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Bangladesh 2024 Election: Awami League Seeks to Defend Economic Growth Amid Rising Inflation

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 6:15 GMT by ThePrint

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Bangladesh’s 2024 General Election: Key Parties, Leaders, and Issues at a Glance

Bangladesh’s political landscape is poised for its next decisive moment as the country heads toward the 2024 general elections, scheduled for 19th October. The electoral calendar, the major parties vying for power, and the pressing national issues that will dominate campaign rhetoric are all unfolding against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, rising public discontent, and persistent allegations of electoral malpractice. A quick‑look factbox of the current political climate provides a snapshot of the main players and the topics that will shape the national debate.

1. The Political Actors

The Awami League (AL), under the long‑standing leadership of Sheikh Hasina, has dominated Bangladeshi politics since 2009. Its 2024 campaign will hinge on its image as the architect of Bangladesh’s economic miracle—dramatic GDP growth, low poverty rates, and significant infrastructure projects such as the Padma Bridge. In contrast, the BNP, revived after a nine‑year ban, is positioning itself as the principal challenger, arguing that the AL’s rule has become increasingly authoritarian and that the nation’s political and economic health has stagnated.

The Jatiya Party, though a smaller entity, remains a potential kingmaker. Historically it has allied with both major parties in different administrations, and its participation in a coalition could prove decisive in a closely contested election.

2. Core Issues at the Forefront

1. Economic Management & Inflation
   The AL has been praised for steering Bangladesh through a period of high GDP growth, but the nation is now grappling with inflationary pressures, a steep rise in food prices, and a slowdown in garment exports. Campaign narratives will likely center on how to sustain growth while curbing cost‑of‑living spikes.

2. Corruption & Governance
   While the AL claims to have cracked down on corruption, high‑profile cases such as the alleged embezzlement of millions of taka from state funds and the controversial “Operation Safe Home” have fueled allegations that political patronage remains rampant.

3. Law & Order & Political Violence
   In recent years, Bangladesh has seen sporadic violent clashes between rival political groups. The BNP and its allies accuse the AL of suppressing dissent through police and military action, while the AL maintains that such incidents are isolated.

4. Energy Crisis & Infrastructure
   Bangladesh faces a chronic energy shortage, with many households and factories reliant on generators. The AL’s promise to expand the national grid and invest in renewable energy projects is a key campaign promise. Opposition parties argue that the AL’s “black‑out” management is a major blight on productivity.

5. Foreign Policy & Geopolitics
   As regional tensions in South Asia ebb and flow, Bangladesh’s diplomatic ties to China, India, and the United States are under scrutiny. The AL’s approach of balancing strategic partnerships with China’s Belt & Road Initiative while maintaining relations with India is a point of debate.

6. Women's Representation & Social Reforms
   Both major parties claim to champion women’s rights. The AL’s 2019 election saw a record 90 women elected to Parliament. Critics, however, argue that representation has not translated into substantive policy changes, particularly in rural communities.

3. Election Logistics & Electoral Commission

The Election Commission of Bangladesh (EC) has announced that the 2024 polls will be held on 19th October, with a 21‑day voting period. While the EC assures an orderly process, past elections have been marred by allegations of vote‑rigging, voter intimidation, and delayed results. In 2018, the Commission faced criticism for not releasing the official voter list on time and for the absence of a neutral observation body.

An independent international observers’ presence, if permitted, could significantly affect public perception of the election’s credibility. As of now, the EC has not yet confirmed whether foreign observers will be allowed, though there has been growing pressure from civil society groups.

4. Electoral Alliances & Potential Coalitions

The BNP has already announced plans to form a "Nationalist Alliance" with several regional parties and independent MPs. Should the BNP secure 80‑90 seats, the Jatiya Party’s support could potentially form a viable alternative to the AL. The role of smaller left‑wing parties, such as the WP and CPB, remains uncertain but could provide ideological depth to any opposition coalition.

5. Media Coverage & Public Sentiment

Recent coverage from international outlets like Al Jazeera and Reuters highlights a dual narrative: on one side, the AL’s narrative of a stable, prosperous nation; on the other, the opposition’s framing of political repression and economic malaise. The domestic press is split; mainstream media outlets owned or allied with the ruling party often echo AL rhetoric, while alternative outlets champion the opposition’s claims. Social media platforms, meanwhile, have become a battleground for political persuasion, with coordinated campaigns by both parties.

6. Bottom Line

Bangladesh’s 2024 general elections promise to be a turning point in a country that has historically oscillated between democratic aspirations and authoritarian tendencies. With the Awami League defending its record on economic growth and national sovereignty, and the BNP promising democratic reforms and a new economic direction, voters are confronted with a classic “continuity versus change” decision. Economic grievances—especially inflation and energy shortages—are the most immediate concerns that may tip public opinion. Meanwhile, issues surrounding corruption, political violence, and media freedom remain perennial obstacles to a truly free and fair election.

As the campaign season gains momentum, the political narratives will be sharpened, and Bangladesh’s young electorate—about 60% under the age of 30—will be key to determining whether the ruling party can sustain its dominance or whether the opposition can rally sufficient support to bring about a change in leadership. The 2024 election will therefore not only decide the immediate leadership of Bangladesh but could also set the tone for the country’s political trajectory for the next decade.