'During our liberation war, they supported us,' Sheikh Hasina's message to India amid polls

Banglesh polls: As Bangleshis began voting in general elections 2024 on Sunday, January 7, incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that Banglesh was lucky to have a neighbour like India as she referred to New Delhi as a trusted friend. 

Sheikh Hasina recalled how New Delhi played a major role in liberation of Banglesh in 1971, taking on forces of West Pakistan. In her message to India, Banglesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, “We are very lucky. India is our trusted friend. During our liberation war, y (India) supported us.

Recalling brutal assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman in 1975 which led to a long military rule in Banglesh, Hasina said, “After 1975, when we lost our whole family, y gave us shelter. So our best wishes to people of India."

Banglesh votes today 

Banglesh began to vote at 8 am local time on Sunday which will continue till 5 pm. election commission said it expected results to start flowing from early on January 8.

general elections are expected to be won by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in absence of main Opposition BNP which is boycotting it.

Hasina, 76, has been in power since 2009 and her Awami League won last election in December 2018. BNP boycotted 2014 election but joined one in 2018.

Sheikh Hasina to win 4th term

Prime Minister Hasina's ruling Awami League is expected to win for a straight fourth time as main Opposition Banglesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of former premier Khaleda Zia, 78, who is under house arrest as a convict of graft charges, boycotted polls.

BNP is observing a 48-hour nationwide general strike which began at 6 am on Saturday and will end at 6 am on Monday.

27 political parties that are contesting elections include opposition Jatiya Party (JAPA). rest are members of ruling Awami League-led coalition, which experts dub as "satellite parties."

(With agency inputs)