Feb 9 • 05:06 UTC 🇮🇳 India Aaj Tak (Hindi)

BNP vs Jamaat... Bangladesh prepares for elections after 18 months of turmoil

Bangladesh has completed preparations for its upcoming elections, set to take place on February 12, after a period of political instability lasting 18 months.

After 18 months of significant political unrest, Bangladesh is gearing up for its general elections, with voting scheduled to begin in less than 72 hours. The elections will be a pivotal moment for the Bengali citizens, who will also need to decide on a constitutional amendment that arose from protests initiated by the Awami League's adversaries seeking to unseat Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladesh Election Commission has reported readiness across voting centers nationwide, with ballots to be cast for 299 parliamentary seats following the death of a Jamaat candidate that has left one seat vacant.

Voting will commence at 7:30 AM and is expected to continue until approximately 4:30 PM, when the counting of ballots will begin. The Election Commission estimates that it may take up to 24 hours to announce the results. The momentous vote, gathering a total of approximately 12.76 crore voters, including 6.28 crore women, represents a critical juncture for the nation. Political tensions have been escalating, with reports of election-related violence emerging as party supporters from the BNP and Jamaat clash in various regions.

As the country approaches this crucial electoral event, the outcomes have implications not just for the political landscape of Bangladesh but also for regional stability and international observers watching the developments. The situation calls for vigilance from all parties involved to ensure a free and fair democratic process, given the context of unrest and the fierce political rivalry between the ruling party and opposition factions.

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