Bangladesh's interim leader lauds 'responsible conduct' of political parties after peaceful polls

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) – Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus appreciated political parties for their "responsible conduct" following a largely peaceful nationwide general election on Thursday.

“The spontaneous participation of voters, the responsible conduct of political parties, the restraint shown by candidates and the professionalism of all institutions involved in the electoral process demonstrated that our commitment to democracy remains unwavering,” Yunus said in a statement on the US social media platform Facebook.

“I call upon political parties and candidates to uphold democratic decency, tolerance and mutual respect even after the final results are announced. Differences of opinion will exist, but we must remain united in national interest,” he added.

The voting process for the first election since the 2024 uprising took place between 7.30 am (0130GMT) and 4.30 pm (1030GMT), and the counting is underway.

Four people were arrested following a chase and counter-chase near a polling station in Gazipur, according to the daily Prothom Alo.

More than 127.6 million people were eligible to vote in the election, which included a referendum on constitutional reforms.

Election authorities also received 1,143,845 postal ballots, including 495,551 votes cast by expats living outside the South Asian nation.

A total of 51 political parties and 2,034 candidates are running for parliamentary seats, including 275 independents.

In addition to the 300 general seats, which are directly elected by the people, parliament includes 50 reserved seats for women, bringing the total number of members to 350.

A Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led alliance and a Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance were the two main contenders after the Awami League party of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was barred from the polls.

It is the first time Jamaat has participated in elections with its symbol since being barred by Hasina's government in 2013.

Hasina fled to India on Aug. 5, 2024, and Yunus formed an interim government to oversee governance in the South Asian country.