DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is apparently poised for a fifth term in office as incomplete results reveal an overwhelming victory, with her ruling Awami League securing a significant majority.
The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), facing mass arrests and a decimated presence, led a boycott, terming the election a “sham.” While Hasina called for faith in the democratic process, critics argue the lack of effective opposition parties raises concerns about a one-party-dominated legislature.
With more than a third of the 300 seats announced, preliminary results suggest Hasina’s Awami League and its allies have secured at least 85 percent. As counting continues, Chief Election Commissioner Habibul Awal reported a turnout of around 40 percent.
The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman from exile in Britain, expressed concerns about “fake votes” and described the election as a “disgrace to the democratic aspirations of Bangladesh.” Opposition protests faced police intervention in Chittagong, while election officials reported largely peaceful voting.
Concern Over Fairness of Bangladesh’s Election
Human Rights Watch’s Meenakshi Ganguly highlighted the government’s failure to reassure opposition supporters about the fairness of the polls, noting ongoing fears of a “further crackdown.” Bangladesh witnessed months of protests in the lead-up to the election, with demands for Hasina’s resignation.
The political landscape, long defined by the rivalry between Hasina and Khaleda Zia, has seen Hasina as the dominant force since 2009. Allegations of irregularities and rigging have accompanied previous polls, and the absence of a formidable opposition raises concerns about democratic representation.
Accusations of arson and sabotage against the BNP during last year’s protest campaign have been met with denials. Hasina’s government faces scrutiny over allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, leading to sanctions imposed by the United States on a police unit and its commanders.
Despite concerns about economic challenges, including food costs and energy issues, Hasina’s popularity has been a focal point in a political environment where alternatives appear limited. Pierre Prakash of the International Crisis Group has noted that while the government may be less popular, the lack of meaningful electoral alternatives creates a potentially “dangerous combination.”
