Bangladesh Elections 2024: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to cruise to fifth victory unopposed

livemint.com:

Bangladesh Elections 2024: Bangladesh began voting for its general elections early today January 6, amid pre-poll violence and opposition calls for a boycott of the incumbent government and its candidate, current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Notably, however, despite the opposition, protests, and claims of coercion, Hasina looks set for a fifth clean sweep in the country amid a lack of a significant rival option. This election has unfolded against the backdrop of Hasina's government tamping down on the boycotts by opposition party representatives via widespread arrests.

Her administration is battling accusations of severe human rights violations and a harsh crackdown on the opposition, AFP reported. Track | Bangladesh Elections 2024 Live Updates here Voting began early morning and polling stations are scheduled to function until 5:00 pm local time, with the announcement of results expected post-midnight. Nevertheless, Hasina's adversaries have called for a general strike over the weekend, urging citizens to abstain from voting.

To maintain order during the voting process, the election commission deployed approximately 175,000 police officers and over 515,000 members of the Ansar reserve force. While Hasina's party remains dominant in contested seats, it strategically refrained from nominating candidates in some areas. This move aims to prevent the legislature from being perceived as a solely one-party institution, the report added.