Bangladesh Elections Marred by Violence and Opposition Boycott

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Expected to Secure Fifth Term Amid Accusations of Human Rights Abuses and Economic Challenges

• Bangladesh's general elections have begun, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expected to secure a fifth term in office amid a boycott by the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
• Pre-election violence has escalated, with reports of 14 polling centers and two schools being set on fire, and a passenger train being torched, resulting in four deaths.
• Hasina's government has been accused of human rights abuses and a crackdown on the opposition, with around 25,000 opposition members reportedly arrested.
• Despite economic growth under Hasina's leadership, the country has faced economic challenges including wage stagnation in the garment sector, which accounts for 85% of the country's annual exports, and sharp spikes in food prices.
• The election's credibility has been questioned due to the opposition boycott and allegations of vote-rigging in previous elections under Hasina's rule.

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