The upcoming general elections in Bangladesh set the stage for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to potentially secure a fourth consecutive term. The polls, scheduled for Sunday, are shadowed by the absence of the primary opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which initiated a 48-hour nationwide strike against what they termed an “illegal government,” amid sporadic violence across the country.
Approximately 119.6 million registered voters are eligible to participate in over 42,000 polling stations. The Election Commission reported the involvement of 1,500 candidates from 27 political parties and 436 independent candidates. A notable 100-plus foreign observers, including three from India, will oversee this 12th general election, which is tightly secured.
Voting is slated to commence at 8 am and conclude at 5 pm, with the anticipation of early results on January 8.
PM Hasina’s ruling Awami League is poised to secure its fourth consecutive term, especially since the BNP, led by former premier Khaleda Zia, chose to boycott the polls. Zia, currently under house arrest due to corruption charges, led the opposition’s absence.
In her televised address, Hasina urged pro-democratic and law-abiding parties to refrain from actions that disrupt the country’s constitutional process. Meanwhile, the BNP initiated a 48-hour nationwide general strike to demand the resignation of the “illegal government” and the establishment of a neutral government, among other demands.
The run-up to the elections witnessed a crackdown by Hasina’s government, leading to the arrest of tens of thousands of rival politicians and supporters, a move criticized by rights groups as an attempt to cripple the opposition.
Despite extensive security measures, instances of violence, including homemade bomb attacks at empty polling centers and clashes between BNP activists and police, have been reported across districts, resulting in casualties and property damage.
The Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) highlighted Bangladesh’s critical state, emphasizing the absence of a credible alternative to the incumbent government in the impending election. The think tank suggested post-election efforts from both Awami League and BNP to de-escalate political tensions.
Political analysts express concerns about the prolonged conflict between the major parties, fearing a protracted period before witnessing a conducive political environment in Bangladesh. The Awami League acknowledged imperfections in democracies globally but stressed the importance of BNP’s participation for a more competitive election.
The BNP’s decision to boycott the polls challenges the legitimacy of the upcoming elections. Despite earlier reluctance, other parties like Jatiya Party eventually agreed to participate after being allotted seats by the ruling party.
This election is viewed by many as a step towards virtual one-party rule, with disillusionment among voters and concerns about Bangladesh’s slowing economy, which prompted seeking an IMF bailout last year. A potential fourth term for Hasina raises worries about exacerbating the country’s economic challenges.
Please note that this summary focuses on the key events and sentiments surrounding the upcoming elections in Bangladesh.