Why this could be Bangladesh’s ‘most historic’ electionpublished at 06:15 GMT
06:15 GMT
Soutik Biswas
India Correspondent
Is this the most historic election in Bangladesh’s history – or simply another turn in a turbulent political journey?
It may well be the former.
Shafqat Munir of Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), a think tank, offers a stark view: for 17 years, Bangladeshis have not had a genuine chance to vote.
“The last proper election was in December 2008; everything since has been a fixed match,” he says.
Nearly 60 million young voters have never “experienced a real contest” – to them, elections evoke “ballot stuffing and irregularities”.
There is excitement about reclaiming the ballot – but also caution.
“Apprehension remains high, fuelled by disinformation,” Munir says.
Yet he sees promise. This campaign has been far less violent than previous polls and marked by unexpected civility.
“This is not just about casting ballots,” he says. “It is about a suppressed nation reclaiming its voice – perhaps the beginning of a golden hour.”
Image source, NurPhoto via Getty Images)Image caption,
BNP supporters at an election meeting in Bangladesh