Dhaka, Feb 12 (NationPress) As the high-stakes Parliamentary elections kicked off in Bangladesh on Thursday, the Awami League urged the international community to intervene and prevent the country's collapse, labeling the elections a “sham”.

The party asserted that this “orchestrated event” is aimed not only at marginalizing the Awami League but also at excluding numerous political factions that oppose extremist ideologies and advocate for a more liberal Bangladesh.

They alleged that millions of voters, who support the Awami League's political stance, face death threats, intimidation, and state-sponsored violence, compelling them to vote “against their will,” a calculated strategy to inflate voter turnout.

“Widespread mob violence, including lynching and severe torture, has overshadowed these fraudulent elections. Prisons are overflowing with not just Awami League supporters but also many journalists, human rights activists, and anti-war crime campaigners who have been falsely accused of murder and are incarcerated,”

the Awami League stated in their announcement.

The party highlighted the plight of minorities in the wake of the Awami League's government removal, asserting, “As we approach these farcical elections, millions of minorities are on the brink of extinction due to rampant impunity for violence and killings, with many being labeled as Awami League supporters. Women, who make up half of the electorate, are facing a dismal future as they are increasingly excluded from national policy decisions in the name of democratic progress.”

The Awami League claimed that evidence has surfaced indicating election manipulation efforts by rival parties, in blatant violation of established conduct codes.

While acknowledging that past elections have not been flawless, the party cautioned that the results of this current process “will destroy the syncretic fabric” that distinguishes Bangladesh from other nations.

The party criticized the interim government, stating that in the guise of a referendum, the Yunus administration “wasted public funds and campaigned for a yes vote, clearly indicating an attempt to dictate the outcome instead of relying on the public's choice.”

“The referendum, which aims to eliminate secularism, is a blatantly unconstitutional endeavor designed to erase the founding constitution, which was established through the sacrifices of countless war heroes who fought for this flag and freedom from the Pakistani occupation,”

they continued.

The Awami League called for foreign observers and international stakeholders to objectively report on the apparent “flaws and abuses” occurring during this election.

They warned that granting legitimacy to this process based on Yunus's lofty promises could plunge the nation into prolonged instability. “In the past seventeen months, the regime has trampled on its grand promises, transforming the country into a perilous place and a sanctuary for intolerant groups,” the statement noted.

Meanwhile, voting is currently taking place across Bangladesh. Polling is occurring in 299 parliamentary constituencies, with vote counting set to commence right after the voting process concludes.

The political landscape is poised for a notable transformation with the establishment of a democratically elected government, as many analysts anticipate the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) emerging as the likely victor.

Following the recent passing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the BNP is now led by her son, Tarique Rahman, who is widely regarded as the frontrunner for the Prime Minister's role.

The BNP's main competitor in the election is the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, a hardline Islamic party that previously allied with the BNP. While observers largely predict a BNP victory, many believe Jamaat-e-Islami might achieve its most substantial electoral performance to date.