International press reports: Bangladesh elections marked by opposition boycott and low turnout
Publish: 07 Jan 2024, 11:28 PM
People in Dhaka cast their votes on January 7, 2024.
Media outlets worldwide are abuzz with coverage of Bangladesh's twelfth national parliament election. Prominent news agencies in various languages—such as BBC, Al Jazeera, Reuters, AFP, Xinhua, CNN, NDTV, Hindustan Times, NHK, Arab News, and others—have diligently reported on the Sunday polling. Several are providing live updates, highlighting the significance of this election on the global stage.
A live report on BBC Bangla showcasing the election scenario mentioned that the voter turnout appears notably low, particularly with the absence of the main opposition party from the field. The report emphasized the perspectives of ordinary citizens across diverse regions of the country. As highlighted in the report, a prevalent sentiment among the general populace is a largely negative attitude towards this election.
BBC interviewed Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader, who voiced concerns about the potential emergence of a dictatorship in Bangladesh.
Al Jazeera, based in Qatar, is actively providing live coverage of the Bangladesh elections. Their reports emphasize the ongoing polling despite the main opposition parties' boycott. Highlighted aspects include the opposition parties' boycott, the expulsion of agents representing neutral candidates, and related information. These reports strongly suggest a notably lower voter turnout compared to previous elections.
CNN's headline for their report on Bangladesh's elections read, "Polls open in Bangladesh election boycotted by opposition". Additionally, CNN reported that Sheikh Hasina is prepared to assume the role of Prime Minister for the fourth consecutive term in Bangladesh.
CNN's report states that Bangladesh, a nation with approximately 170 million inhabitants, is engaging in the first elections in South Asia this year. The report indicates that about 120 million individuals are registered to vote in these elections.
The Guardian's report indicates that Bangladesh is heading towards an election aimed at securing Sheikh Hasina's position as Prime Minister for the fifth term. The press coverage underscores the boycott by opposition parties and highlights government actions involving widespread arrests within the opposition. The prevailing assumption is that the ruling Awami League is poised to secure victory again in this election.
The Hindustan Times, an Indian newspaper, has also covered the Bangladesh elections with a similar focus. According to their report, voting for the 12th general election in Bangladesh commenced at 8 am local time on Sunday and is scheduled to conclude at 4 pm. The report anticipates that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will likely secure a fourth consecutive term and an overall fifth term for the Awami League-led coalition in this general election.
Arab News covered the Bangladesh election, noting that the voting is taking place despite a boycott by the primary opposition parties. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has cast her vote and is poised to secure a fourth consecutive term in office. The report also sheds light on violence between the ruling party and others in different regions of the country leading up to the polls.
In their report, The Hindu highlighted the ongoing Bangladesh elections, noting that voters are participating despite instances of violence and an opposition boycott. With the opposition boycotting the election, it is expected to pave the way for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her party, the Awami League, to secure a fourth consecutive term in power.
Reuters, in a report with a similar title, covered the ongoing voting amidst the opposition's boycott. The report underscores that Sheikh Hasina is poised to ascend to power for the fourth consecutive term through this election process.
According to China's Xinhua news agency, the polls in Bangladesh are underway amid sporadic clashes, with one reported fatality.