Bangladesh’s election is facing serious legitimacy questions | Veena Sikri

Bangladesh is holding its first general election since the 2024 ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina — but the process is already mired in controversy.

In this interview, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri discusses reports of extremely low voter turnout, explosions near polling sites, allegations of political exclusion, and concerns about a simultaneous referendum. She also shares her perspective on the country’s economic trajectory and how Western media narratives differ from her assessment of events.