Ahmed stepped down due to the opposition’s pressure and the withdrawal of foreign election monitors. The caretaker government remained in control until elections were held in 2008, with the Awami League coming to power with the BNP then comprising the majority opposition.