Dhaka: Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner, Kazi Habibul Awal, has acknowledged that the upcoming general election on Sunday will lack completeness due to the absence of a major opposition party. Despite this setback, Awal assured the public that his office has taken all necessary measures to ensure constitutional continuity. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former prime minister Khalida Zia, has chosen to boycott the January 7 election due to ongoing violence and has called for a nationwide strike against the “illegal government”. The BNP is demanding the formation of an interim non-party neutral government to oversee the election, a demand that has been rejected by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her ruling Awami League. Awal, in a televised address, expressed disappointment over the lack of universality in the election but emphasized that it should not be considered non-participatory or uncompetitive, as 28 political parties and 1,971 candidates are still participating. However, the BNP maintains that elections under Prime Minister Hasina’s government would not be fair and credible, and has called for a non-party caretaker government to take charge. In the lead-up to the elections, there have been reports of violence, with at least 15 people losing their lives since October 28, 2023. Awal called on the public to cast their votes despite concerns and unease, and assured that over 800,000 law enforcement personnel, including Army troops, have been deployed to maintain peace. With more than 119 million registered voters, there appears to be a lack of enthusiasm due to the perceived lack of competitiveness in the election.
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Bangladesh’s main opposition party boycotts election; poll body chief responds
