According to Bangladesh’s electoral commission, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has secured a fourth consecutive term in office, making her the world’s longest-serving female head of government.
The general election, the first in South Asia this year, had a low turnout, with only 40% of approximately 120 million eligible voters participating.
The country faced political unrest ahead of the election, with polling booths set ablaze on the eve of the vote. A train fire resulted in the death of four people, including two children. Bangladesh, home to 170 million people, is also grappling with economic challenges, having secured a nearly $5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund last year.
Sheikh Hasina, in power since 2009, cast her vote in the capital Dhaka, securing a fifth overall victory for her Awami League-led alliance. However, the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party boycotted the elections, demanding Hasina’s resignation and the establishment of a neutral caretaker government.
Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the country moving towards a one-party system, citing increased reports of political violence and voter intimidation. Sheikh Hasina emphasized the importance of democracy for development during a press conference in Dhaka.
-Daily Mirror-
