Bangladesh witnessed a historic and peaceful election on Sunday, as millions of voters cast their ballots to elect the 12th parliament. According to Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal, the voter turnout was nearly 40 percent of the total number of eligible voters, which may increase after the final count. This marks a significant moment for the country’s democracy and stability.

You can also read: International Observers Applaud Bangladesh’s Election

The election was held in a calm and democratic atmosphere, with only a few irregularities and incidents of violence reported. The government deployed nearly 800,000 security forces to guard polling booths and troops were mobilized nationwide to assist in maintaining peace. The voters expressed their confidence and enthusiasm in the electoral process, as they lined up to exercise their franchise.

Foreign Observers Declare Election Fair, Awami League Happy With

The election was also praised by foreign observers, who visited several centres and monitored the voting. Jim Bates, a four-term former US Congressman and current election observer from the US, described the election as “free and fair”. “I would like to say it is a free and fair election already,” he told reporters. He also commended the people of Bangladesh for their participation and passion. “At this point, it looks peaceful. Hopefully that will remain the case throughout the day,” another observer said.

Another observer, Chief Electoral Officer of Palestine Hisham Kuhali, said Bangladeshis should be proud of the electoral procedures that are in place and expressed satisfaction over the smooth completion of the vote casting. “We noticed a quiet and peaceful election. We have not noticed any sign of violence,” he told reporters at a media briefing at a Dhaka hotel. Kuhali said the procedures of casting votes were very simple and straightforward. “This is very good by international standards,” he said, referring to the time it takes to cast a vote.

“A large number of voters are coming to cast their votes in a festive atmosphere despite the extreme cold. Local and foreign observers and journalists are observing this,” said Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, who expressed his gratitude to the people for their participation and enthusiasm while casting his own vote in Noakhali.

He added: “The essence and beauty of democracy is the election. Until now, everyone heard that the elections would not be participatory, free, and fair. But now, everyone can see that people are coming to polling stations to cast their votes despite the severe cold. This is the success of the election and the beauty of democracy.”

“Despite BNP’s anti-election propaganda and attempts to create panic among the public, the voter turnout across the country is satisfactory,” countered Awami League Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua, who spoke at a press conference organized at the Dhaka District Awami League office in the capital’s Tejgaon area.

He denounced the BNP’s allegations as baseless and fabricated and urged the people to reject the politics of violence and division. He also praised the security forces and the election commission for ensuring a peaceful and fair election.

A Triumph for PM Hasina

The election was also a moment of triumph for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her determination to see the elections through despite a violent campaign of arson, murder, and intimidation has borne fruit.  The large participation and overall peaceful environment has ensured not only the continuation of democracy but also a continuation of economic stability and prosperity. 

In her latest 15 years in power, Hasina, 76, has been credited with turning around Bangladesh’s economy and harboring sustained economic growth. Under her leadership, Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in poverty reduction, social development, infrastructure, and regional cooperation. She has also taken a strong stance against terrorism and extremism and provided humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.

Hasina, accompanied by her daughter and other family members, voted at Dhaka’s City College minutes after polling began at 8 a.m. “Bangladesh is a sovereign country and people are my power,” PM Hasina said after voting, adding she hoped her party would win the people’s mandate. “I am trying my best to ensure that democracy should continue in this country,” she added. Hasina said she did not need to prove the credibility of the election to anyone. “What is important is if the people of Bangladesh will accept this election.”

The people of Bangladesh have indeed accepted the election, and have shown their trust and support for Hasina and her vision. The 40 percent voter turnout, despite the challenges posed by the BNP’s campaign of violence and the winter weather, reflects the inclusive and participatory nature of the election. The people have chosen democracy stability, and harmony over chaos, corruption, and violence. The election is not only a victory for democracy but also for Bangladesh and its future.