Bangladesh - November 2023

Several opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have formally announced their boycott of the upcoming general election set for 7 January 2024. The parties had earlier refused to submit candidate nominations on the last day of the filing period. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed her party members to set up “dummy candidates” in uncontested seats, which some political analysts criticize as a move toward making the election appear inclusive and competitive. Rights experts have questioned the possibility of a free and fair election amid reports of an ongoing "systematic crackdown on opposition members." Human Rights Watch notes that nearly 10,000 activists have been arrested by Bangladesh authorities since 28 October, with key opposition leaders and supporters targeted.  

Sources: ANFREL, Human Rights Watch, The Diplomat, VOA News, The Daily Star