Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has secured a fourth consecutive term in office, making her the world's longest-serving female head of government, as reported by the country’s electoral commission. The general election took place in an atmosphere of political unrest and was notably boycotted by the main opposition party.
Low Turnout Amidst Unrest: With Bangladesh being the first country in South Asia to hold elections this year, voter turnout was low, with only 40% of approximately 120 million eligible voters participating, according to Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal. The run-up to the election saw instances of political unrest, including the burning of polling booths and a fatal train fire.
Economic Challenges and IMF Loan: Beset by economic problems, Bangladesh sought a nearly $5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last year. The country faces concerns over high inflation, prompting the IMF to advise tightening monetary policy and adopting greater exchange rate flexibility.
Fifth Victory for Hasina: Prime Minister Hasina, who has been in power since 2009, secured her fifth overall victory, leading the Awami League-led alliance. Hasina emphasized the country's sovereignty and democratic achievements in a press conference in Dhaka after casting her vote.
Opposition Boycott and Concerns: The main opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, boycotted the elections after Hasina refused calls to resign and allow a neutral caretaker government to oversee the election. Human rights organizations have expressed concerns over the emergence of a one-party system, citing reports of increased political violence and voter intimidation.
Hasina's Vision for Democracy: In her post-election remarks, Hasina stressed the importance of democracy for the nation's development. She reiterated her commitment to ensuring democratic rights and a better life for the people of Bangladesh, emphasizing that development is inseparable from a democratic system.
As Sheikh Hasina begins her fourth term, the political landscape in Bangladesh faces challenges related to opposition boycotts, economic issues, and concerns about the democratic process.
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