Bangladesh Elections 2024: Sheikh Hasina Wins Fifth Term in Polls Boycotted by Opposition
Incumbent PM Sheikh Hasina's win meant she continues to be the world’s longest-serving female head of government.
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Bangladesh Elections Voting LIVE Updates: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her party, Awami League, won a fourth consecutive and fifth overall term in the 7 January general election after the main opposition, Khaleda Zia-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), boycotted the polls.
While counting is still underway, the incumbent Awami League has won 200 seats in the 300-seat Parliament, according to PTI.
The Bangladesh polls officially came to a close at 4 pm local time (3:30 pm IST) on Sunday, 7 January, with a meagre 40 percent voter turnout being recorded. The region saw incidents of political unrest leading to Sunday’s general election with polling booths were set ablaze on the eve of the vote, and four people, including two children, being killed in an arson-related train fire.
Former PM Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has boycotted the elections after Hasina refused to step down and allow a caretaker government to take over.
The BNP called for a 48-hour nationwide general strike starting Saturday , demanding the resignation of the "illegal government" of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and protesting against the 7 January general election.
Foreign and local journalists wait in a queue to enter Dhaka City College where Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina casted her vote in Dhaka
A Bangladeshi polling officer puts indelible ink on the finger of Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, before letting her cast her vote in Dhaka
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina folds the ballot paper before casting her vote in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina casts her vote in the countrys general elections, in Dhaka
Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan arrives to cast his vote in the countrys general elections, in Dhaka
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina checks her watch while waiting for the official opening time to cast her vote in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Sunday.
Chittagong: Voters stand in a queue to cast their vote in the Bangladesh's general elections, at Camilla in Chittagong
(Photo: AP/PTI)
Voters stand in a queue to cast their vote in the Bangladesh's general elections, at Camilla in Chittagong
Voting concluded at 4 pm (3:30 pm IST). The counting of votes is expected to begin soon after, but initial results are expected to begin rolling in on Monday.
Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling Awami League has "won the election", an Election Commission spokesperson was quoted as saying.
Rights organisations have raised alarms about a series of measures undertaken by Hasina to suppress the Opposition in recent months.
The government had reportedly deployed Armed forces, to the effect of nearly 750,000 police, paramilitary and auxiliaries of the police till 10 January as tensions spiked across Bangladesh.
Bangladeshi cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan won a seat in the country's parliament after a landslide victory in the election.
India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma conveyed, on behalf of the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warm greetings and congratulations to to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on her victory in the election.
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Tensions Rise Ahead of Polling in Bangladesh
The Dhaka-bound Benapole Express train in Bangladesh was allegedly set on fire, claiming the lives of at least four people (including a child) and injuring eight others after a suspected arson attack took place on Friday night, 5 January, sources told The Quint.
The suspected train attack, along with reported incidents where polling booths were set on fire, came in the lead up to 7 January polls.
Check Out The Quint's Bangladesh Election Coverage
While you wait for polling to commence, take a look at The Quint's in-depth coverage ahead of the 2024 Bangladesh Election, including deep-dive analysis, contributor opinion and more.
'Want to Make Sure Democracy Continues': Sheikh Hasina
As Bangladesh goes to poll for the 2024 general elections today, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, reported ANI:
"Our country is sovereign and independent...We have a big population. We have established people's democratic rights...I want to make sure that democracy should continue in this country...."
The Parties Featuring in the Polls Today
The imminent election in Bangladesh features the ruling Awami League and the primary opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Since 1991, the Awami League has held office for four terms, while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has governed twice.
Established in 1949 by Bangladeshi nationalists as an alternative to the East Pakistan-based Muslim League, the Awami League played a pivotal role in the country's independence struggle under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Presently, Sheikh Hasina, Mujib's daughter, has served as Prime Minister since 2009.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, founded in 1978 by former army general Ziaur Rahman, saw leadership under Ziaur until his assassination in 1981. His wife, Khaleda Zia, took the helm until her incarceration in 2018, followed by house arrest starting in 2020. Currently, the party is led by Khaleda's son, Tarique Rahman, residing in exile in London.
The BNP has opted to boycott the upcoming elections, branding them a "sham" predetermined with a fixed outcome, as stated by Tarique Rahman.
The Jatiya Party (Ershad), Bangladesh's third-largest party with 27 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, intends to participate in the elections. However, it appears unlikely to pose a significant challenge to Sheikh Hasina's dominance.
Bangladesh’s First Transgender Candidate to Contest Polls
Anowara Islam Rani, a young transgender from Bangladesh's northern region is set to become the first transgender candidate to participate in the nation’s elections.
Rani is running for office from the Rangpur-3 constituency.
Voting Begins, PM Hasina Casts Her Vote
As voting began for the general elections, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cast her vote in Dhaka, ANI reported.
(Photo: PTI)
Why Does the Bangladesh Election Matter to India?
For India, Bangladesh’s elections are an important event not only because Bangladesh shares borders with five Indian states and that it is an important diplomatic and security partner, but also because India and its allies, in this case, the US, are backing rival political parties.
During Hasina's tenure, India has garnered substantial support from Bangladesh in addressing insurgency in India’s Northeast, facilitating transit, securing access to key ports in the Bay of Bengal, and finalising energy agreements. This includes Bangladesh purchasing electricity at a higher cost.
'Voter Turnout Won't Be Less Than 50%': EC
"I think the voter turnout will not be less than 50 percent by the end of the day. The environment is peaceful across the country," said Bangladesh Election Commissioner Anisur Rahman, reports PTI.
'India, A Trusted Friend': Sheikh Hasina
As Bangladesh goes to polls, PM Sheikh Hasina also extended her wishes to India, stating that Bangladesh is lucky to "have a trusted friend" like India, citing India's support during the Liberation War in 1971.
"We are very lucky..India is our trusted friend. During our Liberation War, they supported us...After 1975, when we lost our whole family...they gave us shelter. So our best wishes to the people of India," reports ANI.
Foreign Observers, Journalists to Monitor Election
More than 100 foreign observers, including three from India, are set to oversee the upcoming general election in Dhaka and other regions of Bangladesh.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen informed reporters that 60 foreign observers and experts have already arrived, with a total of 127 expected to participate. Additionally, 73 foreign journalists have been granted accreditation to cover the event.
Other election observers hail from the European Union, the Commonwealth, the US-based International Republican Institute (IRI), the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF), and several other institutions.
More About BNP's Nation-Wide Strike
As part of their election boycott strategy, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has declared a 48-hour nationwide general strike, set to commence from January 6. The party's stance is rooted in the belief that any election conducted under the existing government would lack fairness and credibility.
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the BNP spokesperson, confirmed the strike, stating its purpose as a means to emphasise their demands for include the resignation of the current Hasina government, which they call “illegal,” the establishment of a caretaker government, and the release of all incarcerated party leaders and activists.
'BNP Taking Decisions Against People's Will': Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan
Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said, "...The leadership of BNP has become very crucial and they are taking decisions against people's will."
"We have received support from the inception of Bangladesh...I know what cooperation we received from India. So, we believe that this type of brotherly relation will continue," he added.
Clashes Between BNP Activists, Police in Chattagram
In Chandgaon, Chattagram (formerly Chittagong), there were reports of clashes between BNP activists and the police.
According to Pankaj Dutta, a senior police official speaking to The Daily Star, a faction of BNP workers obstructed roads in an attempt to cause chaos. "They hurled stones at law enforcement, prompting a response with shotguns," he said.
Opposition Coalition Protests at Dhaka's National Press Club
A coalition of twelve small parties, backing BNP's election boycott, is demonstrating at the National Press Club in the capital of Bangladesh.
They chanted, "Stop this farcical election. Give back us our democratic right."
Among the alliance are parties such as Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar), Bangladesh Kalyan Party, Bangladesh Labour Party, and Islami Oikkya Jote.
Why Sentencing of Bangladeshi Nobel Laureate Mohammad Yunus Has Caused an Uproar
On Monday, 1 January, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sentenced to six months in jail for violating Bangladesh's labour laws.
His supporters have decried the move as being "politically motivated." A labour court in Dhaka convicted and sentenced Yunus and three of his colleagues from Grameen Telecom – one of the companies founded by him in 1996 – to "six months' simple imprisonment," lead prosecutor Khurshid Alam Khan told AFP, adding that all four were immediately granted bail pending appeals.
What are the charges against Yunus? Why has his sentencing triggered an uproar? Click here to read The Quint’s explainer.
Two Shot Amid Scuffle in Chattogram: Report
According to the Dhaka Tribune, gunfire erupted after a confrontation between supporters of the Awami League's nominee, Mohiuddin Bachchu, and independent candidate Mohammad Manjur Alam. Reports say that two were shot during the scuffle.
Chittagong Divisional Commissioner Tofail Islam verified the incidents , mentioning reports of explosive devices being present amid the clash, the report added.
According to Bangladeshi daily newspaper The Business Standard, an incident involving the throwing of bricks and a cocktail explosion targeting the police occurred in Chattogram's Chandgaon area around 9:30am.
China’s Stake in Bangladesh Polls
India’s other neighbour China, has perspectives similar to New Delhi's in the Bangladesh election.
Under Hasina, China built closer relations with Bangladesh, which kicked off by fulfilling Dhaka’s desperate need for a line of credit to construct the Padma Bridge at a time when the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the Islamic Development Bank decided to pull their financing commitments due to allegations of corruption.
As votes continued to be cast, click here to read our analysis regarding Beijing’s position in Bangladesh.
Man Arrested for Casting Fake Votes: Report
The Dhaka Tribune has reported that a man named Sabet Hossain, 28, has been sentenced to six months in jail for engaging in fraudulent voting and casting fake votes in the Barguna-1 constituency.
He was reptedly apprehended "red-handed" at a polling center in Barguna Sadar upazila around 10 am on Sunday.
Barguna Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shamim Mia stated that Sabet Hossain received a six-month rigorous imprisonment term.
While Hasina Praised Development, Bangladesh’s Economic Woes Will Continue
The economic problems facing Bangladesh are here to stay – at least for now.
This is not to take away from the fact that progress has been made across economic parameters during Hasina's rule. Industrialisation, development projects, girls' education, and electricity generation have taken center stage in the Awami League's campaign for reelection.
However, all is not as well as it seems. For instance, the implications of the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are still far from over.
Click here to know more.
Website of Key Bangladeshi Newspaper Allegedly Blocked Amid Polling
A key Bangladeshi newspaper critical of the ruling government has allegedly been blocked amid voting.
Daily Manab Zamin Editor Sajid Hoque said that the newspaper had been "flooded with calls and messages" from people saying that they couldn't access the website, AFP reported.
Police Fired Shotguns To Disperse Protesting Crowd: Report
The Bangladeshi Police reportedly fired shotguns in Chittagong amid a clash with Opposition activists, who had set up roadblocks as a mark of protest against the ongoing election.
Mokhlesur Rahman, Chittagong Deputy Commissioner, told AFP that shotguns had been fired to disperse around 60 people who had blocked a road by burning tyres. He added that nobody was injured and that the situation was now under control.
27.15 Per Cent Voter Turnout Till 3pm Local Time
As polls failed to pick up momentum, WION reported that the total voter turnout stood at 27.15 percent around 3pm (2:30 pm IST)
Polling in Bangladesh General Election Closes
Polling in the Bangladesh General election officially closed at 4pm local time (3:30pm IST).
Apart from votes in the Noagaon district, which were cancelled after a candidate died hours after being allotted an election symbol, votes will be counted in 299 constituencies, Al Jazeera reported.
After the BNP's boycott of the election and no other credible opposition in sight, Hasina's Awami League is poised to secure an advantage, potentially forming the government for the fourth consecutive term.
In Bangladesh, a Raging 'One-Woman’ Show Against US’ Selective Strategy
The drumbeat of criticism against Hasina, led by the US-led West, has been active for quite some time. The popular refrain being accusing Bangladesh of becoming a one-party state and democracy being suffocated.
Domestic constituencies, many nurtured by the West and the Opposition parties, have rallied to this cause. Be that as it may, the US with its weaponising sanctions and Visa regime against officers of the anti-terrorist force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and those who subvert the process of a free and fair election, has not succeeded in making Hasina bend to its will.
She is not a leader who takes kindly to such blatant pressure.
Click here to read former Indian Ambassador to Bangladesh Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty's analysis for The Quint.
40% Voter Turnout Recorded
A meagre 40 percent of the electorate turned out to vote in the Bangladesh elections, officials said. Meanwhile, the counting of votes has begun and initial results are expected to come in from Monday morning.
Awami League Wins Over Two Thirds of Seats: PTI
While counting is still underway, the PM Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League has won 200 seats in the 300-seat Parliament, according to PTI.
'Awami League Has Won the Election': EC Spokesperson
Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling Awami League has "won the election", an Election Commission spokesperson was quoted as saying by news agency AFP in the early hours of Monday morning, 8 January.
However, an official announcement by the country's Election Commission is yet to be made.
Landslide Victory for Cricket Captain Shakib Al Hasan
District's chief administrator Abu Naser Beg said that the 36-year beat his rival by a margin of more than 150,000 votes in the Magura-1 constituency.
Indian Envoy Congratulates PM Hasina on Behalf of Modi Govt
India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma conveyed, on behalf of the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warm greetings and congratulations to to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on her victory in the election.
Verma expressed hope that during the new term of her government, there will be even stronger momentum and growth in the bilateral partnership in support of each other’s national development, news agency ANI reported.