Sheikh Hasina
In a closely watched election marred by a harsh crackdown on the opposition and marked by a notable lack of voter participation, Sheikh Hasina has emerged victorious, securing her fifth term as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
The Election Commission announced in the early hours of Monday that Hasina’s ruling Awami League had clinched nearly 75% of the seats, maintaining its dominance. However, this victory unfolds against a backdrop of accusations of authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and a boycott by the opposition.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main opposition, chose to boycott the election, branding it a “sham election.” Tens of thousands of BNP members were reportedly arrested in the lead-up to the election, and opposition protests faced severe police violence. Despite these circumstances, Hasina’s Awami League faced little effective competition, securing its fourth consecutive term.
Hasina’s tenure has seen significant economic growth and a flourishing garment export industry, transforming a nation once plagued by poverty. However, her leadership has also been scarred by allegations of human rights abuses and accusations of steering the country towards one-party rule.
The BNP, which demanded the election be conducted under a caretaker government to ensure fairness, immediately condemned the results. Tarique Rahman, BNP chairman and a key figure in exile, described the election as a “disgrace to the democratic aspirations of Bangladesh.” He cited “disturbing pictures and videos” to support his claims.
Rumeen Farhana, a prominent BNP MP, labeled it a “dummy election,” emphasizing the lack of uncertainty, choice, and voter representation. She predicted that Bangladesh would effectively become a one-party state after this election.
The lead-up to the election was marked by sporadic violence, including an arson attack on a train in Dhaka that killed four people.
On polling day, over 800,000 police officers were deployed, and instances of violence and irregularities were reported at various polling centers.
Voter turnout was significantly impacted by the opposition boycott and perceived irregularities. Initially reported at 28%, the figure was later revised to about 40%, indicating widespread voter apathy. Many polling centers were noticeably deserted, reflecting a sentiment of disillusionment among the electorate.
International scrutiny was on Bangladesh in the run-up to the elections, with countries like the US pressuring Hasina’s government to ensure a fair electoral process. The US imposed visa restrictions on Bangladeshi officials for allegedly “undermining the democratic process.”
Since its establishment in 1971, Bangladesh’s political landscape has been dominated by the Awami League and the BNP. Hasina’s victory, despite the controversies, underscores the enduring influence of these two parties on the country’s politics. Human Rights Watch has expressed concerns about a potential post-election crackdown, emphasizing the need for reassurance to opposition supporters.
