"Bangladesh Elections: Controversy and Boycotts in Hasina's 'Personalized Autocracy'"

On the day of Bangladesh's general elections, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina labeled the boycotting opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as a "terrorist organisation." She emphasized her commitment to democracy and development in the country. The BNP, led by former PM Khalida Zia, called for a nationwide strike and refused to participate in the elections, claiming they would not be free or fair. With the BNP's absence, Hasina is expected to secure a fourth consecutive term. Over 119 million voters are eligible to vote, with women and first-time voters representing significant portions of the electorate.