Minus 2 Formula
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Minus 2 Formula is the so-called ongoing political attempt in Bangladesh to banish the former prime ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina from politics forever.
Khaleda Zia, the widow of former President of Bangladesh Ziaur Rahman, is the Chairperson of his old party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. She was the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996, and then again from 2001 to 2006. Sheikh Hasina, the President of the Awami League since 1981, was the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1996 to 2001. She is the eldest of five children of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nationalist leader and the first president of Bangladesh. For the past 15 years the two ladies successively enjoyed the "power" or headed the opposition party in Bangladesh. While both have some popularity, they themselves are very hostile to each other. Although they both played key roles in the downfall of dictator Hossain Mohammad Ershad in 1990 to restore democracy in Bangladesh, they have not been in unanimity in any issue whatsoever ever since. The one in the opposition has rather routinely called for strikes and shutdowns causing destruction to the economy and hampering normal life.
Since 1990 Bangladesh has seen gradual failure of democracy, continued spiralling of corruption, awe-inspiring political violence, that have become only worse with time. A common belief is that both the ladies have failed as leaders; the nation should find their replacement - a better leader. Khaleda Zia's 2001-2006 term was particularly plagued by rising religious militancy, terrorism, rampant corruption (including successive dismal reports by Transparency International), a rise in alleged attacks on minority groups (such as Hindus and Ahmadiyas as documented by the US State Department and Amnesty International) and an increasingly explosive political environment. An election was scheduled for the end of 2006, however it did not take place. The caretaker government was accused of BNP bias by Hasina, who fomented nationwide protests and shutdowns. The bitter rivalry of Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Awami League was pushing the country towards a civil war. The head of the caretaker government stepped down, many believe under pressure from the military and Fakhruddin Ahmed was selected to replace him. Emergency law has been declared and a massive campaign to crack down on corruption ensued. The election is postponed indefinitely, probably at least a year as better voter lists are being generated.
Both Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina hold absolute power over the internal decision making process of their respective political parties. They have so far not encouraged the practice of democracy within the party although they are very vocal about establishing democratic practices for the country. Sheikh Hasina tried to instigate reform measures by retiring everyone over 60 in her party. This would have effectively banned her in the process, but many interpreted this as a reason to bring her son, Sajeeb Wazed to the throne.
Ahmed's administration, amid some domestic and international protestations, is now giving signals that it will end the ultimate authority of Hasina and Zia over their parties at any cost. It believes that true democracy cannot be established in Bangladesh if these two major political parties of the country are not run democratically. With this end in view, the government is going forward very tactfully without being explicit. This very political attempt goes by the name of Minus 2 Formula.
[edit] Dynasty Politics
Both Sheikh Hasina and Khaled Zia have intended to continue dynasty politics. Khadeda's son, Tarique Rahman was set to become the next leader of BNP. Tarique Rahman was the joint-secretary of BNP during Khaleda's last term. But he was only second in line when it came to political power.
Similarly Sheikh Hasina invited her son, Sajeeb Wazed to visit Bangladesh on numerous occasions. He plays an active political role in Awami League and was believed to replace Sheikh Hasina as the next leader of Awami League despite some reservations within the party.
The Minus 2 Formula was intended to abolish these dynasties and in the process split up the BNP and Awami League parties so that these divided parties would care more about the contributors rather than the ideological figureheads their biological successors. As a result Tarique Rahman (son of Khaleda Zia) is now in jail while BNP is effectively fractured and is continuing without him.
Due to waning popularity in the party (as a result of Sheikh Hasin'a arrest), Sajeeb Wazed (son of Sheikh Hasina) opts to stay in the US and lead a 'worldwide revolution', while Awami League members are restructuring without his input.
