1. Bangladesh holds general elections amid heightened security measures.
2. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina aims for a fourth consecutive term.
3. Main opposition, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), boycotts polls, citing concerns over fairness and credibility.
Dhaka, Jan 07: As Bangladesh conducts its general elections today, the nation is on high alert, implementing increased security measures amid concerns of potential violence.
These elections are particularly crucial for India, given that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a key ally, is seeking a fourth consecutive term in office in the absence of the main Opposition.
The outcome of this electoral process is closely monitored by India, as it is expected to shape the political landscape of its eastern neighbor.
The main opposition, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and its allies have opted to boycott the polls, asserting that no election under the incumbent government would be ‘fair’ and ‘credible’. The BNP has declared a 48-hour nationwide general strike to press for their demands, including the “resignation of the illegal government, establishment of a non-party neutral government, and release of all party leaders and activists from prison.”
Notably, BNP leader and former premier Khaleda Zia is under house arrest as a convict of graft charges.
With no major political opponents in the fray, the primary contest revolves around the ruling Awami League and independent candidates. With 11 crore voters participating, the fate of 1500 candidates contesting for 300 parliamentary seats in the Jatiya Sansad will be decided.
Also Read: BJP Revs Up for 2024 Polls with JP Nadda and Manohar Lal Khattar’s Roadshow in Haryana
A total of 27 political parties are participating in these elections, with key players including former President HM Ershad’s Jatiyo Party, Trinamul BNP (an offshoot of the BNP), Islami Front, Islami Aikyo Jot, Krishan Sramik Janata League, Gana Forum, and Gana Front, among others.
Security has been tightened across Bangladesh due to concerns over sporadic pre-poll violence. The Army, in collaboration with the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), has been deployed in the country’s 42,000 polling stations to assist the police in maintaining law and order during the electoral process.
The Bangladesh Election Commission has stated that it has nearly completed the preparedness for voting in all constituencies and ensured security arrangements. The 12th general election in Bangladesh, conducted under stringent security measures, will be observed by over 100 international observers, including three representatives from India.
Given the ongoing violence, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal has warned that if there are any irregularities in the upcoming national polls, the election may be called off altogether.
“Vote rigging, ballot snatching, money transactions, and possible use of muscle power in favor of any candidate or candidates will be strictly resisted,” he emphasized.
Voting to elect 300 members of the Bangladesh Parliament will start at 8 am on Sunday and end at 5 pm, with the results expected to start flowing from early on January 8.
