Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Bangladesh Politicians Make Last Appeals Ahead of General Elections


(MENAFN) As campaigning for Bangladesh’s general elections draws to a close, leading political figures addressed the nation on Monday, presenting their final appeals to voters, according to reports.

Thursday’s elections will be the first since the mass uprising in July 2024 that ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule—a conflict in which roughly 1,400 people were killed and thousands more injured, according to the UN.

The main electoral contest involves two major alliances: the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its former ally, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The National Citizen Party (NCP), founded by student leaders who spearheaded the 2024 uprising, has joined the Jamaat-led coalition.

Analysts suggest that no alliance is guaranteed victory, citing tight races in numerous polls and the influential role of Generation Z voters, who are demanding transparent, accountable governance.

In a televised address Monday night, BNP chairperson and prime minister hopeful Tarique Rahman pledged to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and promote an inclusive society. The son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia stated, “if elected, the BNP government will be as strict as it can be in controlling corruption in the country. The rule of law will be re-established.”

Shafiqur Rahman, leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, called on citizens to think “ethically” in order to create a hopeful Bangladesh, emphasizing that the July 2024 uprising was aimed at establishing a nation free from discrimination, changing entrenched political patterns, and ending the grip of dynastic leadership.

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