Bangladesh is on high alert with tightened security as the country holds general elections today. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeks a fourth straight term absent major opposition, making the vote critical for neighbour India.The outcome will shape Bangladeshs political landscape, closely watched by India given Hasinas ally status.But the main opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is boycotting the polls after deeming them not fair and credible under the current government. The BNP has called a 48-hour nationwide strike starting Sunday morning, aiming to press demands for an interim government and prisoner releases.BNP leader and ex-Premier Khaleda Zia remains under house arrest on graft convictions.No opposition in the fray in Bangladesh With no key opponents running, the primary electoral battle is between Hasinas Awami League and independent candidates.The fate of 1,500 candidates vying for 300 parliamentary seats will be decided by 11 crore voters.Twenty-seven parties are contesting, including the Jatiyo Party, Trinamul BNP, Islami Front and more.Security tightening ahead of pollsAmid sporadic pre-poll violence concerns, Bangladesh has intensified security. The army and Border Guards are assisting police in securing the 42,000 polling stations.The Election Commission says preparations are nearly complete and security arrangements are ensured countrywide.#WATCH | Security visuals from Dhaka as Bangladesh goes to poll for the 2024 general elections today. pic.twitter.com/vGMn79dN0C— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2024The 12th Bangladesh general election, held under tight security, will be monitored by over 100 international observers including three Indian representatives.Given the violence, the Chief Election Commissioner warned polls could be cancelled entirely if irregularities emerge. He said rigging, money abuse or muscle power favouring any candidate will be strictly resisted.Polling details of Bangladesh general pollsVoting for 300 parliamentary seats starts at 8 am Sunday and ends at 5 pm. Early results are expected on January 8.Hasinas development gains and strong-arm rule have defined her decade in power. But opposition marginalisation has raised criticism.The BNP alleges authoritarianism and rigging under Hasinas premiership. While the Prime Minister remains hugely popular at home, international monitors lament Bangladeshs compromised electoral system.Human rights groups cite enforced disappearances and curbed dissent against Hasinas government. Her supporters praise the countrys economic strides and her firm leadership.What would be aftermathHasina aims to continue Bangladeshs growth trajectory with another term. But doubts persist about whether stability can persist in a virtual one-party political scene. With the opposition almost wiped out, sceptics question the credibility of any electoral outcome.While Hasina appears poised to retain control, Bangladeshs democratic health hinges on healing the rifts between its feuding political forces. For Dhakas critical neighbour India, the long-term impacts of a divided polity also remain concerning.
