Bangladesh Polls: As Bangladeshs high-stakes election began Sunday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasised the importance of democracy, saying no country can progress without it. She cast her vote in Dhaka, hoping people would endorse her Awami League party again.PM Sheikh Hasina addresses media as Bangladesh goes for pollsAddressing a press conference this morning, the prime minister said, Our country is sovereign and independent. We may be small but have a big population. Weve established democratic rights. I want to ensure democracy continues here.”#WATCH | Dhaka: As Bangladesh goes to poll for the 2024 general elections today, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says, Our country is sovereign and independent...We have a big population. We have established peoples democratic rights...I want to make sure that democracy should… pic.twitter.com/Nt48AnhEn6— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2024She compared democratic and military-ruled states, asserting development hinges on democracy. Without it, we cant develop. Bangladesh progressed from 2009 to 2023 as we had a stable democracy. But military dictatorships couldnt develop, she said.Hasina hits out at oppositionHasina hit out at the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for boycotting the polls, calling them a terror party that doesnt believe in democracy. She said the BNP, formed via a coup, is inherently anti-democratic and violent in opposing the vote.To whom should I prove the credibility of these elections To a terrorist party My accountability is to the people, Hasina remarked.She expressed hope for a fair, peaceful election with a robust turnout to continue Bangladeshs democratic trajectory. Results are expected on Monday.Hasina, 76, seeks a fourth straight term. Her Awami League has rejected opposition claims of rigging and unfair practices.She has led Bangladesh since 2009 and has overseen rapid economic growth. But critics accuse her of authoritarianism, rights abuses and suppression of dissent.Several opposition figures were jailed under her rule. BNP leader Khaleda Zia remains under house arrest on graft charges.The BNP boycotted after the Awami League refused a caretaker government for the polls. With the opposition almost absent, Hasina looks poised to win despite credibility concerns.BNP a terror partyThe BNP is a terror party. The party was formed through a military coup, so they are anti-democracy. Since they have not got the opportunity this time, they are trying to oppose the elections, she said.Hasina was credited with transforming Bangladeshs economy and garment industry in her 15 years of helming the government. The country graduated from a least developed country during her tenure.However, the suppression of dissent, treatment of minorities and concentration of power under her watch tainted that economic success in critics eyes.What Opposition allegeWhile Hasina remains hugely popular at home, the BNP alleges authoritarianism and rigging under her rule. International observers lament Bangladeshs compromised electoral framework.Rights groups highlight disappearances, curbed speech and tough security laws under her leadership. But Hasina stands defiant as she cruises toward re-election nearly unopposed.For all its development strides, doubts persist whether Bangladeshs democratic health can be restored without bridging divisions between feuding parties. The dominance of Hasinas party risks deepening frictions.As Bangladesh cements one-party authority, its polarized politics chart an uneasy course.
