India, Jan. 11 -- The diplomatic corridors of Dhaka have become the centre of an intense phase of "diplomatic stewardship", with global and regional powers - including the United States, China, India, Pakistan and the European Union - actively engaging with emerging political actors to safeguard their strategic and economic interests.

The forthcoming vote marks the first electoral test since the 2024 "Monsoon Revolution", which ended Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule and led to the banning of the Awami League. In its aftermath, major international stakeholders are seeking to secure influence within Bangladesh's fragmented political landscape and are looking to a credible democratic transition to restore stability.

The traditional two-party s...