2023 Bangladeshi General Election

General elections were held in Bangladesh on 7 January 2024 in accordance with the constitutional requirement, stating that elections must take place within the 90-day period before the expiration of the current term of the Jatiya Sangsad on 29 January 2024. The Awami League, led by incumbent Sheikh Hasina, won the election for the fourth consecutive time with less than 40% of the eligible voters voting according to an Election Commission, which was run by the ruling political party. The party won 224 seats while independent candidates, most of whom were Awami League members propped up as dummy candidates to give a semblance of competition, won 62 seats.

In the lead-up to the election, the incumbent government led by Sheikh Hasina cracked down on opposition parties and silenced critics of the government. Hasina's prime ministership has been described as authoritarian since being re-elected in 2008, and in 2011 removed the requirement that a temporary independent caretaker government be formed to hold elections. The main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, boycotted the elections (as they did in 2014) as they assumed that the election commission under the incumbent government were unable to organise a free and fair election.

A protest over the election turnout emerged as the Chief Election Commissioner initially claimed, based on the data at hand, that turnout was 28%, but later retracted that statement to claim turnout was around 40%.

The United States Department of State, in a statement, said that the election was not free and fair and the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office termed the election lacking the preconditions of democracy. According to The Economist, through this election, Bangladesh effectively became a one-party state.

Later on 5 August 2024, Sheikh Hasina fled the country, facing a wide-spread student protest and the 12th Jatiya Sangsad was dissolved. An interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus took charge as per the demand of the students. Early elections are expected to be called by April 2026 to elect a new Jatiya Sangsad.

Schedule

Background

The Awami League won the 2018 general elections and formed the government. The first session of the parliament sat on 30 January 2019. As the tenure of a parliament lasts five years in Bangladesh, the Sangsad was scheduled to expire on 29 January 2024.

The main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), demanded that the government hand over power to a neutral caretaker government before the next elections. This has been rejected by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who vowed that "Bangladesh will never allow an unelected government again". Hasina's resistance to a caretaker government arose following the 2006–2008 crisis, during which a caretaker government assumed military control of the country and arrested a number of political leaders, including Hasina and BNP leader Khaleda Zia. Zia was sentenced to prison for five years on 8 February 2018, for her involvement in the Zia Orphanage corruption case. The sentence was then modified to 10 years. Khaleda Zia's successor as chair of the party, her son Tarique Rahman, was also found guilty of criminal conspiracy and multiple counts of murder for a grenade attack in 2004 that injured Hasina and killed 24 people. He was sentenced to life in prison. As such, he was barred from running for office.

In order to guarantee that the election will be conducted in accordance with electoral law and the constitution, the 2024 Bangladesh Election Commission was formed on 27 February 2022. It is responsible for announcing election schedules, outlining constituency zones, preparing electoral rolls, supervising the elections, announcing the election's results, and establishing election boards to settle any election disputes. It is chaired by Kazi Habibul Awal, Md. Alamgir, Anisur Rahman, Rashida Sultana Emily and Ahsan Habib Khan.

In the election, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and first lady Rebecca Sultana used a postal ballot to cast their vote on 3 January 2024. It is the first instances of using postal ballot in the history of elections in Bangladesh.

Electoral system

The 350 members of the Jatiya Sangsad consist of 300 directly elected seats using first-past-the-post voting in single-member constituencies, and an additional 50 seats reserved for women. The reserved seats are selected by the elected constituency members via the single transferable vote. Each parliament sits for a five-year term.

Criticism

The electoral system has been criticised as disproportional and a key driver of political deadlock in the country.

Pre-electoral statistics and information

According to the data released by the Election Commission on 4 January 2024, the total number of voters in the next parliamentary election is 119,689,289 people. Among them, 60,769,741 are men voters, 58,918,699 are women voters and 849 hijra voters. According to EC, 28 political parties and a total of 1,970 candidates are contesting the election, of which 436 are independent candidates. Total final polling centres are 42,148 and final polling booths are 261,564.

Controversies

The BNP has demanded that there should be a caretaker government during election season because, as Citizens for Good Governance founder-secretary Badiul Alam Majumder has claimed, every election in Bangladesh that was not conducted under a caretaker government has been marred by irregularities. Without a caretaker government, the BNP has stated its intent to boycott the elections. On 17 May 2023, BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said: " urmovement and elections cannot go hand in hand. Participating in elections under he current governmentmeans to validate them. We cannot continue our movement with those who compete in the elections when the leaders and activists are being arrested and harassed while protesting to free the country from this illegal government. Rather, it is time to identify them and uproot them politically." On 3 June 2023, the BNP expelled 43 of its leaders for life as a result of their decision to participate in the Sylhet City Corporation election.

Jamaat-e-Islami was banned from participating in elections in 2013, and many of its former leaders have gone on to form the Bangladesh Development Party (BDP), which intends to participate in the elections. The president of the BDP, Anwarul Islam Chan, has denied any affiliations with the Jamaat, saying: "The post-liberation generation was born after independence. We are a political party and not interested in such issues" as opposing Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan.

The Awami League, on the other hand, has insisted that a caretaker government would be unconstitutional and that the Election Commission is independent and sanctioned by law.

The Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted "the electoral process will remain under strict vigilance, including by international observers as accredited by the Election Commission." Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen said on 10 April 2023, in a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the independent election commission is key to holding fair, transparent elections.

Foreign positions

United States

On 23 May 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a new visa policy vis-a-vis Bangladesh to support the country's goal of holding free, fair, and peaceful national elections. The policy states that the US would "restrict the issuance of visas for any Bangladeshi individual, believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh", including "current and former Bangladeshi officials, members of pro-government and opposition political parties, and members of law enforcement, the judiciary, and security services". The policy lists actions that would undermine the election process as "vote rigging, voter intimidation, the use of violence to prevent people from exercising their right to freedoms of association and peaceful assembly, and the use of measures designed to prevent political parties, voters, civil society, or the media from disseminating their views".

The restrictions were meant to act as a signal to the Bangladeshi government to hold democratic elections and to the BNP to participate in the elections, as a boycott of them could lead to instability. When asked how the US would navigate a situation in which a party that refuses to participate in the national election would later claim that the election was unfair, US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said: "I don't have anything else to get into, as it's an internal, domestic election" and that all the US wants is that it should be free, fair, and reflective of the will of the Bangladeshi people.

On 1 August 2023, US Ambassador Peter Haas announced after meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal that a US pre-election monitoring team consisting of experts with previous experience in election monitoring and preparation, would arrive in Bangladesh in October before the election which was subsequently cancelled.

United Nations

On 4 August 2023, the United Nations denounced pre-election violence in Bangladesh, calling for police "to refrain from excessive use of force amid recurring violence and mass arrests ahead of general elections". This is a human rights issue concerning violence erupting at opposition rallies in 2023, and the harsh response by police using rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons. A UN spokesman said: "Police, alongside men in plain clothing, have been seen using hammers, sticks, bats and iron rods, among other objects, to beat protesters". He added that hundreds of people who oppose the government have been arrested before and during the rallies.

UN concerns have arisen after Sheikh Hasina rejected demands by the BNP and its allies for the government to step down and allow the January election to be held under a neutral caretaker government. The UN has stressed that Hasina's government "must abide by their human rights obligations and allow people to exercise their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of opinion and expression".

Responding to the UN statement, Mahfuz Anam commented: "From the looks of it, our two major political parties are preparing for 'gladiatorial' street fights as a part of their election preparation. Can this be democracy?" Later on August 4, Information Minister Hasan Mahmud attacked the BNP during a mosquito eradication conference in Dhaka, saying: "Dengue mosquitoes bite people and BNP puts people on fire and burns cars. Therefore, like dengue, BNP has to be prevented".

Soon after Mahfuz Anam spoke, there was a meeting in Dhaka of the 14-party alliance led by the Awami League. They announced a rally to be held on 7 August before Awami League HQ on Bangabandhu Avenue. The purpose of the rally is to protest against the "terror and anarchy" of BNP and to "prevent any conspiracy of the BNP-Jamaat". A spokesman said alliance members will take to the streets across the whole country, besides Dhaka.

Others

On 7 May 2023, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland to send diversified election observers for the election while stating that her government has made the election commission an independent and powerful institution to strengthen the democratic process in the country.

A group of human rights organizations wrote to 14 members of United States Congress urging them to be aware of how the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have been operating "overtly and covertly in cahoots with terrorist groups, like Ansar al Islam, since 2001".

Terry Isley, a member of an independent election monitoring delegation that visited Bangladesh in August 2023, said that the demand for a caretaker government is unconstitutional and illegal in the present political context of Bangladesh. He also expressed disappointment that the BNP refused to meet with the delegation.

On 20 September 2023, the Election Commission of Bangladesh received a letter from the European Union stating that it would not send a full-fledged election observation mission to the upcoming general election. The letter said Bangladesh's environment is not suitable for election observation. However, in a letter to the Election Commission on 19 October the EU said it would send a 4-member technical team to observe the election.

Parties and alliances

Source:

Candidates

Few terms used in the following table are described as-

* Nomination Withdrawn means candidates withdrew their nomination before or on 17 December.
* Candidacy Invalid means candidates who are declared ineligible to contest by the EC.
* Disqualified means disqualification of eligible candidates due to inappropriate nomination submission.
* Candidacy Withdrawn means candidates who are on the final list or on ballot but won't be contesting or endorsed another candidate.
* Candidacy Cancelled means cancellation of candidacy of the candidates who are on ballot due to breaking election code.
* Didn't Submit Nomination Paper means candidates were nominated by the party but failed to submit their nomination paper on due date.

Surveys and polls

''Approval ratings''

''Seat projections''

Foreign observers

On 5 January 2024, at a meeting attended by heads of missions from about 90 countries, Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary, Masud Bin Momen, invited foreign envoys to be part of the international team of observers for its general elections scheduled for 7 January 2024. A total of 127 observers from various countries, were present for these polls, including members from the European Union, The Commonwealth, the South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF), the US-based International Republican Institute (IRI), National Democratic Institute (NDI) and American Global Strategies (AGS); UK-based Conservative Commonwealth Association and other reputable organizations.

After the vote on 7 January 2024, this election drew mixed reactions among international observers. Representatives of many international team of observers acknowledged that this election was conducted free and fairly and praised the role and efficiency of present Bangladesh Election Commission. Alexander Barton Gray, CEO of American Global Strategies (AGS) said "Considering the overall situation, all the observers present here agree that the 12th National Parliament Election of Bangladesh was held peacefully and with the participation of the common people". The CEO of the Central Election Commission of Palestine, Hisam M.Y Kuhail, made remarks during a media briefing in Dhaka. "The voting process in all the centers that we visited was very quiet and peaceful," Kuhail said. "The people of your country should be proud of holding such a peaceful election." When asked about the voter turnout, Kuhail avoided the question, stating, "We are here to judge the voting process, whether voters were allowed access to the polls or whether voting took place systematically.

The governments of the United States of America and Canada had separately confirmed, through official statements, that they did not deploy any election observers with their authority to monitor Bangladesh's national elections held on January 7. Despite that, a group of international observers were present at their own effort. However, some USA, UK based international team of observers expressed the views that this election was not free or fair. Local media in Bangladesh reported that the Hasina government lined up their supporters near polling stations when cameras and foreign election observers were near and had them disperse immediately afterwards. However, some election observers did report a peaceful environment at the polling stations on the day of the elections.

Violence

Election Commission Secretary Jahangir Alam has told that Mostafizur Rahman Chowdhury's candidacy has been cancelled for violating election norms and for threatening "law enforcement officials" just before polling officially closed. He was charged for these types of allegations in past too.

Results

Division-wise

Rangpur Division

Rajshahi Division

Khulna Division

Barishal Division

Mymensingh Division

Sylhet Division

Faridpur Division

Chattogram Division (w/o Cumilla)

Constituency-wise

Reactions

On 8 January, the day following the general elections, envoys from many countries, including China, India, Russia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, met and congratulated the Prime Minister at her official residence, Ganabhaban. The envoys expressed their firm conviction to continue supporting Bangladesh, extending greetings on behalf of their respective countries to the Prime Minister. Sheikh Hasina thanked them and sought help in the journey towards the development and prosperity of her country. Additionally, a delegation of Aga Khan Diplomatic Representatives also met her.

United States

The U.S. Department of State termed the election as not free and fair. The spokesperson of the State Department Mathew Miller said, "The United States shares the view with other observers that these elections were not free or fair and we regret that not all parties participated."

European Union

The European Union acknowledged the results of Bangladesh's parliamentary elections while expressing regret over the non-participation of all major parties. Emphasizing the importance of democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law in the EU-Bangladesh partnership, they called for a thorough investigation into reported election irregularities. The EU condemned election-related violence, urged respect for the rule of law, and emphasized the need for political pluralism, peaceful dialogue, and media freedom, committing to ongoing collaboration with Bangladesh across various domains.

China

On 8 January, Yao Wen, China's Ambassador to Bangladesh, was among the first foreign dignitaries to go to newly reelected Sheikh Hasina's residence and congratulate her for winning the election. Local media reported that he said China will support Bangladesh in protecting its sovereignty and in opposing external interference.

Japan

Japan's election observer mission, led by Masato Watanabe, former Ambassador to Bangladesh, reported some irregularities but overall welcomed the peaceful conduct of the 12th general elections in Bangladesh. Despite incidents of violence during the pre-election period, Japan expresses hope for Bangladesh's progress as a democratic nation, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the country's development and strengthening bilateral ties as a strategic partner.

India

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi spoke to Sheikh Hasina and congratulated on her victory for the fourth consecutive term in the parliamentary elections.

Modi then posted on X:''“Spoke to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on her victory for a historic fourth consecutive term in the Parliamentary elections. I also congratulate the people of Bangladesh for the successful conduct of elections. We are committed to further strengthen our enduring and people-centric partnership with Bangladesh.”''

United Kingdom

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom claimed the conditions for a "credible, open, and fair competition" were not present in the election and the voters did not have the "fullest range of voting options".

Russia

Russia congratulated Sheikh Hasina on Awami League's victory in the 12th parliamentary election. Alexander Mantytsky, Ambassador of Russia to Bangladesh, was received by Sheikh Hasina, also Awami League president, at the Ganabhaban. He expressed hope for further cooperation between Russia and Bangladesh, and outlined promising areas of bilateral partnership.

Canada

Global Affairs Canada, in a statement on 9 January 2024, commended Bangladeshi citizens' democratic aspirations while condemning acts of intimidation and violence during the 7 January parliamentary elections. Expressing disappointment in the electoral process falling short of democratic principles, Canada urged transparent collaboration with all parties to advance democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. As a longstanding supporter of Bangladesh since 1971, Canada "remains committed to fostering a stable, prosperous, and democratic future" for the country.

Australia

Australia acknowledged the results of Bangladesh's parliamentary elections on 7 January 2024, expressing concern over the limited participation of stakeholders. Highlighting the importance of free and fair elections, Australia condemned the pre-election violence and arrests of political opposition members. Urging Bangladesh to strengthen democratic institutions, Australia reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative efforts for an open, stable, prosperous, and inclusive region.

United Nations

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed concern over Bangladesh's recent elections, citing violence and repression against opposition candidates and supporters. Türk urged the newly elected government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to address human rights concerns and enhance the foundations of an inclusive democracy. The statement highlighted arbitrary detentions, intimidation, enforced disappearances, and political violence in the lead-up to the elections. Türk called for independent investigations into reported incidents, emphasizing the need for fair and transparent trials for those responsible. He stressed the significance of preserving hard-won democracy in Bangladesh and called for comprehensive investigations into campaign-related violations and irregularities.

Press coverage of the 2024 national election

The news channels in Bangladesh reported some mismanagement in some voting centers of the country, for instance, Jamuna Television reported some underaged kids going to the polls.

See also

*12th National Parliament Election Process Tracking
*List of members of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad
*2024 elections in Bangladesh

Notes

References

{{Bangladeshi elections

Bangladesh

General
General
General elections in Bangladesh
Premiership of Sheikh Hasina