Get the Latest Insight into the Bangladesh Election and Sheikh Hasina: What You Need to Know

Last October, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main opposition party in the country, staged protests in Dhaka calling for a neutral caretaker government to ensure a fair election. However, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League Party responded by cracking down on her opponents, resulting in the arrest of tens of thousands of people, including senior BNP leaders. With the general elections scheduled for January 7, the BNP has announced that it will boycott the election, citing intimidation and voter suppression by the ruling party.

Hasina’s legacy has been largely defined by Bangladesh’s economic success, surpassing neighboring India and Pakistan in terms of GDP growth. She has also cultivated relationships with powerful countries like India and China to secure funding for infrastructure projects. However, Bangladesh is now facing rising inflation, increased living costs, and a growing foreign debt. The government has also taken authoritarian measures to restrict dissent and curtail civil liberties, leading to criticism from UN special rapporteurs.

In the absence of a strong opposition, Hasina is expected to secure a fourth consecutive term as the country’s leader. However, her tenure has been marred by allegations of an increasingly authoritarian rule, raising concerns about the state of democracy in Bangladesh. The BNP’s main challenger, Tarique Rahman, currently resides in London due to fears of arrest if he returns to Bangladesh. With the BNP boycotting the elections, voter turnout is expected to be low, potentially leading to political unrest.

Experts argue that what happens after the election is crucial, as tensions could escalate if citizens become disgruntled. The government will need to work with the opposition to de-escalate the situation and address the concerns of the people. A recent poll showed that while most Bangladeshis approve of Hasina’s performance, a majority believe the country is heading in the wrong direction. The ruling party will need to demonstrate its commitment to all citizens and work towards a post-election compromise. How Western nations react to the election outcome will also have implications for Bangladesh’s trajectory, particularly in terms of China’s influence in the region.