Bangladesh Chief Election Commissioner Urges International Observers for Credible Elections

DHAKA, BANGLADESH – Ahead of the 12th Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal expressed the country’s desire for both national and international observation of the election. Awal emphasized the importance of a credible and fair election, with results that are widely accepted. The election is scheduled to take place on January 7, with polling beginning at 8 am and concluding at 4 pm. After voting, the ballot boxes will be opened and the results will be announced at each polling center.

Over 100 foreign observers, including three from India, have arrived in Dhaka to monitor the general election. The ruling Awami League, led by current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is widely expected to secure victory for the fourth consecutive time, as the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), decided to boycott the polls. The election is contested by 27 political parties, with the Jatiya Party (JAPA) serving as the parliamentary opposition. The remaining parties are part of the ruling Awami League-led coalition, referred to by experts as “satellite parties.”

In light of the BNP’s vote boycott campaign, the party called for a 48-hour countrywide general strike from January 6 to January 8, arguing that an election under the incumbent government would lack fairness and credibility. However, Sheikh Hasina has urged the people to exercise their voting rights to demonstrate the strength of democracy in Bangladesh.

Concerns about pre-election violence prompted the deployment of Army troops across the country to maintain peace and order during the voting. The troops were placed in support of civil administration.

In summary, Bangladesh is set to hold its 12th Parliamentary elections on January 7. The government has expressed its desire for national and international observation of the election to ensure credibility and fairness. With the main opposition party boycotting the polls, the ruling Awami League is expected to secure victory for the fourth consecutive time. Over 100 foreign observers, including three from India, have arrived in Dhaka to monitor the election. The election will be contested by 27 political parties, and concerns about pre-election violence have led to the deployment of Army troops across the country.