Bangladesh’s democracy is strained as Hasina wins a 4th term in a boycotted, low turnout vote

By KRUTIKA PATHI
Associated Press

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has swept to power for a fourth consecutive term in Bangladesh. Sunday’s election was boycotted by opposition parties and marked by protests and international scrutiny. Hasina’s Awami League party won 222 seats out of 299, cementing a majority in Parliament and extending her 15-year-long rule. She is one of Bangladesh’s most defining and divisive leaders. But her victory came amid low voter turnout in a severely contentious climate that saw opposition members jailed ahead of the polls. Analysts say the stifling of dissent puts Bangladesh’s democracy in a fragile position and may test some of its diplomatic ties.