Bangladesh nervous on eve of elections amidst arson attacks, political tensions

New Delhi, Jan 6: As Bangladesh gears up for a general election, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, eyeing a fourth consecutive term, finds herself at the centre of a high-stakes political showdown. The polling, scheduled to commence at 8 am on Sunday and conclude at 4 pm, holds significant implications for the nation's future. Counting is slated to start immediately after the polling concludes, with initial results anticipated by Monday.

However, the political landscape is marred by a series of disturbing arson attacks, casting a shadow over the electoral process. A day before the crucial parliamentary elections, reports have surfaced of a series of ablaze of religious places, and goods trucks, on a national highway, and a commuter train allegedly ignited in flames on Friday. The train arson, claiming four lives, adds a grim dimension to the already tense atmosphere preceding the elections.

Law enforcement authorities in Bangladesh have swiftly responded, announcing the arrest of seven individuals on Saturday in connection with these incidents. The train fire, engulfing four coaches, is being labelled a deliberate act aimed at intimidating the public ahead of the vote. Observers say violence during elections is unfortunately common in Bangladesh.

The electoral showdown unfolds against the backdrop of an escalating political divide, led by two formidable women – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, currently under house arrest as an opposition leader. As the nation grapples with rising tensions and unsettling developments, the fire service reports a shocking surge in arson incidents, tallying at least fourteen within a matter of hours.

Opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have opted to boycott the elections, further complicating the political landscape. The ruling Awami League accuses the BNP of orchestrating a "reign of terror" to disrupt the electoral process. Prominent BNP politician Nabiullah Nabi, along with six-party activists, were arrested in connection with the train arson.

Expressing deep concern, United Nations Special Rapporteur Clément Nyaletsossi Voule criticized the "repressive" election environment in Bangladesh. Voule urged authorities to end the crackdown on political activists and civil society actors, emphasizing the need to refrain from excessive force and violence.

Around 119.1 million registered voters across 42,000 polling stations are eligible to vote. Troops deployed across the country, under the supervision of magistrates, reflect the standard practice in Bangladesh during general elections.

As the nation braces for the impending polls, an atmosphere charged with uncertainty and anxiety prevails, underscoring the critical crossroads at which Bangladesh finds itself.