The Troubled History of Bangladesh's Elections: A Saga of Bans and Boycotts

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n January 7, 2024, Bangladesh, home to 170 million people, is set to hold its 12th general election, marking another chapter in the nation’s tumultuous electoral history. With a track record marred by allegations of vote rigging, violence, and protests, this year’s election is already facing controversy, heightened by the opposition’s decision to boycott. Since gaining independence from Pakistan in 1971, only a few of Bangladesh’s elections have been deemed “free and fair,” raising concerns about the democratic process in the country.

The historical backdrop of Bangladesh’s elections reveals a recurring pattern of political turmoil, electoral disputes, and power transitions. The upcoming election is no exception, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s refusal to accept the opposition Bangladesh National Party’s (BNP) call for a neutral caretaker government has led to the BNP’s decision to boycott the polls.

Widespread speculation about potential vote tampering has drawn attention from the international community. Charles Whiteley, the European Union ambassador to Bangladesh, expressed concerns about the election’s conditions, leading the EU to decide against sending a full observer team. The deployment of the military ahead of the elections reflects fears of potential violence.

A Historical Overview:

1. 1973 – Awami League’s Controversial Victory: Following the country’s independence, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, orchestrated the first elections but faced allegations of kidnapping opposition leaders and electoral manipulation, setting the stage for autocratic rule.
2. 1979-1980s – Military Rule and Sham Elections: The military takeover after Rahman’s assassination led to a series of elections widely viewed as shams, with accusations of vote rigging and low voter turnout.
3. 1991 – Interim Caretaker Government: Under an interim caretaker government led by Chief Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, the 1991 elections were seen as neutral, resulting in a narrow victory for Khaleda Zia’s BNP.
4. 2001 – Power Shifts to BNP: The 2001 elections, held under a caretaker government, saw the BNP securing a majority amid accusations of violence targeting minority Hindus.
5. 2006-2008 – Political Crisis: The absence of elections in 2006 triggered a political crisis, marked by protests, violence, and military intervention, eventually leading to elections in 2008.
6. 2014 – Abolition of Caretaker Government and Crackdown: The removal of the caretaker provision in 2011 paved the way for the controversial 2014 elections, marked by a crackdown on the opposition, including house arrest for BNP leader Khaleda Zia.
7. 2018 – Allegations of Rigging: The introduction of electronic voting in 2018 didn’t prevent accusations of rigging, violence, and voter suppression, resulting in the Awami League’s landslide victory.

2024 – BNP Boycotts Again

Amid the ongoing demand for a neutral caretaker government, the BNP has opted to boycott the 2024 elections. The ruling Awami League’s influence over the electoral system raises concerns about the fairness of the process, with predictions of Prime Minister Hasina securing a fifth consecutive term, making her the longest-serving leader in Bangladesh’s history.

In the backdrop of this troubled electoral history, Bangladesh faces a critical juncture, where questions about the democratic process and the legitimacy of its political institutions remain at the forefront of national and international discourse.

Source: Aljazeera English.