**Election controversy and economic challenges in Bangladesh**
By Anbarasan Ethirajanpadavi, BBC News
General elections are set to be held in Bangladesh on January 7 but controversy and criticism continue to surround the upcoming polls. The largest opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and its allies have expressed concern over the election process, stating that they have no confidence Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will hold a free and fair election.
Critics have called for Sheikh Hasina to step down and allow elections to be held under a neutral interim government, a request which she has rejected. As a result, all the candidates contesting the elections will be from Awami League, its allied parties, or independent candidates.
Senior BNP leader Abdul Moeen Khan has claimed that “democracy is dead in Bangladesh” and has accused Sheikh Hasina of leading the country with a dictatorial approach. However, Law Minister Anisul Haque has refuted these claims, asserting that elections are decided by people’s votes and highlighting the presence of multiple political parties in the election.
In addition to the controversy surrounding the elections, Bangladesh faces economic challenges, with the rising cost of living posing difficulties for its citizens. Despite achieving significant economic success under Hasina’s leadership since 2009, the country has struggled to cope with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inflation has risen, and foreign exchange reserves have fallen significantly, leading to concerns about the country’s economic stability.
Critics argue that this economic success has come at the expense of democracy and human rights, with Hasina’s regime facing accusations of repressive authoritarian measures against political opponents, dissidents, and the media. The arrest of senior BNP leaders and thousands of supporters, along with accusations of politically motivated arrests and human rights abuses, has raised concerns among international agencies.
While the government has categorically denied these allegations, international organizations and leaders have called for action to address the situation in Bangladesh. The European Commission has been urged to question the country’s democratic situation, and there are calls for tougher action from Western countries.
As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, concerns over economic stability and democratic principles remain central to the ongoing debate in Bangladesh. The government’s response to these challenges may shape its future and impact international relations.