In preparation for the upcoming general elections on Sunday, Bangladesh has strategically deployed its troops across the nation to address potential violence concerns. The main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is boycotting the elections, intensifying the atmosphere.
Utilizing armored vehicles, the troops have established temporary camps in Dhaka, the capital, to support civilian authorities in ensuring peace and security. The BNP’s demand for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down for neutral authority-led elections has been declined, escalating tensions.
Sheikh Hasina has accused the BNP of orchestrating anti-government protests in Dhaka since late October, leading to at least 10 casualties. The end of 2023 witnessed major protests regarding the renegotiation of minimum wages, particularly in the textile industry, which contributes significantly to Bangladesh’s economy.
Textiles and clothing constitute 85% of Bangladesh’s exports, generating $55 billion from 3,500 factories. In 2022, Bangladesh was the EU’s second-largest clothing supplier, with €21.8 billion in exports (+52%), and the third-largest supplier to the US, with €9.1 billion (+36%).
Setting a new record, Bangladesh achieved €50.98 billion worth of textile-clothing exports in 2022-2023, reflecting a 6.7% increase. Concerns about the upcoming elections persist, with memories of past violent repression and uncertainty about the political climate.
The army aims to reassure the population by emphasizing that deployed troops will only act upon the request of polling station officials. The navy and air force are also involved, securing coastal districts and providing helicopter assistance to remote hilly areas.
Amidst the political turmoil, citizens express the urgent need for peace to sustain their livelihoods. Abdul Hamid, a 48-year-old rickshaw puller in Dhaka, voices concerns about the potential difficulties after the elections.
Sheikh Hasina’s government faces accusations of authoritarianism, human rights violations, and corruption. Her main rival, BNP leader Khaleda Zia, is under house arrest on alleged corruption charges. Western countries are pressuring for free and fair elections, with concerns raised about challenges faced by trade union activities in Bangladesh.
Christina Hajagos-Clausen, overseeing the textile industry at the international trade union federation IndustriAll, expresses worries about growing difficulties for trade unions, contradicting the country’s desired image of progress post the Rana Plaza tragedy a decade ago.
