Following a violent campaign and a boycott by the main opposition party, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League have won an overwhelming majority in Bangladesh’s parliamentary election, securing her and her party’s fourth consecutive term.
The Awami League won 216 seats out of 299, according to TV stations and nationwide journalistic networks, notwithstanding the Election Commission’s tardiness in declaring the results of Sunday’s election. The third-largest party in the nation, the Jatiya Party, received 11 seats, while independent candidates received 52. Late on Sunday night, the results for the remaining constituencies were still being received.
A total of 299 out of 300 parliamentary seats were up for election.
What does Sheikh Hasina’s win mean for India and the people of Bangladesh?
Relationships have grown stronger with every passing year between India and Bangladesh. The Sheikh Hasina administration is essential for India due to two factors: China’s increasing influence and India’s security worries.
Indian scholars contend that the emergence of Islamists and a security threat to India’s restive northeastern states will result from a victory for the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Whereas, both the Modi government and Hasina’s government have worked over the years on border security.
Sheikh Hasina’s tough stance against terrorists, separatists, and insurgents has eased India’s security burden while she has been prime minister of Bangladesh. Bangladesh maintained close cooperation with India in terms of intelligence sharing and security matters.
In January 2013, India and Bangladesh also signed an extradition treaty to guarantee that both countries would take the initiative to address security issues with one another.
As China has become increasingly entrenched in the South Asian country, Bangladesh’s relationship with China has changed dramatically.
In 2016, Bangladesh became a part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China is building a $1 billion American base for these submarines in Kutubdia in addition to selling Bangladesh two submarines.
Neither the United States nor India are pleased with the growing Chinese influence in Bangladesh.
In an attempt to counterbalance Beijing’s influence, Washington has been interacting more directly with smaller South Asian nations in recent years. This involvement is linked to the U.S. insistence, since 2021, that Bangladesh guarantee a free and fair election.
But leaders in India fear that Bangladesh may move closer to China as a result of the US’s insistence on democratic values.
When it comes to investing in Bangladesh over the last ten years, Indian companies—especially those whose owners are close to the Modi administration—have benefited. One clear example is the Adani Group’s investment in Bangladesh’s energy industry.
“I spoke with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and wished her well on her historic victory in the parliamentary elections for a fourth term in office. I also want to congratulate the people of Bangladesh for organising the elections so well. PM Modi has congratulated his counterpart Sheikh Hasina for the fourth consecutive win and said on social media site X, “We are dedicated to further strengthening our enduring and people-centric partnership with Bangladesh.”
In a news conference, Sheikh Hasina conveyed her appreciation to India, highlighting the country’s crucial role in helping Bangladesh through difficult times in its history.
She stated, “India is a great friend of Bangladesh,” during a press conference at her Dhaka home, Ganabhaban. They helped us out in 1971 as well as 1975. India is regarded as our next-door neighbour. We have a great relationship with India, which I truly appreciate.”
The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of India’s historical assistance during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 and the difficulties the country encountered in the years that followed in 1975. She praised the two nations’ long-standing friendship and emphasised India’s significance as a vital ally.
“We will prioritise economic growth and finishing the work we have begun over the next five years. We have already released our election manifesto, which we adhere to while creating our budget and making an effort to keep our word. Sheikh Hasina stated that our primary goal is the growth of our nation and its citizens.
She went on to emphasise her dedication to serving the people of Bangladesh and her sense of duty to the people who have supported her in several elections.
“I attempt to work for my community. I tend to my folks like a mother would. I was given this opportunity by our people. People have consistently voted for me, which is why I am in this position.Despite being a regular person, I constantly feel accountable to my folks. She continued, “I think this is my chance to help my people and make sure they have a better life.
