Voting begins in Bangladesh amid opposition boycott, violence
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 5 January 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Voting begins in Bangladesh amid opposition boycott, violence, 5 January 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/52e65ac1b.html [accessed 26 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 05, 2014
Voters in Bangladesh are heading to the polls on January 5 amid opposition protests that have left more than 100 people dead over the past weeks.
Officials said some 100 polling stations were torched across the country on January 4.
The main opposition Bangladesh National Party, which is boycotting the vote, has begun a two-day general strike against what it called a "scandalous farce."
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has dismissed the opposition's demands for her to stand aside and for a neutral caretaker administration to oversee the poll, as in previous elections.
Hasina's Awami League is certain to remain in power as more than half of the parliamentary seats will be uncontested because of the opposition's boycott.
About 50,000 troops have been deployed around Bangladesh for the election period.
Based on reporting by AFP and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
