Photo : Collected
Bangladesh Awami League, led by Bangabandhu daughter Sheikh Hasina, is expected to form government for a fourth consecutive term following a landslide victory in the 12th national parliamentary election. Since 2008, the party has consistently won absolute majorities in the four elections held. Originating from the forefront of the struggle for Bangladesh’s independence, the Awami League first gained power with a decisive majority in the 1973 election.
Enduring a tumultuous period of military rule and subsequent challenges during a decade of parliamentary democracy, the Awami League faced adversity with the rise of religious extremists. However, from 2008 onwards, the party demonstrated political strength.
In the recently concluded 12th National Parliament elections, the Awami League secured a dominant position by winning 225 seats out of 298. Independent candidates claimed 61 seats, the Jatiya Party secured 11, and the Kalyan Party earned 1 seat. Voting was not held in one constituency due to a candidate’s death, and another seat’s result was pending due to a polling suspension.
Amidst concerns about the election’s fairness, international observers declared the 12th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh “free, fair, and safe.” They commended the Election Commission for its successful and efficient conduct of the election.
Sheikh Hasina is expected to secure her fourth consecutive term as Prime Minister and fifth term in office. Having previously assumed the role of president of the National Council of the Awami League in 1981 while abroad, she has demonstrated exceptional achievements and success as both a party leader and Prime Minister.
With the newly elected Members of Parliament preparing to take their oaths and the formation of the new cabinet on the horizon, congratulations are extended to the incoming government. While recognising the government’s past successes, there is a call for concerted efforts to establish a peaceful country.
Maintaining stability in the nation is important, as there is no substitute for peace, security, development, and progress. Among the primary challenges are political and economic issues. Reforms in the banking sector are imperative. Eradication of all forms of irregularities, corruption, and malfeasance is also mandatory.
Addressing challenges such as the dollar crisis, the reserve crisis, liquidity issues in the banking sector, high inflation, and declines in import-export, export income, and remittances is essential. These factors currently paint a fragile picture of the overall economy, and resolving those will contribute to gifting the nation with prosperity.
Messenger/Disha
