DHAKA: Bangladeshi troops have been stationed on the country’s streets to ensure order ahead of the parliamentary election scheduled for January 7, especially with the main opposition party planning to boycott the polls.
The nearly 170 million-strong nation is gearing up for the election following a series of anti-government protests led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and the polls under a neutral caretaker government. Despite these demands being rejected by the government, the ruling Awami League is widely expected to secure its fourth consecutive parliamentary term.
“The armed forces have been deployed nationwide from January 3 to January 10, 2024, to ensure peace and order before, during, and after polling,” stated the Bangladesh Army ahead of the deployment.
Army troops are now present in 62 districts across the country, and officers from the paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh are covering nearly 100 sub-districts, collaborating with the military on joint duties. Additionally, helicopters have been designated for potential electoral assistance in emergencies, according to the Army.
“The upcoming 12th National Parliament election is scheduled for January 7. The armed forces are fully prepared to provide any necessary assistance to maintain peace and order,” the statement emphasized.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, holds the record as the longest-serving leader in the country’s history.
Bangladesh National Party to Boycott Elections
Despite the government’s assurance of an inclusive and fair election, the main rival, the BNP, has decided to boycott the polls, citing doubts about the incumbent administration’s ability to ensure a fair vote.
Many leaders of opposition parties in Bangladesh are currently imprisoned, and incidents of violence have marred several rallies organized to demand the government’s resignation.
As Bangladeshis prepare to elect 300 MPs, the premier, in power since 2009, seems poised to secure her fourth consecutive and fifth overall term in office.
Ahead of the parliamentary election, President Mohammed Shahabuddin, also a member of the Awami League, urged Bangladeshis to exercise their democratic right and cast their votes on Sunday.
