DHAKA, Bangladesh — Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her gratitude to India on Sunday for its support during the 1971 liberation war against Pakistan and for providing shelter to her family in 1975 when many of her family members were killed. She thanked India as Bangladeshis began voting in the general elections, with Hasina poised to secure a fourth consecutive term, as the main opposition party boycotted the elections, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the polls.
During a press conference, Hasina said, “You are most welcome. We are very lucky…India is our trusted friend. During our 1971 liberation war, they supported us…After 1975, when we lost our whole family…they gave us shelter. So our best wishes to the people of India.”
The India-Pakistan war of 1971 emerged amidst tensions between West Pakistan and East Pakistan, also known as Bangladesh, which had close proximity to India. In March 1971, the Pakistan Army initiated Operation Searchlight to suppress the rebellion in East Pakistan, resulting in severe human rights violations. In response, the Indian Air Force carried out retaliatory strikes, leading to a full-scale invasion of Pakistan by India. The war concluded on December 16, 1971, with the signing of the instrument of surrender by the Pakistani military, and East Pakistan became Bangladesh.
The general elections in Bangladesh commenced amidst a month-long campaign marred by daily street protests and the detention of Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. Voter turnout is expected to decline as most of Hasina’s rivals are in custody. Despite criticisms of her authoritarian tendencies, Hasina is likely to secure re-election due to her successful economic policies that have uplifted millions out of poverty.
The ballots will be counted after polling booths close, with results anticipated by late Sunday or early Monday. Around 120 million people are eligible to vote for the 300 seats in parliament. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has boycotted the elections in response to Hasina’s refusal to allow a caretaker government to oversee the polling process, leading to clashes between opposition groups, security forces, and supporters of the ruling party.
In conclusion, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed gratitude to India for their past support and shelter during difficult times. The general elections in Bangladesh have been marred by controversies and the boycott of the main opposition party. Hasina is expected to win her fourth consecutive term despite concerns over her authoritarian rule.