On 7 January 2024, Bangladesh held its 12th parliamentary election, which resulted in a resounding victory for the ruling Awami League (AL) party, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Why did the people of Bangladesh choose to re-elect the AL for the fourth consecutive term, despite the allegations of corruption, authoritarianism, and human rights violations by the opposition and some critics? The answer lies in the remarkable economic and social development that Bangladesh has achieved under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, as well as the political stability and security that she has ensured in a turbulent region.
Bangladesh is not the only country that has opted for continuity and stability in its governance. If we look at Russia, Vladimir Putin has been continuously elected by their citizens since 2000, with the exception of a four-year term as prime minister from 2008 to 2012. Putin has enjoyed high popularity ratings among Russians, who credit him for restoring Russia’s status as a global power, improving the living standards of the people, and maintaining order and stability in the face of external and internal threats. Putin has also pursued an ambitious agenda of modernization and diversification of the Russian economy, as well as strengthening the country’s defense and security capabilities.
Similarly, the people of Bangladesh have recognized the achievements and vision of Sheikh Hasina, who has transformed Bangladesh from a poor and aid-dependent country to a lower-middle income country with a fast-growing economy. Bangladesh has been one of the worlds top performers in terms of GDP growth, averaging 6.5% annually over the past decade, and reaching 8.2% in 2023. Bangladesh has also made impressive progress in reducing poverty, improving human development indicators, and empowering women and marginalized groups. Bangladesh has also become a leader in the fields of disaster management, climate change adaptation, and digital innovation.
Under the brave leadership of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has also joined the Next Eleven (N-11) group of countries, which are expected to become some of the worlds largest economies in the 21st century, following the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China). The N-11, a term coined by Goldman Sachs in 2005, includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea, Turkey, and Vietnam. These countries share common characteristics such as large and young populations, dynamic and diverse economies, and strategic locations. Bangladesh has the potential to become a regional hub for trade, investment, and connectivity, as well as a voice for the developing world on the global stage.
One of the challenges that Bangladesh faces is to maintain political stability and security in a volatile and complex region. Bangladesh shares borders with India, Myanmar, and has to balance its relations with these powers including China, as well as with other neighboring countries and international partners. Bangladesh has also faced threats from terrorism, extremism, and radicalization, which have been countered by the governments firm and decisive actions. Sheikh Hasina has also pursued a policy of zero tolerance for corruption, and has taken steps to reform and strengthen the institutions of democracy, such as the judiciary, the parliament, and the media.
The election results show that the people of Bangladesh have given a clear mandate to the AL to carry on its development agenda for the next five years. The AL announced its list of candidates for the 2024 polls on 26 November 2023, which included many new faces, young leaders, and women representatives, The AL also formed alliances with several smaller parties, such as the Jatiya Party (Ershad), the Workers Party, the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, and the Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, to broaden its support base and ensure a peaceful and inclusive election.
The AL has also outlined its vision and goals for the future of Bangladesh in its election manifesto, titled “Bangladesh on the March to Prosperity”. The manifesto highlights the achievements of the AL government in the past 10 years, and sets out the plans and targets for the next five years. Some of the key areas of focus include:
* Achieving a double-digit GDP growth rate by 2024, and becoming a high-income country by 2041.
* Completing the mega projects, such as the Padma Bridge, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the Payra Deep Sea Port, and the Dhaka Metro Rail, that will boost the country’s infrastructure and connectivity.
* Enhancing the quality and access of education, health, and social services, and ensuring the welfare and rights of all citizens, especially women, children, and minorities.
* Strengthening the democracy and rule of law, and ensuring good governance, transparency, and accountability in all sectors.
* Promoting a culture of peace, harmony, and tolerance, and combating terrorism, extremism, and communalism.
* Protecting the environment and natural resources, and addressing the challenges of climate change and natural disasters.
* Expanding the role and influence of Bangladesh in the regional and international arena, and fostering friendly and cooperative relations with all countries.
The people of Bangladesh have entrusted the AL with the responsibility of fulfilling these goals and aspirations, and have expressed their confidence and trust in the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. The AL has also pledged to work with all stakeholders, including the opposition, the civil society, the media, and the international community, to ensure the smooth and successful implementation of its agenda. The AL has also appealed to the people to remain vigilant and united against any attempts to disrupt the peace and stability of the country, and to uphold the spirit and values of the liberation war.
The 2024 election marks a historic moment for Bangladesh. The people of Bangladesh have chosen to honor the legacy of the father of the nation, and to follow the path of his daughter, Sheikh Hasina, who has dedicated her life to the service of the nation. The people of Bangladesh have chosen the right government, and have shown the world that they are ready to march towards prosperity and glory.
