Days after announcing the national polls date, Bangladesh interim leader Muhammad Yunus said that there was "no way" he wanted to continue in power after the polls in April next year. While answering questions at London's foreign policy think tank Chatham House, Yunus dismissed talks of him joining the government after polls.&nbsp;When asked if he was seeking any political post, the 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner said there was "no way" he would do that, waving his hands in the air for emphasis. He added that his aim was to ensure a smooth transition of power.&nbsp;"I think none of our cabinet members would like to do that, not only me", he added. "Our job is to make sure that the transition is managed well, and that people are happy when we hand over power to the elected government…So we want to make sure that the election is right, that is a very critical factor for us. If the election is wrong, this thing will never be solved again".&nbsp;Yunus took over as the interim head of Bangladesh in August 2024 after large-scale protests overthrew Sheikh Hasina's government and she was forced to flee the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stating that the government under him wants to create a new Bangladesh, Yunus added that a "big package" of proposals will be unveiled next month. He called this as "July Charter" and said that it would mark one year since the students launched the demonstrations that toppled Hasina.The aim of the package was to overhaul democratic institutions after Hasina's tenure, he said. "We want to say goodbye to the old Bangladesh and create a new Bangladesh", Yunus said.&nbsp;In response to a question about the Bangladesh Awami League, Yunus said that there is a debate over whether the Awami League can truly be called a political party when it is accused of killing young people, making citizens disappear and stealing public money. "Would you still call it a political party? So, that's a debate, not a judgement," he said.&nbsp;Amid mounting pressure, Yunus on June 6 announced that national elections will be held in April next year. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the party seen as the election frontrunner in Bangladesh has rejected Muhammad Yunus' new dates for polls, reiterating its demands for December elections. The BNP listed several roadblocks that could be faced if elections are held in April 2026 and added that Yunus has not provided satisfactory reasoning as to why polls cannot be held this year.

When asked if he was seeking any political post, Bangladesh interim leader Muhammad Yunus said no way

Days after announcing the national polls date, Bangladesh interim leader Muhammad Yunus said that there was "no way" he wanted to continue in power after the polls in April next year. While answering questions at London's foreign policy think tank Chatham House, Yunus dismissed talks of him joining the government after polls. When asked if he was seeking any political post, the 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner said there was "no way" he would do that, waving his hands in the air for emphasis. He added that his aim was to ensure a smooth transition of power. "I think none of our cabinet members would like to do that, not only me", he added. "Our job is to make sure that the transition is managed well, and that people are happy when we hand over power to the elected government…So we want to make sure that the election is right, that is a very critical factor for us. If the election is wrong, this thing will never be solved again". Yunus took over as the interim head of Bangladesh in August 2024 after large-scale protests overthrew Sheikh Hasina's government and she was forced to flee the country. Stating that the government under him wants to create a new Bangladesh, Yunus added that a "big package" of proposals will be unveiled next month. He called this as "July Charter" and said that it would mark one year since the students launched the demonstrations that toppled Hasina. The aim of the package was to overhaul democratic institutions after Hasina's tenure, he said. "We want to say goodbye to the old Bangladesh and create a new Bangladesh", Yunus said. In response to a question about the Bangladesh Awami League, Yunus said that there is a debate over whether the Awami League can truly be called a political party when it is accused of killing young people, making citizens disappear and stealing public money. "Would you still call it a political party? So, that's a debate, not a judgement," he said. Amid mounting pressure, Yunus on June 6 announced that national elections will be held in April next year. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the party seen as the election frontrunner in Bangladesh has rejected Muhammad Yunus' new dates for polls, reiterating its demands for December elections. The BNP listed several roadblocks that could be faced if elections are held in April 2026 and added that Yunus has not provided satisfactory reasoning as to why polls cannot be held this year.

When asked if he was seeking any political post, Bangladesh interim leader Muhammad Yunus said "no way"

'When we hand over power...': Bangladesh's Yunus not in race for top post, reveals his real 'job' for April 2026 polls

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has asked for an early election in Bangladesh on Wednesday, placing additional pressure on the interim government led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus.&nbsp;For the past 10 months, this is for the first time that the BNP challenged the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, and disparaged its key initiatives such as the so-called "humanitarian corridor" between Myanmar and Bangladesh.&nbsp;"Excuses are already being made about the national elections. Despite 10 months having passed, the interim government has not declared the election date yet," said Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the BNP, speaking at the rally via video link from London.&nbsp;Yunus had previously said that elections would take place in December 2025 but later moved the timeline to February 2026 and later to June 2026.&nbsp;Although Yunus' reforms are ongoing, his banning the Awami League could be the biggest and most far-reaching success for opposition parties like Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami who went mute under Sheikh Hasina's regime.&nbsp;&nbsp;The BNP is organising countrywide protests, calling for immediate reforms so that the general elections can be conducted. The party is evidently losing its patience as a complete ban on the Awami League gives it an even better chance to get elected after such a long hiatus.&nbsp;India's MEA rejects Yunus's India destabilising Bangladesh claim&nbsp;The ministry of external affairs on Thursday (May 29) dismissed Bangladesh's chief adviser Muhammad Yunus's claims that New Delhi is ‘destabilising’ his country. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Bangladesh's accusations were an attempt to deflect attention from real issues. &nbsp;"As far as the government there is concerned, the responsibility for law and order and governance issues lies entirely with that government," Jaiswal said. "In such a situation, if someone says that external factors or someone else is to blame for the disturbances, it appears that they are trying to deflect attention from the real issue and shift the blame onto others. Such statements do not solve the problem; they seem like an attempt to avoid accountability," he added.&nbsp;US Embassy in Bangladesh issues advisory for its citizens&nbsp;Amid the ongoing political tension unfolding in Bangladesh, the US Embassy in Bangladesh has issued an advisory for its citizens.&nbsp;It read, “Due to the recent increase in the frequency of protests across Bangladesh, US&nbsp;citizens should practice vigilance and remember that demonstrations intended to be&nbsp;peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence, and can occur with little&nbsp;notice. &nbsp;You should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large&nbsp;gatherings. &nbsp;Review personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings,&nbsp;including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.”&nbsp;Actions to Take:<ul><li>Monitor local media for updates</li><li>Avoid crowds</li><li>Avoid demonstrations</li><li>Be aware of your surroundings</li><li>Review your personal security plans</li></ul>

Bangladesh political turmoil: Call for early elections heats up as Yunus government delays persist

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has asked for an early election in Bangladesh on Wednesday, placing additional pressure on the interim government led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus. For the past 10 months, this is for the first time that the BNP challenged the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, and disparaged its key initiatives such as the so-called "humanitarian corridor" between Myanmar and Bangladesh. "Excuses are already being made about the national elections. Despite 10 months having passed, the interim government has not declared the election date yet," said Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the BNP, speaking at the rally via video link from London. Yunus had previously said that elections would take place in December 2025 but later moved the timeline to February 2026 and later to June 2026. Although Yunus' reforms are ongoing, his banning the Awami League could be the biggest and most far-reaching success for opposition parties like Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami who went mute under Sheikh Hasina's regime. The BNP is organising countrywide protests, calling for immediate reforms so that the general elections can be conducted. The party is evidently losing its patience as a complete ban on the Awami League gives it an even better chance to get elected after such a long hiatus. India's MEA rejects Yunus's India destabilising Bangladesh claim The ministry of external affairs on Thursday (May 29) dismissed Bangladesh's chief adviser Muhammad Yunus's claims that New Delhi is ‘destabilising’ his country. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Bangladesh's accusations were an attempt to deflect attention from real issues. "As far as the government there is concerned, the responsibility for law and order and governance issues lies entirely with that government," Jaiswal said. "In such a situation, if someone says that external factors or someone else is to blame for the disturbances, it appears that they are trying to deflect attention from the real issue and shift the blame onto others. Such statements do not solve the problem; they seem like an attempt to avoid accountability," he added. US Embassy in Bangladesh issues advisory for its citizens Amid the ongoing political tension unfolding in Bangladesh, the US Embassy in Bangladesh has issued an advisory for its citizens. It read, “Due to the recent increase in the frequency of protests across Bangladesh, US citizens should practice vigilance and remember that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence, and can occur with little notice. You should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings. Review personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.” Actions to Take: Monitor local media for updates Avoid crowds Avoid demonstrations Be aware of your surroundings Review your personal security plans

For the first time in nearly a year, Bangladesh Nationalist Party has challenged the interim government led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus

As per reports, Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, pledged publicly in Dhaka on Sunday to hold elections. But there’s a catch—Yunus insists that a ‘free, fair, and participatory’ election can only occur after the interim government completes its ‘mandate’ to implement what he describes as ‘vital reforms.’

Bangladesh: The 'forever' government of Dhaka

Bangladesh's interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Sunday (August 18) did not provide any timeline for the promised "free and fair elections" in the South Asian nation and instead emphasised that he has the "mandate" of carrying out "vital reforms" in the country.

The Nobel laureate accused deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of destroying every institution of the country in her efforts to stay in power. He repeated the&nbsp;promise of holding a&nbsp;free, fair, and participatory election but did not give any timeline for the same.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nobel-laureate-muhammad-yunus-takes-over-as-chief-adviser-of-bangladeshs-interim-government-748510">Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus takes over as Bangladesh government's interim leader</a>

Deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned to power in January elections widely denounced by the Opposition for its alleged lack of participatory nature alongside purported high-handedness of government functionaries from Hasina's Awami League party.&nbsp;

Hasina, 76, resigned and fled to India on August 5 following a massive protest by students against a controversial quota system in government jobs.

After Hasina's ouster, 84-year-old Yunus took oath as the Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8.

The chief adviser said elections were rigged blatantly and generations of young people grew up without exercising their voting rights.

“Banks were robbed with full political patronisation. And the State coffer was plundered by abusing power,” Yunus said, adding that they will also make sincere efforts to promote national reconciliation.

"In their efforts to stay in power, Sheikh Hasina's dictatorship destroyed every institution of the country. The judiciary was broken. Democratic rights were suppressed through a brutal decade-and-a-half long crackdown," United News of Bangladesh quoted Yunus as saying through his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

Yunus also briefed diplomats stationed in Dhaka for the first time since the interim government's inception.

Yunus said he took over a country that was in many ways a complete mess. He&nbsp;added that the top priority of the interim government would be to bring the law and order situation under control.

"We will be close to normalcy within a short period, with the unwavering support of our people and patriotic armed forces," Yunus said.

He sought the international community’s support to rebuild Bangladesh.

On the Rohingya issue, he said the interim government will continue to support the million-plus Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh.

"We need sustained efforts of the international community for Rohingya humanitarian operations and their eventual repatriation to their homeland, Myanmar, with safety, dignity and full rights," Yunus said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh's interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Sunday (August 18) did not provide any timeline for the promised "free and fair elections" in the South Asian nation and instead emphasised that he has the "mandate" of carrying out "vital reforms" in the country.

Bangladesh's interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Sunday (August 18) did not provide any timeline for the promised "free and fair elections" in the South Asian nation and instead emphasised that he has the "mandate" of carrying out "vital reforms" in the country. The Nobel laureate accused deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of destroying every institution of the country in her efforts to stay in power. He repeated the promise of holding a free, fair, and participatory election but did not give any timeline for the same. Also read | Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus takes over as Bangladesh government's interim leader Deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned to power in January elections widely denounced by the Opposition for its alleged lack of participatory nature alongside purported high-handedness of government functionaries from Hasina's Awami League party. Hasina, 76, resigned and fled to India on August 5 following a massive protest by students against a controversial quota system in government jobs. After Hasina's ouster, 84-year-old Yunus took oath as the Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8. The chief adviser said elections were rigged blatantly and generations of young people grew up without exercising their voting rights. “Banks were robbed with full political patronisation. And the State coffer was plundered by abusing power,” Yunus said, adding that they will also make sincere efforts to promote national reconciliation. "In their efforts to stay in power, Sheikh Hasina's dictatorship destroyed every institution of the country. The judiciary was broken. Democratic rights were suppressed through a brutal decade-and-a-half long crackdown," United News of Bangladesh quoted Yunus as saying through his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Yunus also briefed diplomats stationed in Dhaka for the first time since the interim government's inception. Yunus said he took over a country that was in many ways a complete mess. He added that the top priority of the interim government would be to bring the law and order situation under control. "We will be close to normalcy within a short period, with the unwavering support of our people and patriotic armed forces," Yunus said. He sought the international community’s support to rebuild Bangladesh. On the Rohingya issue, he said the interim government will continue to support the million-plus Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh. "We need sustained efforts of the international community for Rohingya humanitarian operations and their eventual repatriation to their homeland, Myanmar, with safety, dignity and full rights," Yunus said. (With inputs from agencies)

No elections in Bangladesh? Yunus puts 'vital reforms' before participatory poll promise

The chief of the interim government in Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, on Sunday vowed to conduct a free and fair participatory election in the country after key institutes like Election Commission, judiciary, civil administration, security forces and media are reformed. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh interim head promises free & fair elections

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made a significant revelation. She stated that a foreign power offered her an easy path to re-election in the January 7 polls on the condition that she allowed the said foreign country to construct an airbase within Bangladeshi territory. Although she did not name the foreign power that made the offer, the Bangladeshi prime minister described the individual as a "white man."

Gravitas: Sheikh Hasina's big revelation, 'Was offered re-election for airbase in Bangladesh'

In Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is poised to secure another term amid criticism of authoritarian tendencies.

Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina claims BNP 'terrorist organisation' | BNP cliams 25,000 members behind bars

Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina all set for fifth term, election officials say 'voting was peaceful'

Bangladesh on Sunday began voting in the 12th general elections. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to win a fourth straight term and the fifth overall for her Awami League-led alliance in this general election which is boycotted by the main opposition party BNP and marred by violence ahead of the vote.

Bangladesh General Elections: PM Sheikh Hasina's Awami league set for fourth consecutive term

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has boycotted the ongoing 12th parliamentary elections, after PM Sheikh Hasina denied its demand to resign and let a caretaker government run the election.

Bangladesh General Elections: Opposition BNP and allies parties boycott polls

Bangladesh General Elections: PM Sheikh Hasina set to get another term

Bangladesh General Elections: Sheikh Hasina's Awami league set for fourth consecutive term

Bangladesh General Elections: Bangladesh goes to poll amid boycott and strikes

General elections in Bangladesh are currently underway amid isolated incidents of pre-poll violence and boycotting of elections by key opposition leaders. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to win a fourth straight term in the absence of the main Opposition BNP.

Bangladesh General Elections: Voting underway with main Opposition boycotting polls

Bangladesh General Elections: PM Sheikh Hasina set to get another term in absence of main opposition

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is boycotted the ongoing 12th parliamentary elections, after PM Sheikh Hasina denied its demand to resign and let a caretaker government run the election.

Bangladesh General Elections: Nationalist parties boycotts parliamentary elections

Bangladesh on Sunday began voting in the 12th general elections. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to win a fourth straight term. WION tells you, from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Sheikh Hasina- how Dhaka's politics has come a long way.

Bangladesh General Elections: The politics of Bangladesh

As Bangladesh goes to the polls today, the big question has emerged - Will it be a one-woman show? Sheikh Hasina's opposition parties have boycotted the general elections. What's next for Bangladesh?

Bangladesh Election 2024: Does this election matter?

For the latest tenure of Dhaka's Jatiya Sangsad, Bangladesh's supreme legislative body, while the numbers are not entirely in, the verdict is already out. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League (AL) party looks set to win the country's twelfth parliamentary polls after the conclusion of the voting process on Sunday (Jan 7).

This will be Hasina's fourth term in a row and fifth prime ministerial term in total, following a national&nbsp;election boycotted by the principal opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and reports of voter suppression, and vote-rigging tactics by Hasina's&nbsp;ruling party. In boycotting elections, Hasina's party has accused the BNP of adopting fundamentalist tactics.

<img alt="Bangladesh held its 12th parliamentary election on Sunday, Jan 7, 2023" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1225f151-569d-4402-89ed-fa6bf26d445d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-07T134714.120.png" />

Bangladesh held its 12th parliamentary election on Sunday, Jan 7, 2023 | Agencies

On the voting day, the website of a newspaper critical of the Hasina government was blocked for several hours. A prominent daily from Dhaka reported on alleged obstruction to the voting process by using indirect euphemisms: 'Three Boat supporters jailed for obstructing voters', the publication reported with the boat being the election symbol of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League (AL) Party.&nbsp;

While&nbsp;Kazi Habibul Awal, the Chief Election Commissioner in Dhaka requested the media to highlight the purported transparency in the voting process, he ended up pointing out that he could see only Awami League's polling agents in the voting centres he visited in the Bangladesh capital. Note that a total of '<a href="https://x.com/albd1971/status/1743880385237491979?s=20">28 registered parties</a>' were in the fray with some 1,900 candidates vying for 300 seats of the Jatiya Sangsad.&nbsp;

Foreign observers from various capitals of the world, including New Delhi, Canberra, Oslo, and Washington DC, will report on their assessment of the credibility of the elections. But until then, a 40 per cent voter turnout&nbsp;speaks a story on its own.&nbsp;

<h2>Why does Sheikh&nbsp;Hasina matter for New Delhi and Beijing?</h2>

But Hasina's return to power is expected&nbsp;to keep the semblance of geoeconomic stability in the region. The question of who serves from Dhaka's Prime Minister's Office has had several ambitions to play out in recent times. From New Delhi's buffer state priorities to Beijing's Belt &amp; Road vision, as well as the strategic interests of Washington and Moscow's bid to partner with Dhaka in Bangladesh's infrastructure revamp projects.&nbsp;

Fifty-two years after Bangladesh&nbsp;came into being following a bloodied war for independence from present-day Pakistan, the country remains at an inflection point.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Its $400 billion economy&nbsp;grew at 7.1 per cent&nbsp;in 2022.

Hasina in power in Dhaka has been seen as pivotal to&nbsp;Bangladesh's growth and stability by New Delhi and Beijing, who see her&nbsp;as crucial to advancing their strategic interests in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.

Since coming to power in 2009, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's&nbsp;approach towards New Delhi and Beijing reflects a strategy to assort Bangladesh's&nbsp;national interests over zero-sum strategic affairs.

While pursuing an ambitious goal to achieve developed nation status for Bangladesh by 2041, Sheikh Hasina&nbsp;has strategically harnessed&nbsp;the strengths of both India and China with visits to New Delhi and Beijing aimed at&nbsp;balancing ties.

Dhaka is pursuing a modernisation project for Mongla port under Beijing's ambitious&nbsp;Belt and Road Initiative.&nbsp;

New Delhi's&nbsp;Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Corridor (BCIM) initiative too is another stride in the country's&nbsp;regional connectivity goals.&nbsp; 
<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/01/390573-modi-23.png?imwidth=3840" />

File photo of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi | Reuters

The continuity of investments by both New Delhi and Beijing depends on Hasina's return to power.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-2023-when-chinas-bri-dream-faced-an-italian-reality-check-674821">Xi Jinping's 2023: When China's BRI dream faced an Italian 'reality check'</a>

The fundamentalism in Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul&nbsp;has already challenged New Delhi's investments in Afghanistan. While Beijing's ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has also come under attack by Pakistani fundamentalists.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's economic success story under Hasina has given the region a semblance of stability. Both Beijing and New Delhi, therefore, view Sheikh Hasina's return as a sign of continued stability in the region.&nbsp;

For the latest tenure of Dhaka's Jatiya Sangsad, Bangladesh's supreme legislative body, while the numbers are not entirely in, the verdict is already out. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League (AL) party looks set to win the country's twelfth parliamentary polls after the conclusion of the voting process on Sunday (Jan 7).

For the latest tenure of Dhaka's Jatiya Sangsad, Bangladesh's supreme legislative body, while the numbers are not entirely in, the verdict is already out. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League (AL) party looks set to win the country's twelfth parliamentary polls after the conclusion of the voting process on Sunday (Jan 7). This will be Hasina's fourth term in a row and fifth prime ministerial term in total, following a national election boycotted by the principal opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and reports of voter suppression, and vote-rigging tactics by Hasina's ruling party. In boycotting elections, Hasina's party has accused the BNP of adopting fundamentalist tactics. Bangladesh held its 12th parliamentary election on Sunday, Jan 7, 2023 | Agencies On the voting day, the website of a newspaper critical of the Hasina government was blocked for several hours. A prominent daily from Dhaka reported on alleged obstruction to the voting process by using indirect euphemisms: 'Three Boat supporters jailed for obstructing voters', the publication reported with the boat being the election symbol of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League (AL) Party. While Kazi Habibul Awal, the Chief Election Commissioner in Dhaka requested the media to highlight the purported transparency in the voting process, he ended up pointing out that he could see only Awami League's polling agents in the voting centres he visited in the Bangladesh capital. Note that a total of '28 registered parties' were in the fray with some 1,900 candidates vying for 300 seats of the Jatiya Sangsad. Foreign observers from various capitals of the world, including New Delhi, Canberra, Oslo, and Washington DC, will report on their assessment of the credibility of the elections. But until then, a 40 per cent voter turnout speaks a story on its own. Why does Sheikh Hasina matter for New Delhi and Beijing? But Hasina's return to power is expected to keep the semblance of geoeconomic stability in the region. The question of who serves from Dhaka's Prime Minister's Office has had several ambitions to play out in recent times. From New Delhi's buffer state priorities to Beijing's Belt & Road vision, as well as the strategic interests of Washington and Moscow's bid to partner with Dhaka in Bangladesh's infrastructure revamp projects. Fifty-two years after Bangladesh came into being following a bloodied war for independence from present-day Pakistan, the country remains at an inflection point. Its $400 billion economy grew at 7.1 per cent in 2022. Hasina in power in Dhaka has been seen as pivotal to Bangladesh's growth and stability by New Delhi and Beijing, who see her as crucial to advancing their strategic interests in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. Since coming to power in 2009, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's approach towards New Delhi and Beijing reflects a strategy to assort Bangladesh's national interests over zero-sum strategic affairs. While pursuing an ambitious goal to achieve developed nation status for Bangladesh by 2041, Sheikh Hasina has strategically harnessed the strengths of both India and China with visits to New Delhi and Beijing aimed at balancing ties. Dhaka is pursuing a modernisation project for Mongla port under Beijing's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. New Delhi's Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Corridor (BCIM) initiative too is another stride in the country's regional connectivity goals. File photo of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi | Reuters The continuity of investments by both New Delhi and Beijing depends on Hasina's return to power. Also read | Xi Jinping's 2023: When China's BRI dream faced an Italian 'reality check' The fundamentalism in Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul has already challenged New Delhi's investments in Afghanistan. While Beijing's ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has also come under attack by Pakistani fundamentalists. Bangladesh's economic success story under Hasina has given the region a semblance of stability. Both Beijing and New Delhi, therefore, view Sheikh Hasina's return as a sign of continued stability in the region.

The Capitals: Dhaka's tryst with PM Sheikh Hasina-styled democracy

The first four hours of voting in the Bangladesh's 12th parliamentary elections saw a voter turnout of 18.50 per cent. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to secure a fourth straight term in office following a boycott led by the country's key opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Bangladesh General Elections: 18.5% voter turnout recorder till noon

The Election Commission (EC) reported irregularities and chaos in 37 polling centres across the country Bangladesh during the voting on Sunday. Eight people have been detained in connection with the incidents.

Bangladesh General Elections: Irregularities reported in 37 polling stations, 8 detained

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cast her vote immediately after the polling began at City College in the capital city Dhaka. PM Sheikh Hasina is set to win a fourth straight term and the fifth overall for her Awami League-led alliance as the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) boycotted the polls.

Bangladesh General Elections: PM Sheikh Hasina casts her vote as polling is underway

Sheikh Hasina's main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party- BNP has boycotted the general elections. For the past few months, the protests against Prime Minister Hasina have intensified. Against the backdrop of violence and crackdowns, what's the significance of this election? Is it turning into a one-woman show?