Bangladesh prepares for 12th Parliamentary elections, national and international observers to monitor polls
As Bangladesh gears up for its 12th Parliamentary elections, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal expressed the country’s desire to have the election observed not only nationally, but also internationally. “We want our election to be observed not only nationally, but also internationally,” said Awal. He emphasized Bangladesh’s belief in a credible election, participation, and the fairness and acceptability of election results.
The election is scheduled to be held on January 7, with polling set to commence at 8 am and continue without interruption until 4 pm. Awal also stated that the results at the centers will be announced after the voting, indicating transparency in the electoral process.
More than 100 foreign observers, including three from India, have arrived in Dhaka to monitor the general election. Current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ruling Awami League is expected to win for the fourth consecutive time, as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of former premier Khaleda Zia has boycotted the polls. However, the polls are being contested by 27 political parties, including the parliamentary opposition Jatiya Party (JAPA).
In response to the election boycott by BNP, the party has called for a 48-hour countrywide general strike, claiming that no election under the incumbent government would be fair and credible. Despite the boycott and potential pre-poll violence, Sheikh Hasina has urged people to exercise their voting rights to prove that democracy prevails in Bangladesh.
In anticipation of violence, the Bangladesh government deployed Army troops across the country “in aid of civil administration” to maintain peace and order during the voting.
As the election date approaches, anticipation and tensions are high in Bangladesh. The international community and the citizens of Bangladesh will be closely monitoring the outcome of the election, hoping for a transparent and fair electoral process.