"Bangladesh Elections: A Test for Democracy and International Relations"

Bangladesh is set to hold a controversial national election with the main opposition party, the BNP, boycotting the vote, leading to expected victory for the ruling Awami League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The election has been criticized by Western countries, including the US, for undermining democratic processes, and there are concerns that the outcome could strain Bangladesh's diplomatic and economic relations with the West. The election is seen as a "stage-managed mockery of democracy" by analysts, with fears of low voter turnout and potential post-election unrest.