Vote counting is currently in progress for Bangladesh’s parliamentary election, marked by violence and a boycott from the main opposition party. Despite at least 18 arson attacks preceding the vote, election day passed relatively calmly, with a turnout of around 40%, according to Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal.
Security incidents, including a deadly arson attack on a passenger train, intensified tensions leading up to the election. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies boycotted the polls, accusing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of creating a one-party state and suppressing dissent.
Authorities attribute much of the violence to the BNP, accusing them of attempting to sabotage the election. Detectives arrested seven individuals associated with the BNP for their alleged involvement in the train attack.
The election day saw another unfortunate incident as a supporter of a ruling Awami League candidate was stabbed to death in Munshiganj district near Dhaka.
If Hasina secures victory, it will mark her fourth consecutive term, further fueling the long-standing rivalry between Hasina’s Awami League and the BNP led by the ailing former premier, Khaleda Zia.
The bitter political feud between the two women, who alternately led the country for many years, has polarized Bangladesh’s politics and fueled violence during elections. This year’s election, lacking significant challengers, raises concerns about its credibility.
Critics argue that the past two elections under Hasina have been tainted by allegations of vote-rigging, despite authorities denying such claims. The BNP’s demand for a neutral caretaker government administering the vote was rejected by the government.
With no major challengers and scores of Awami League candidates running as independents, analysts suggest Hasina’s victory is highly probable. Observers express concerns about the state of Bangladesh’s democracy after the election, considering the lack of substantial competition.
The election has also faced accusations of a crackdown against the BNP, with the party claiming around 20,000 of its members were jailed on politically motivated charges. The government disputes these figures, stating that arrests were made on non-political grounds.
Sheikh Hasina, at 76, is the country’s longest-serving leader and has been credited with transforming Bangladesh’s economy and enhancing its international standing. However, critics argue that her leadership risks turning Bangladesh into a one-party state, undermining democracy.
Despite concerns over the legitimacy of the vote, Hasina remains confident in the democratic process, emphasizing her commitment to the people’s choice.
Associated Press
Stay tuned for more updates on the Bangladesh parliamentary elections.
