"Bangladesh's Election Scrutiny: International Observers and Regional Security Concerns"
Bangladesh is preparing for its 12th Parliamentary elections, with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal emphasizing the desire for international observation to ensure credibility. The elections are scheduled for January 7, with over 100 foreign observers present, including three from India. Despite the boycott by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), 27 political parties are participating. The ruling Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is anticipated to win for the fourth consecutive term. The BNP has called for a 48-hour strike around the election period, citing unfair conditions, while the government has deployed the Army to maintain order.