"Bangladesh Elections: Sheikh Hasina's Quest for Fifth Term Amid Scrutiny and Regional Implications"

Bangladesh holds its general election with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeking a fifth term amid a boycott by the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The election is overshadowed by violence and claims of authoritarianism against Hasina, with a two-day strike called by the BNP and incidents of arson leading to deaths. International calls for a free and fair election contrast with the BNP's allegations of "dummy" independent candidates and a move towards one-party rule. The election results are expected soon after voting ends, with a heavy security presence due to the unrest.