Sheikh Hasina Re-elected in Contested Bangladesh Election

Dhaka, Bangladesh (January 8, 2024) – Bangladesh’s 12th parliamentary election, held yesterday, January 7th, 2024, has resulted in the re-election of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for a fifth term in office. While her Awami League party secured a landslide victory, the election was marked by a boycott from the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and allegations of irregularities, casting a shadow over the democratic process.

With official results still trickling in, estimates suggest the Awami League has won around 223 seats in the 299-member Jatiya Sangshad, exceeding a two-thirds majority. However, this comes amidst a historically low voter turnout of around 40%, attributed to the BNP’s boycott and widespread claims of pre-poll intimidation and suppression of dissent. The opposition argues that the election was not free and fair, pointing to incidents of violence and manipulation.

Despite the overwhelming victory, Prime Minister Hasina faces a myriad of challenges in her new term. Addressing concerns about the legitimacy of the election and bridging the widening political divide will be crucial to maintaining stability. Continued economic development, tackling poverty and inequality, and ensuring press freedom and the rule of law will also be pressing concerns.