Citizens across more than 50 countries are expected to vote for their next government in 2024, putting democracy under a microscope worldwide. Bangladesh kicked off this long election season on January 7, and in the process struck the first blow to democratic values.
As expected, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured her fifth mandate. However, that doesn't appear to be a reflection of consensus. "This election is a charade," Bangladeshi rights activist Shahidul Alam commented to Al Jazeera prior to the voting day. "It's a mockery of our democracy—whatever is left of it."
