Bangladesh election witnesses low turnout of 27.15%, boycotted by main opposition

Bangladeshis demonstrated a low voter turnout of 27.15% an hour before the polls closed in the general election, signaling potential concerns of one-party rule as the main opposition, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), boycotted the election. Rights groups had warned of a virtual one-party rule by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League.

The United States and Western nations emphasized the need for a free and fair election. Voting was canceled at three centers due to irregularities, and violence erupted, leaving at least four people dead, polling booths set ablaze, and allegations of ballot stuffing. Critics accuse Hasina of authoritarianism, human rights violations, and suppression of dissent.

The economy has slowed sharply since the Russia-Ukraine war pushed up prices of fuel and food imports, forcing Bangladesh to turn last year to the International Monetary Fund for a bailout of $4.7 billion.Hasina said she did not need to prove the credibility of the election to anyone. "What is important is if the people of Bangladesh will accept this election."