New Delhi, India:As Bangladesh gears up for its 2024 general elections, the political landscape is marked by a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, seeking a fourth consecutive term, faces a political environment where the main opposition, Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is boycotting the polls. This move casts a shadow over the electoral process, raising questions about the legitimacy and competitiveness of the upcoming elections.
The economic recovery in Bangladesh is often attributed to Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. However, human rights organizations express deep concerns over the government’s approach towards opposition parties and civil society. The suppression of dissent and the crackdown on political adversaries have become focal points of international criticism.
The situation of the BNP leadership is particularly alarming. Tarique Rahman, a key figure in the party, is in exile, and Khaleda Zia, the party’s matriarch, is effectively under house arrest. Denied permission to seek treatment abroad for her liver cirrhosis, her situation epitomizes the government’s stringent stance towards its opponents.
Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), emphasizes the importance of free and fair elections in reflecting the people’s will. He warns that any controversy surrounding the electoral process could exacerbate the legitimacy crisis facing the government, with serious implications for the country’s economy and sovereignty.
Amidst these internal dynamics, India’s role in Bangladesh’s elections has come under scrutiny. The prevailing perception in Bangladesh suggests India’s unconditional support for the ruling party, aimed at ensuring continuity and stability. However, former ambassador to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, counters these claims, asserting that India plays no role in Bangladesh’s electoral process. She highlights the mutual benefits of maintaining positive relations between India and Bangladesh, regardless of the elected government.
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