Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured a historic fifth term in the national election held on Sunday, despite the boycott by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former PM Khaleda Zia, presently incarcerated.
Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League clinched a fourth consecutive term in the 12th parliamentary election, with a voter turnout marked as the second lowest since the restoration of democracy in 1991, as reported by the Daily Star. The Dhaka Tribune emphasized the Awami League’s significant victory, praising Sheikh Hasina’s return to power despite opposition boycotts.
The landslide triumph strengthens Sheikh Hasina‘s hold on power, positioning her to become the longest-serving prime minister in Bangladesh, according to the Daily Star. Notably, the Awami League secured victories in five constituencies despite the opposition boycott led by the BNP and 15 other parties.
Following the election results, Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina urged her party members not to conduct victory processions, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune. In the Gopalganj-3 constituency, Sheikh Hasina won almost unopposed with 2,49,962 votes, contributing to the Awami League’s overall success in the 12th general election.
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader expressed confidence in the party’s victory, describing it as a triumph for democracy and the people of Bangladesh. He asserted that the election was conducted fairly, overcoming various obstacles and dispelling propaganda spread by the BNP.
Awami League Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua highlighted the satisfactory voter turnout despite the challenges posed by the BNP’s “terrorism and anti-election activities.” Prime Minister Hasina accused the BNP of inciting violence and hindering the country’s development, branding them as unpatriotic and against democracy.
PM Hasina, 76, emphasized Bangladesh‘s sovereignty and its people’s power. She condemned the BNP and Jamat for engaging in violent activities, stating that they do not believe in democracy and are against the development of the people.
Despite the largely peaceful environment during the 12th national polls, voter turnout was notably low, with many centres experiencing minimal queues, according to the Daily Star. Incidents of violence were reported in various districts, leading to casualties and injuries. The report also highlighted the significant number of BNP leaders and activists detained and sentenced to jail in the months leading up to the elections.
