1. German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann shares an enchanting experience in Assam.
2. Describes Assam as one of the most scenic and captivating regions visited in 2023.
3. Highlights boat journey on the Brahmaputra, emphasizing its sheer size and untamed character.
Dhaka, Jan 8: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina clinched a historic fourth consecutive term as her Awami League party triumphed in the general elections, securing two-thirds of the parliamentary seats.
The victory, marred by sporadic violence and an opposition boycott, positions Hasina for a record fifth term overall.
Election Results and Ongoing Counting
Hasina’s Awami League secured 200 out of the 300 parliamentary seats, with the final announcement pending the completion of vote counting. The 76-year-old leader, ruling since 2009, won the Gopalganj-3 seat for the eighth time, receiving 249,965 votes. The opposition Bangladesh Supreme Party’s M Nizam Uddin Lashkar secured just 469 votes.
Opposition Boycott and Claims of Successful Movement
Despite a low voter turnout of around 40%, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader claimed that the people rejected the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami’s boycott by participating in the elections. The BNP boycotted the 2014 elections, participated in 2018, and boycotted again this time. Fifteen other political parties were also boycotted.
Peaceful Voting Amidst Violence
The election, marked by at least 18 arson attacks across the country, saw relatively peaceful voting. However, the opposition claimed the low turnout as evidence of their successful boycott movement. The BNP plans to intensify its anti-government movement through peaceful public engagement programs.
BNP’s Nationwide General Strike
To mark the beginning of an end to what they call a “fascist government,” the BNP initiated a 48-hour nationwide general strike. The party leaders aim to establish the people’s right to vote through peaceful democratic protest programs.
Also Read: Border Town Moreh in Manipur Witnesses Fresh Firing
International Observers and Security Measures
Over 100 foreign observers, including three from India, monitored the 12th general election, conducted under tight security. More than 7.5 lakh members of law enforcement agencies and security forces were deployed to ensure law and order during the polls.
Sheikh Hasina’s Response and Relations with India
Prime Minister Hasina, responding to questions, expressed gratitude for India’s support during Bangladesh’s Liberation War. Despite the BNP’s boycott, Hasina emphasized her responsibility toward the people, caring little about foreign media acceptance.
Former Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Sakhawat Hussain labeled Sunday’s polls as a unique model election compared to previous ones. The results are certain, he said, with everyone knowing the winner, leaving the uncertainty of who will be on the opposition bench.
On Friday, the UN Special Rapporteur, Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, expressed deep concern about the repressive environment surrounding the elections in Bangladesh.
