Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina Set to Extend Rule Amid Opposition Boycott and Criticism

Despite economic growth and development under her leadership, critics accuse Hasina's government of suppressing dissent and curtailing freedoms.

Sheikh Hasina, the longest-serving leader in Bangladesh's history, is set to tighten her grip on power in the upcoming general election, with her main rival, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, boycotting the polls.
Hasina's 15-year rule has seen significant development in Bangladesh, with improvements in infrastructure, industry, and education. However, the recent global economic slowdown has exposed cracks in the economy, triggering labor unrest and dissatisfaction.
Hasina's critics accuse her government of using harsh measures to suppress dissent, curtail press freedoms, and shrink civil society. Rights groups cite forced disappearances of critics, which the government denies.
In the international arena, Hasina has successfully balanced ties with powerful countries, including India, China, and Russia, and has won praise for sheltering Muslims fleeing prosecution in Myanmar.
The United States, the biggest export market for Bangladeshi garments, announced visa restrictions in May on anyone disrupting Bangladesh's electoral process, following concerns over human rights violations and press freedoms in the country.