Bangladesh ruling party faces growing pressure

Significance

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League (AL) will be aiming to secure a fourth consecutive governing term. The BNP is leading rallies demanding that Hasina’s government resign and allow polls under a caretaker administration. Discontent over the rising cost of living is fuelling the protests.

Impacts

• Failure to manage the economic headwinds abounding would reduce support for the government among voters.
• Hasina’s party will highlight its record of pursuing large infrastructure schemes and delivering high growth rates.
• A one-sided election as in 2018 would lead to heightened criticism domestically and externally of Bangladesh’s democratic standards.