Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for securing an unprecedented fourth consecutive term in the recent parliamentary elections. Expressing his felicitations via a social media platform, PM Modi commended Hasina’s victory and applauded the people of Bangladesh for the successful execution of the elections. He reiterated India’s commitment to fortifying the enduring partnership between the two nations, emphasizing its people-centric nature.
Hasina’s Awami League triumphed by securing nearly 75% of the seats in the parliamentary elections held on Sunday. Notably, the main opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), opted to boycott this election, a departure from its participation in the 2018 elections. This decision stemmed from Hasina’s refusal to accede to their demands for her resignation and the appointment of a neutral overseer for the electoral process.
Responding to queries at her official residence in Dhaka, Hasina affirmed that despite the absence of one party, the presence of multiple parties remained pivotal in upholding the democratic process.
The 76-year-old Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, holds a significant lineage as the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the revered founding figure of the nation. Tragically, Rahman, along with most of his family members, fell victim to an army coup in 1975. Hasina, fortunately, was abroad during that fateful day of August 15 and thus escaped the dire consequences.
Hasina initially assumed office as Prime Minister in 1996 and has now secured her fifth term overall. Throughout her 15-year tenure in power, she has been widely recognized for her instrumental role in revitalizing Bangladesh’s economy, particularly its thriving garment industry. Moreover, her administration has earned international acclaim for providing refuge to Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in neighboring Myanmar.
The Awami League’s resounding victory saw them clinch 222 out of 298 seats, according to unofficial results declared by the Election Commission. Notably, Sheikh Hasina herself secured a staggering 249,962 votes from her constituency of Gopalganj, located approximately 165 km south of Dhaka. Her closest competitor managed a mere 469 votes in comparison.
Under Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh has experienced significant strides in economic development and social stability. Her efforts have contributed to enhancing the nation’s standing on the global stage, attracting praise for both her domestic policies and humanitarian endeavors, notably the sheltering of Rohingya refugees.
The successful continuation of Sheikh Hasina’s leadership reflects a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s political history, marking her enduring influence and the public’s confidence in her governance. As Bangladesh moves forward, the country remains poised under her leadership to navigate challenges and build upon its progress in various spheres, solidifying its position on the world map.