Amid this turmoil, the 5 January 2014 election was held under the administration of the then–Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In that election, 153 members of parliament were elected uncontested, while voting took place in 147 constituencies amid widespread violence.
Dialogue fails again before the ‘midnight election’
After the 2014 polls, preparations were made to hold the 2018 election again under Sheikh Hasina’s government. The BNP, Jamaat, and other opposition parties opposed this plan.
During this period, a new political polarisation emerged within the opposition camp. The Jatiya Oikya Front (National Unity Front) was formed, bringing together the 20-party alliance led by the BNP and several left-leaning groups. The alliance was led by the veteran politician Dr. Kamal Hossain.
On 1 November 2018, a dialogue took place at Ganabhaban, the Prime Minister’s official residence. Dr. Kamal Hossain attended with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and several other opposition leaders, while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the ruling 14-party delegation.
The opposition alliance presented a seven-point demand aimed at ensuring free, fair, and neutral elections. Their demands included: The government’s resignation, dissolution of parliament, formation of a neutral government through dialogue, release of all political prisoners including Khaleda Zia, and withdrawal of false cases.