Bangladesh heads to first general election after fall of Sheikh Hasina regime

Dhaka For the first time since the dramatic mass uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule, Bangladesh is set to hold parliamentary elections on Thursday.

The polls mark a crucial political transition for the country, which has been passing through uncertainty and unrest since the change of power. The election will witness a direct contest mainly between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jamaat-e-Islami.

In a major political development, the Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been barred from contesting the election. This exclusion has raised serious questions about the credibility and inclusiveness of the democratic process.

Many political observers believe that the absence of the Awami League could affect voter confidence and may undermine the legitimacy of the election outcome. The country has witnessed communal tensions and political instability over the past few months, making this election highly significant for restoring democratic order.

After Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power following widespread protests, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge of the interim government. His administration has been tasked with stabilising the nation and conducting free and fair elections.

Bangladesh’s Parliament consists of 350 seats, out of which 300 members are elected directly by the people. The remaining 50 seats are reserved for women and are filled later based on proportional representation. Voting will be held for 299 constituencies on Thursday, while the election in one seat has been postponed due to the death of a candidate.

A total of 1,755 candidates are in the fray, and nearly 12.8 crore registered voters are eligible to cast their votes. The elected Parliament will serve a full term of five years.

Although around 50 political parties are officially registered in the country, the main fight is expected to be between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Both parties have promised a range of welfare schemes and economic reforms in an attempt to woo voters.

BNP appears to have an edge going into the polls. Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has been projected as the prime ministerial candidate of the party. His leadership campaign has attracted considerable attention, and many surveys indicate that the BNP may emerge as the single largest party.

This election is particularly historic as it is the first one in decades without the direct involvement of Sheikh Hasina. Her disqualification from contesting has angered a section of the population, who view it as politically motivated.

Critics argue that banning a major political force goes against democratic principles. Sheikh Hasina, who left Bangladesh following the uprising, is currently staying in India. Her absence continues to remain a sensitive political issue, and the future of her party remains uncertain.

As Bangladesh prepares for the crucial vote, the international community is closely watching whether the election will help bring stability and democratic normalcy back to the nation.

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