Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured a fifth consecutive term in Sunday’s election, as officials reported that her ruling Awami League had won over 50 percent of the seats. The Election Commission spokesman mentioned ongoing counting, indicating a clear victory for Hasina.
While Hasina has overseen remarkable economic growth, critics accuse her government of widespread human rights abuses and a harsh crackdown on the opposition. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), facing mass arrests and a weakened presence, boycotted the election, labeling it a “sham.”
To avoid the perception of a one-party dominance, the Awami League refrained from fielding candidates in some constituencies. Despite Hasina’s call for faith in the democratic process, initial reports indicated a low voter turnout of around 40 percent.
In response to the BNP’s boycott, Hasina referred to them as a “terrorist organization” and emphasized her commitment to upholding democracy in the country. Media reports, collating results from polling stations, suggested that Hasina had won over two-thirds of parliamentary seats, with nearly 90 percent of results declared.
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Out of the 264 seats announced, the Awami League secured 204, and its allied Jatiya Party won an additional nine, according to Somoy TV, the country’s largest private news broadcaster. Notably, Bangladesh cricket team captain Shakib Al Hasan also emerged victorious in his constituency, securing a landslide victory for Hasina’s party.
