Dhaka: As Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina appears poised to secure another term amid an election day marked by the absence of opposition, the 76-year-old leader expressed gratitude, emphasizing India as a "trusted friend." She acknowledged India's crucial support during the Liberation War in 1971, providing shelter to the people of Bangladesh.
Addressing her message to India on election day, Hasina stated, "We are very lucky. India is our trusted friend. During our Liberation War, they supported us. After 1975, when we lost our whole family, they gave us shelter. Our best wishes to the people of India."
The relationship between India and Bangladesh is characterized by historical, cultural, and economic ties, strengthening in recent years. Prime Minister Hasina and her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, share a close rapport with frequent personal interactions, advancing key bilateral issues like connectivity projects, trade liberalization, and border management.
Hasina, the leader of the ruling Awami League, is poised to secure a fourth consecutive term as Prime Minister, marking the fifth overall victory for her party. Notably, the election faces a boycott from the country's main opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The BNP, led by the ailing former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, opted to boycott the poll after Hasina rejected its demand for her resignation and the establishment of a caretaker government to oversee the election. In the lead-up to the election, the country experienced violence, and several polling booths were set ablaze on the eve of the election.
Experts attribute Bangladesh's exceptional economic growth to Hasina's leadership, transforming a nation once grappling with poverty. However, her administration faces accusations of widespread human rights abuses and a stern crackdown on the opposition.
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