Dhaka: In a backdrop of subdued election fervour, Bangladeshi voters demonstrated a low turnout across the nation during the general elections held on Sunday. The absence of participation from opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), sets the stage for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas anticipated return to power for an unprecedented fourth term.Initial turnout figures, commissioners statementInitial reports indicate a voter turnout of approximately 40 percent. However, Bangladeshs Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal stated that this figure might fluctuate pending the final count, according to a PTI report.Commissioner Awal commented, Even though the initial turnouts showed that the voter turnout was around 40 percent, the figure may change once the final count of voters is out.Voting statistics An hour before polling concluded, the election commission reported a turnout of 27.15 percent at 3 pm. This contrasts sharply with the 2018 elections when the voter turnout stood at an impressive 80 percent.Voting concludesVoting officially ended at 4 pm, and the subsequent counting of votes commenced. Results are expected to be announced by Monday morning.Towards the end of voting, the election commission revoked the candidacy of an Awami League candidate in northeastern Chattogram. The candidate faced disqualification for allegedly berating and threatening a police officer.Opposition boycott The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is currently in jail, had declared a boycott of the polls. The party expressed skepticism about the fairness of elections under the current regime and urged voters to abstain.According to reports, there was a noticeable absence of election-day fervour, with people entering polling booths without encountering long queues. Additionally, the commission ordered the detention of Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayuns son on charges of electoral fraud.Incidents of violence, clash between supportersIncidents of violence marred the elections, with reports of shots fired during a clash between supporters of two candidates in Chattogram. Two individuals were allegedly injured in the altercation and promptly transported to a hospital for treatment.As the nation awaits the election results, the subdued voter turnout and incidents of unrest cast a shadow over the electoral process in Bangladesh.
