Approximately 170 million individuals in Bangladesh are set to cast their votes in the 12th national election on Sunday, with 299 lawmakers up for election. The main opposition, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is boycotting the polls after PM Sheikh Hasina rejected their demand for her resignation and the formation of a caretaker government. Over 42,000 polling stations are prepared for the elections, involving 119.6 million registered voters, with almost half being women and 15 million as first-time voters.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is anticipated to secure a fourth consecutive term, as reported by Al Jazeera. The Supreme Court’s clearance on December 27 allowed the Election Commission (EC) to proceed with the elections. Security concerns prompted the Directorate General of Health Services to instruct private healthcare facilities to remain operational and prepared for emergencies from Saturday to Wednesday.
In her manifesto, Hasina pledged continued cooperation and friendly relations with India if re-elected. Three members of the Election Commission of India arrived in Dhaka to participate in the international election observer team. Despite the comprehensive arrangements made by the Election Commission, the opposition BNP decided to boycott the polls and initiated a 48-hour strike.
The BNP, led by Khaleda Zia, is advocating for an interim non-party neutral government to oversee the election, a demand rejected by the government. The party plans processions, mass campaigns, and leaflet distribution against the polls. The second day of the strike coincides with the election. The election application, “Smart Election Management BD,” crashed on the eve of the elections, and incidents of arson were reported at several polling centers and schools.
International interest is evident, with 127 foreign observers from around 30 countries participating in monitoring the electoral process. Despite these challenges, the general elections in Bangladesh are set to proceed with global attention.
