Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured an absolute majority and a fourth consecutive term in the general election, winning 167 out of 227 seats for the ruling Awami League party. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main opposition, boycotted the polls, leading to concerns about a one-party rule. Despite poor voter turnout and opposition boycotts, Hasina emphasized the importance of people’s acceptance of the election results.
The United States and Western nations had called for a free and fair election. Rights groups warned of potential challenges to the country’s democratic landscape. The election took place amid violence, but the day of voting itself reported no incidents, thanks to heavy security measures involving nearly 800,000 security forces.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cast her vote in the general election, which the main opposition party boycotted, potentially securing a fourth term for the ruling Awami League-led alliance. The lead-up to the election was marred by violence, including a deadly train fire labeled as arson and multiple incidents of property destruction.
Despite these events, no violence was reported on the day of voting, which was heavily guarded by nearly 800,000 security forces. Rights groups have expressed concerns about the country’s future political landscape, anticipating virtual one-party rule following the opposition’s boycott. The United States and Western nations have called for a free and fair election.
Approximately 120 million voters are set to choose from nearly 2,000 candidates. Although early voter turnout was low, it increased as the day progressed. Supporters of Hasina’s party expressed their confidence in her leadership and the country’s progress, while the opposition BNP accused the ruling party of fielding “dummy” candidates to create the appearance of a credible election, a claim denied by the Awami League.
Hasina, while facing demands for her resignation and accusations of instigating protests, emphasized the importance of the people’s acceptance of the election. She has been recognized for Bangladesh’s economic growth but has also faced criticism for authoritarianism and human rights violations. The country’s economy has experienced a slowdown, leading to a bailout from the International Monetary Fund.
