[10][11][12] Hasina's prime ministership has been described as authoritarian since being re-elected in 2008,[13][14][15][16] and in 2011 removed the requirement that a temporary independent caretaker government be formed to hold elections.

[28] Khaleda Zia's successor as chair of the party, her son Tarique Rahman, was also found guilty of criminal conspiracy and multiple counts of murder for a grenade attack in 2004 that injured Hasina and killed 24 people.

We cannot continue our movement with those who compete in the elections when the leaders and activists are being arrested and harassed while protesting to free the country from this illegal government.

[24][47] The Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted "the electoral process will remain under strict vigilance, including by international observers as accredited by the Election Commission.

[49] On 23 May 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a new visa policy vis-a-vis Bangladesh to support the country's goal of holding free, fair, and peaceful national elections.

The policy states that the US would "restrict the issuance of visas for any Bangladeshi individual, believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh", including "current and former Bangladeshi officials, members of pro-government and opposition political parties, and members of law enforcement, the judiciary, and security services".

This is a human rights issue concerning violence erupting at opposition rallies in 2023, and the harsh response by police using rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons.

A UN spokesman said: "Police, alongside men in plain clothing, have been seen using hammers, sticks, bats and iron rods, among other objects, to beat protesters".

[63] Source:[64][65][66] Few terms used in the following table are described as- Approval ratings Seat projections On 5 January 2024, at a meeting attended by heads of missions from about 90 countries, Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary, Masud Bin Momen, invited foreign envoys to be part of the international team of observers for its general elections scheduled for 7 January 2024.

[72] A total of 127 observers from various countries, were present for these polls, including members from the European Union, The Commonwealth, the South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF), the US-based International Republican Institute (IRI), National Democratic Institute (NDI) and American Global Strategies (AGS); UK-based Conservative Commonwealth Association and other reputable organizations.

Alexander Barton Gray, CEO of American Global Strategies (AGS) said "Considering the overall situation, all the observers present here agree that the 12th National Parliament Election of Bangladesh was held peacefully and with the participation of the common people".

[77][78] Local media in Bangladesh reported that the Hasina government lined up their supporters near polling stations when cameras and foreign election observers were near and had them disperse immediately afterwards.

On 8 January, the day following the general elections, envoys from many countries, including China, India, Russia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, met and congratulated the Prime Minister at her official residence, Ganabhaban.

The envoys expressed their firm conviction to continue supporting Bangladesh, extending greetings on behalf of their respective countries to the Prime Minister.

Emphasizing the importance of democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law in the EU-Bangladesh partnership, they called for a thorough investigation into reported election irregularities.

The EU condemned election-related violence, urged respect for the rule of law, and emphasized the need for political pluralism, peaceful dialogue, and media freedom, committing to ongoing collaboration with Bangladesh across various domains.

[119] On 8 January, Yao Wen, China's Ambassador to Bangladesh, was among the first foreign dignitaries to go to newly reelected Sheikh Hasina's residence and congratulate her for winning the election.

Despite incidents of violence during the pre-election period, Japan expresses hope for Bangladesh's progress as a democratic nation, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the country's development and strengthening bilateral ties as a strategic partner.

[121] Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi spoke to Sheikh Hasina and congratulated on her victory for the fourth consecutive term in the parliamentary elections.

[122] Modi then posted on X:“Spoke to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on her victory for a historic fourth consecutive term in the Parliamentary elections.

We are committed to further strengthen our enduring and people-centric partnership with Bangladesh.”[123] The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom claimed the conditions for a "credible, open, and fair competition" were not present in the election and the voters did not have the "fullest range of voting options".

Expressing disappointment in the electoral process falling short of democratic principles, Canada urged transparent collaboration with all parties to advance democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms.

Highlighting the importance of free and fair elections, Australia condemned the pre-election violence and arrests of political opposition members.

Urging Bangladesh to strengthen democratic institutions, Australia reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative efforts for an open, stable, prosperous, and inclusive region.

[127] UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed concern over Bangladesh's recent elections, citing violence and repression against opposition candidates and supporters.

Türk urged the newly elected government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to address human rights concerns and enhance the foundations of an inclusive democracy.