Bangladesh's national election on Sunday is overshadowed by a boycott from the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), casting doubt on the legitimacy of the process. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeks a fourth term amidst concerns of voter turnout and international scrutiny. The Awami League (AL) is accused of manipulating the election to maintain a facade of competitiveness. Analysts and observers criticize the election's integrity, suggesting that the results are predetermined and voter turnout figures may be fabricated. The outcome may affect Bangladesh's relations with Western governments and potentially increase China's influence in the region.

Bangladesh is resuming oil and gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal to address its declining energy reserves, which could be depleted in less than ten years. The country has invited international companies, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and China's Sinopec, to bid on 24 offshore blocks in both deep and shallow waters.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina claims her fifth term is a 'victory of the people,' despite opposition allegations of a sham vote. The BNP boycotted the polls and called for a new election under a neutral caretaker government. The Jatiya Party, now the main opposition, also contested the legitimacy of the election results. International reactions are mixed, with some envoys congratulating Hasina, while the US and EU have yet to respond. Analysts describe a shift towards authoritarianism in Bangladesh under Hasina's 15-year tenure.

The Awami League, led by incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, secured an easy victory in Bangladesh's national election, which was anticipated due to the main opposition's boycott. The election's aftermath is uncertain, particularly regarding Bangladesh's tense relations with Western countries. The U.S. expressed criticism leading up to the election, while China and Russia quickly endorsed Hasina's victory.

Bangladesh is experiencing its worst dengue outbreak, with a record number of cases and deaths. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and the disease has spread beyond urban areas to rural districts. Health experts are concerned as the pattern of the disease has changed, no longer subsiding after the monsoon season. The government has been criticized for not declaring a public emergency. The prevalence of the Den-2 strain and the spread to rural areas with limited healthcare are contributing factors. Climate change and mosquito resistance to insecticides are exacerbating the situation. A comprehensive plan is needed to control and eradicate the Aedes mosquito population.

The U.S. has introduced a new visa policy targeting Bangladeshi nationals who may disrupt the fairness of the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, scheduled for early January. This move by President Joe Biden's administration aims to ensure a free and fair electoral process and has caused concern among Bangladesh's political figures.

The construction of the deep-sea port of Matarbari in southern Bangladesh is becoming a strategic point of interest for Japan and India, both partners in the Quad, as they seek to balance Chinese influence in the region. The Matarbari port is positioned just north of Sonadia, where China had previously been expected to develop another port, a plan that Dhaka has since reportedly abandoned.

A delegation from Myanmar's visit to Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh concluded with limited progress in verification and registration, inconclusive talks, and ongoing concerns about the safety of repatriating refugees to Myanmar, a regime accused of committing atrocities.

An investigation by Netra News, supported by survivor testimonies and corroborated by VOA, has revealed the existence of a secret prison in Dhaka, Bangladesh, named Aynaghar, allegedly run by the DGFI. Victims of enforced disappearances, including Shekh Mohammad Salim and Hasinur Rahman, provided detailed descriptions of their detention experiences. The report's release coincided with a UN rights chief visit to Bangladesh, where discussions on human rights abuses took place. Bangladeshi officials have denied the allegations, with the Foreign Minister dismissing the concept of enforced disappearances in the country. Human rights organizations have called for independent investigations into these claims. The article highlights the risks taken by survivors to expose these practices and the international attention their testimonies have garnered.

An investigative report by Sweden-based Netra News has exposed a secret prison in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where victims of enforced disappearances are allegedly held. The report, corroborated by two victims' accounts to VOA, claims the prison, named Aynaghar, is operated by the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence. The UN human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, discussed the issue of enforced disappearances with Bangladeshi officials during her visit. Bangladesh's Foreign Minister denies the existence of enforced disappearances, while the Home Minister attributes disappearances to other causes. Human rights organizations report hundreds of enforced disappearances since 2009, with some victims found dead and others still missing.

A fire at BM Container Depot in Sitakunda, near Chittagong, Bangladesh, resulted in the deaths of nine firefighters, marking the highest firefighter casualty in a single incident in the country's history. The blaze, which killed at least 49 people and injured over 300, was exacerbated by chemicals stored at the depot, including hydrogen peroxide. The firefighters, who were not informed about the presence of chemicals, could not take adequate precautions, leading to the high number of casualties. The Fire Service and Civil Defence department is investigating the incident, which has drawn tributes from many Bangladeshis.