Bangladesh’s General Election: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Eyes a Fourth Successive Term
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Amidst an economic backdrop that necessitated an international bailout last year, Bangladesh is gearing up for a landmark general election this Sunday. The South Asian nation, home to nearly 170 million people, is set to witness an election that may cement Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s power for a fourth consecutive term, which would mark the fifth overall for her Awami League-led alliance. The election, however, is mired in controversy and political strife, as the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by the ailing former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is boycotting the polls. The BNP has been demanding that Hasina resign and allow a neutral caretaker government to oversee the election, a demand which has been firmly denied. Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League has been the dominant force in Bangladesh’s political landscape for more than a decade. Under her leadership, Bangladesh has seen significant developments, including improvements in infrastructure, health, and education, along with impressive GDP growth that has consistently outpaced many of its South Asian neighbors. The Awami League’s narrative has largely been built around economic progress, with a particular focus on poverty reduction and digital advancement. The economic gains have not been without their challenges. Last year, the country had to seek an international bailout to stabilize its economy. The reasons for the economic downturn are manifold, including the global pandemic’s impact on the garment industry, which is a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s economy. The bailout, while necessary, was a blow to the image of a self-sustaining economy that the Awami League has tried to project. The opposition BNP’s decision to boycott the election is a significant political move that underscores the ongoing tension between the two major political parties in Bangladesh. The BNP’s insistence on a caretaker government stems from a deep mistrust of the electoral process and concerns over potential vote manipulation. The absence of the BNP from the polls raises questions about the legitimacy of the election and the future of democracy in Bangladesh. Khaleda Zia’s failing health has also been a point of contention, with her supporters claiming that her imprisonment on corruption charges is politically motivated and a tactic to weaken the opposition. The BNP’s boycott, therefore, serves as a protest against what they perceive as the ruling party’s authoritarian tendencies.
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh, with various human rights organizations expressing concern over the fairness of the upcoming election. There have been reports of crackdowns on dissent, including the harassment of journalists and the suppression of opposition parties. These actions have led to apprehensions about the state of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh. The United States, European Union, and other international actors have called for free, fair, and inclusive elections, urging the Bangladeshi government to ensure that all voices can be heard. The role of international observers has become even more crucial in light of the BNP’s boycott and the concerns over electoral transparency. The winner of the general election will have to confront the daunting task of reviving the economy in the aftermath of the bailout. The economic challenges are compounded by the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit Bangladesh hard, particularly among the lower-income groups and in the informal sector. The government will need to focus on stabilizing the financial sector, addressing job losses, and boosting investor confidence to encourage both foreign and domestic investment. In addition to economic issues, the new administration will have to tackle the environmental challenges that Bangladesh faces, including the effects of climate change that lead to severe flooding and cyclones, impacting millions of lives and livelihoods. The country’s geographic location makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental disasters, which could undermine developmental gains and necessitate further international aid. In the run-up to the general election, the role of civil society and independent media in Bangladesh has come under the spotlight. The government’s approach to dissent and criticism has been a point of international concern. Civil society organizations and media outlets have faced increased scrutiny and pressure, limiting their ability to operate freely. The election presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to showcase its commitment to democratic values, including the freedom of press and the right to peaceful assembly. The active participation of civil society and a free press are essential in ensuring an informed electorate and a transparent election process. The world will be watching to see if the election can proceed without significant interference and if the voices of journalists and activists can be heard without fear of retribution. As Bangladesh prepares for its general election, the stakes are high for both the country and the incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A fourth consecutive term would solidify her legacy but also intensify the spotlight on her government’s ability to address the complex economic, environmental, and social challenges ahead. The BNP’s boycott casts a shadow over the electoral process and raises questions about the future of political pluralism in Bangladesh. Regardless of the outcome, the international community will be paying close attention to the conduct of the election and its aftermath, hoping that regardless of political differences, the nation will move forward in a way that promotes stability, democracy, and prosperity for all its citizens. It is a critical junction for Bangladesh. The election’s outcome will not only determine the course of the nation’s domestic policy but also its position on the international stage. As voters head to the polls, the hope is for a peaceful, fair, and transparent election that will uphold the democratic spirit of Bangladesh.
By Sara Colin
