Bangladesh enters historic election

Dhaka [Bangladesh], February 12: Bangladesh will hold general elections on February 12, following the overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government in 2024.
The aforementioned election is seen as a pivotal moment for the political stability of this nation of 175 million people, according to Reuters.
Analysts believe a clear and widely accepted outcome is crucial for restoring stability, after months of unrest and protests against Hasina disrupted key industries, including the garment industry - Bangladesh 's second-largest export sector in the world.
This race is a contest between two alliances led by former allies: the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party. Polls show the BNP holding the lead.
Unlike previous elections, which were met with boycotts and threats of violence, this time more than 2,000 candidates - including many independents - are vying for 300 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad (Bangladesh Lower House). At least 50 parties are participating, a record high.
Alongside the parliamentary elections, voters will also participate in a referendum on a series of constitutional reforms, including: establishing a neutral interim government during the election period, transitioning to a bicameral parliament, increasing women's representation, strengthening judicial independence, and imposing a two-term limit on the prime minister.
"This is not just an ordinary vote," declared Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Prize-winning economist and head of Bangladesh's interim government. He argued that the election was a constitutional expression of outrage over long-standing inequality and injustice.
On election day, more than 100,000 soldiers from the armed forces will support nearly 200,000 police officers in ensuring security.
The US is competing with China for influence.
Besides internal factors, the Bangladesh election is also taking place against the backdrop of a competition for influence among major powers in South Asia , according to Reuters.
Ambassador Brent T. Christensen of the United States in Dhaka said Washington is concerned about China's increasing presence in the region and intends to offer U.S. and allied defense systems as alternatives to Chinese equipment.
Recently, China signed a defense agreement with Bangladesh to build a drone manufacturing plant near the Indian border. Bangladesh is also in negotiations with Pakistan regarding the potential purchase of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets - a type of aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China.
Mr. Christensen emphasized that the US wants to maintain stable relations between Bangladesh and India, amidst deteriorating Dhaka-New Delhi relations since Ms. Hasina left the country. He also stated that many American businesses are considering investing in Bangladesh, but are awaiting clear signals from the new government regarding a more favorable business environment.
Currently, Chevron is one of the few American corporations with a long-standing presence in Bangladesh, while many others are hesitant due to high taxes and difficulties in repatriating profits.
Regarding the 1.2 million Rohingya refugees being assisted by Bangladesh, Ambassador Christensen affirmed: "The United States remains the largest contributor to the Rohingya refugee response and continues to maintain robust health programs in Bangladesh."
He also mentioned the $2 billion global funding framework that the US recently signed with the United Nations, aimed at improving the effectiveness and sustainability of relief efforts, including programs currently being implemented in Bangladesh.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper