The opposition party contested the 2018 election, but after losing, it alleged widespread irregularities and decided not to take part in polls without a caretaker government. As the Awami League refused its demand to step down, the BNP launched a series of hartals, or shutdowns, and transport blockades. As many as 1,567 candidates, including from only 12 registered parties, joined the election in 2014, while the number of parties in the election this time is 28. To keep the Jatiya Party in the polls, the Awami League has agreed to leave 26 seats where the ruling party will support the Jatiya Party candidates. It has also allowed six candidates of the 14-Party Alliance to run with the party’s boat symbol.

Source: bd News24 December 17, 2023 22:21 UTC