Dhaka: The Bangladesh elections held on Sunday concluded in the evening, with immediate commencement of vote counting, expected to extend possibly until Monday. Final results are anticipated to be announced on Monday. The voting spanned from 8 am to 4 pm, with the election outcome projected to be disclosed on the morning of January 8. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is poised to secure  victory for the fourth consecutive term. Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, of the boycotting Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), remains under house arrest, contributing to Hasina's strong likelihood of success.

Sheikh Hasina's vision for Bangladesh extends to transforming the nation into a smart country by 2041, coupled with a commitment to generating 1.5 crore jobs for the youth by 2030. The Awami League, under her leadership, has outlined 11 key priorities for realizing the goal of a Smart Bangladesh. These priorities encompass the development of a modern, technology-driven infrastructure and the modernization of the healthcare sector.

Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing violence in Bangladesh, the global spotlight is firmly fixed on the elections. Countries ranging from India and China to Russia and America are keenly observing the unfolding political landscape in Bangladesh, underscoring the international significance of these elections. The outcome holds implications not only for the nation itself but also for its relationships with key global players.