Practical Exercise: Bangladesh Election 2024

 

BANGLADESH ELECTION 2024:

                                             SHEIKH HASINA RE-ELECTED FOR 5^TH TERM

In this, we will discuss the Bangladesh election that is happening currently. On 7 January 2024, the general election took place in Bangladesh, according to the constitutional requirements, stating that the elections must take place within 90 days before the expiration of the current term of the Jatiya Sangshad on 29 January 2024. The Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, won the election for the fourth consecutive time with only around 40% of the eligible voters voting.

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina won the re-election for a fifth term in the national election that was conducted on Sunday amidst the boycott by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former Khaleda Zia, who is currently in jail. And with her party she has taken three-quarters of seats in parliament, election officials said Monday after polls boycotted by the opposition as a “sham”. The party of Sheikh Hasina that is Awami League has won a fourth consecutive term in the 12^th parliamentary election making the second lowest voter turnout since the reinstatement of democracy in 1991, according to the Daily Star.  Amid low turnout and boycott of the Bangladesh general elections. When the voting was over on Sunday then the counting of votes started and it was found that the Awami League had taken an early lead, winning 216 seats out of 224 seats on Sunday. The Election Commission of the country said that the outcome of the rest of the seats is still unannounced.

Sheikh Hasina has become the world’s longest-serving female head of the state after she was elected for her fifth term as the Prime Minister. Some of the key taken from the Bangladesh elections and its outcome is given below.

That's quite an achievement for PM Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party to win the fourth consecutive term in the general elections of Bangladesh. It's also interesting to note that this is her fifth overall term as the prime minister of the country. The decision by Hasina to instruct her party leaders, workers, and supporters not to hold any victory processions following the announcement of the results shows a sense of responsibility and respect for the democratic process. The boycott by the opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former PM Khaleda Zia, highlights the political tensions and disagreements in the country. The BNP's decision to boycott the vote was due to their demand for a neutral caretaker government, which Hasina refused to accommodate.

The low voter turnout of 40 per cent is concerning, especially considering the boycotts and the current government's controversies. However, it's important to note that the Awami League has won a significant number of seats, with 216 out of the total 299 seats. Independent candidates have also secured 52 seats, and Jatiya Party has won 11 seats.

It is very unfortunate to hear about the pre-election protests and the incidents of violence that occurred in Bangladesh. The loss of lives and the reports of arson are deeply concerning. The authorities' attribution of the violence to the BNP and their accusation of seeking to sabotage the election indicates the high tensions and political rivalries at play.

In any democratic process, it is important to ensure a peaceful and fair election environment where citizens can exercise their right to vote without fear or intimidation. It is crucial for the authorities to thoroughly investigate these incidents of violence, hold those responsible accountable, and take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Political parties and leaders have a responsibility to promote peaceful and inclusive democratic processes, respecting the rights and voices of all citizens.

I hope that the authorities, political parties, and citizens can come together to address these challenges and work towards building a stronger and more inclusive democracy in Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi called on Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to congratulate her on the election victory. He also expressed that during the new term of her government, there will be even stronger momentum and growth in the bilateral partnership in support of each other.

In the last, these developments reflect the complex political landscape of Bangladesh and the challenges faced by the government in maintaining stability and addressing the concerns of all citizens.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks as she is worn in for a fifth term at the Presidential Palace in Dhaka.