Bangladesh Elections 2024

heikh Hasina wins re-elections 2024.She is ready to take oath for the 5th term in office. A red letter day for PM Hasina and her Awami League Party. For her, it was an open field to contest the elections because all the opposition parties did not participate in the elections and instead they continued anti-election activities to disrupt the election process. However, a significant victory comes to PM Hasina’s destiny.

Who is Sheikh Hasina?

Sheikh Hasina is a Bangladeshi Politician. She was born in 1947. She is the daughter of the founding father and first president of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Political Journey of Sheikh Hasina:

She contested election against, as the autocratic regime of Hussain Muhammad Ershad came to an end, Khalida Zia in 1991 but lost the ground. She accused Zia’s BNP of electoral dishonesty and boycotted the parliament. Followed by political crisis and immense polarization Zia resigned to a caretaker government and Sheikh Hasina became PM in June 1996. While she was in power, Bangladesh witnessed economic growth and reduction of poverty.

How it has happened?

The recent elections in Bangladesh held on January 7, 2024, saw Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party claiming a victory for a fifth consecutive term in parliament. However, the victory comes with several noteworthy caveats:

Low voter turnout: Only about 40% of eligible voters participated, marking the second lowest turnout since the reinstatement of democracy in 1991. This low turnout raises questions about the legitimacy of the mandate.

Boycott by the main opposition party: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia, boycotted the polls, alleging pre-poll rigging and violence against its supporters. This further cast doubt on the fairness and competitiveness of the election.

Awami League dominance: Despite the challenges, the Awami League won a significant majority of seats (222 out of 300), reflecting Sheikh Hasina’s continued popularity among certain segments of the population.

Therefore, while it’s accurate to say Sheikh Hasina and her party won the election, it’s crucial to consider the context and acknowledge the concerns surrounding the process and outcome.

Elections manifesto of Hasina:

Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League released a 98-page manifesto for the January 7, 2024 elections, titled “Smart Bangladesh: Development is Visible, Now Employment will Enhance.” It focused on several key themes:

Economic Growth and Employment:

Continued focus on infrastructure development: Building highways, bridges, airports, and power plants to foster economic growth and create jobs.

Boosting industrialisation: Encouraging investment in high-tech and export-oriented industries, leading to more skilled employment opportunities.

Expanding the digital economy: Promoting e-commerce, fintech, and other digital industries to create new jobs and improve efficiency.

Supporting agriculture and rural development: Increasing agricultural productivity, providing better access to markets, and investing in rural infrastructure.

Social Development and Security:

Improving healthcare: Expanding access to quality healthcare, including rural areas, and focusing on maternal and child health.

Strengthening education: Ensuring accessible and quality education for all, with an emphasis on technical and vocational training.

Empowering women: Promoting gender equality through education, economic opportunities, and legal reforms.

Combating poverty and inequality: Implementing targeted social safety net programs and investing in skills development for vulnerable groups.

Maintaining peace and security: Upholding the rule of law, reducing crime, and strengthening border security.

International Relations:

Maintaining friendly relations with India and other neighbours: Continuing cooperation on trade, investment, and security issues.

Strengthening ties with Western partners: Increasing cooperation with the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

Promoting global peace and security: Actively participating in international peacekeeping missions and advocating for multilateral solutions to global challenges.

The manifesto also emphasized environmental sustainability and climate change adaptation, addressing concerns about Bangladesh’s vulnerability to natural disasters.

It’s important to note that the manifesto’s success in achieving its goals remains to be seen. Its implementation will depend on various factors, including political stability, resource allocation, and international cooperation. Additionally, criticisms regarding the election process and the boycott by the main opposition party raise questions about the full-fledged acceptance of the manifesto’s agenda.

Reaction of opposition parties:

The reaction of opposition parties after Sheikh Hasina’s victory in the 2024 Bangladesh elections was multifaceted and largely negative, marked by criticism, protests, and calls for fresh polls. Here’s a breakdown of their diverse reactions:

Dismay and disbelief:

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia, who boycotted the polls alleging pre-rigging and violence, expressed strong disapproval of the results. They termed the election a “farce” and a “mockery of democracy.”

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Khaleda Zia, leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party

Other opposition parties, including the Jatiya Oikya Front and the Gono Forum, echoed similar sentiments, questioning the legitimacy of the polls due to the low voter turnout and the absence of a major contender.

Protests and demands for re-election:

The BNP organized nationwide protests following the elections, demanding fresh polls under a neutral caretaker government. The protests turned violent in some areas, with clashes between demonstrators and security forces.

Opposition leaders also petitioned the High Court, challenging the election results and calling for a re-count. However, their petitions were dismissed by the court.

Concerns over democratic erosion:

Many opposition leaders and critics expressed concerns that Hasina’s win with a weakened mandate and in the absence of a strong opposition could lead to further erosion of democratic institutions and consolidation of power in the hands of the Awami League.

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Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh

International observers express reservations:

International observers, including the European Union and the Human Rights Watch, raised concerns about the fairness of the election process, citing the low voter turnout, the boycott by the main opposition party, and allegations of irregularities.

Despite the criticisms, Hasina and her Awami League maintain that the elections were free and fair, and they have vowed to continue their development agenda.

It’s important to note that the situation in Bangladesh remains fluid, and the long-term implications of Hasina’s victory and the opposition’s response are still unfolding.