"Bangladesh Election Legitimacy in Question Amid Opposition Boycott and Low Turnout"

Bangladesh's recent elections, marked by a significant boycott from the opposition and low voter turnout, are set to extend Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's rule amidst allegations of violence and vote manipulation. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), with many leaders jailed or in exile, labeled the elections a "sham" and called for a nationwide strike. Despite reports of inducements to vote and election-related violence, including deaths, the ruling Awami League is expected to maintain power, raising concerns about the state of democracy in Bangladesh. Results are anticipated as early as Monday morning, with the election commission reporting a turnout of just over 27% before polls closed.