• Source:JND

Bangladesh is going to a decisive election today as the citizens are set to elect a new popular government after over one and a half years of former PM Sheikh Hasina's ouster and violent demonstrations in July-August 2024.

The elections are not only decisive for the people of Bangladesh but are also crucial for the dynamic of South Asia and hence are being watched across the world.

BNP expected to take lead

As Sheikh Hasina's party is banned from contesting the polls, two of the main contenders are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Tarique Rahman and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

Although BNP is expected to have an early lead, the BJI could also surprise, as surveys show a close contest between them.

India watches closely

In particular, India is keenly watching the outcome as a possible change of guard will have implications for various aspects of India-Bangladesh relations, including border security, stability in the Northeast and regional balance.

ALSO READ: Insurgency In North East To Atrocities On Hindus: Why India Will Closely Watch Bangladesh Polls

India's stance, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs, is to pursue the bilateral relations with the same zeal as earlier, irrespective of which government comes to power after the elections. Regarding the meetings with BNP and Jamaat leaders, MEA sources, cited by a Jagran.com report, said that so far, there has been no indication from the leaders of either party that they are downplaying the importance of relations with India.

Historically, India and Bangladesh relations have remained more cordial under Sheikh Hasina's rule than under BNP's Khaleda Zia, who recently passed away.

The relations saw a contained low under the Mohd Yunus-led interim government. At present, the hopes are to get a counterpart which can engage in normalising the relationship once again.

As experts suggest BNP to play as a good and engaging counterpart to India, BJI has also expressed its willingness to work closely with New Delhi to build "strong, respectful and mutually beneficial".

While talking to The Pioneer in Dhaka, BJI chief Shafiqur Rahman said that diplomacy would be guided by national interest and the will of the people.

He also said that he would visit India if his party formed the government.

On the other hand, BNP National Executive member Zeeba Amina Khan said that it wants neighbourly relations with India with a focus on resolving the border issues.

However, Khan also urged India to respect the sentiment of the Bangladeshi people on the extradition of Hasina.

ALSO READ: Bangladesh Election: Can Jamaat-e-Islami Emerge As A Power Centre? THESE Factors Might Work For Party

Bangladesh polls

  • Total voters: 127 million
  • Total candidates: 1,981
  • Seats and centres: 42,779 centres in 299 constituencies
  • Contestants: BNP leading 10-party coalition, BJI leading 11-party coalition
  • Poling time: Starting 7:30 AM, the voting will continue till 4:30 PM
  • National Referendum: People will also vote in the referendum along with elections to implement the 84 recommendations of the July Charter.

Also In News