Landmark election in Bangladesh

Bangladesh held an historic election last week, described by journalists as the first truly competitive vote in years. And despite persistent violence in the lead-up to the election, it appears to be the first poll in over three decades in which no-one was killed.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has won in a landslide, with 212 seats, compared with 77 for the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, according to the Electoral Commission. Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman, 67, who initially queried the outcome, later conceded and said he would "serve as a vigilant, principled, and peaceful opposition".

BNP chief Rahman (seen in the Bangladesh News image above) hails from a famous political dynasty. His father, president Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated in 1981, while his mother, Khaleda Zia, served three terms as prime minister and dominated national politics for decades. Rahman, who will be sworn in this week, has called for all to work together after a tumultuous political period.

Retiring interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has said Rahman will " help guide the country toward stability, inclusiveness, and development".

The poll outcome has been welcomed by the United States and key neighbour India. The vote also gave decisive support for a new constitution.

Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Thailand, will address the club about the peaceful and democratic election held in his country on Feb 12. The results of this election are likely to usher in significant changes in direction, both within the country, as well as its relations with neighbouring countries in both South and Southeast Asia.

It also augurs well for advancing relations between Thailand and Bangladesh in the fields of trade, tourism, culture, technology and education.

The Ambassador will deliver his talk at the FCCT on 20 February between 12 noon-1.30pm. The session will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Members who wish to book in advance should email info@fccthai.com or call the FCCT office on 02-652-0580.

Non-members can use this link.