Michael Kugelman, the South Asia director at the Wilson Center in Washington DC, has said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been especially adept at balancing relations with developed and developing worlds, with India and China, with West and non-West, and so on. "This is a country that, much like India, has showed a strong capacity to balance rivalries instead of succumb to them," he was quoted as saying in a report published by DW. US rules out notion of not recognising Hasina government Kugelman said he believes Bangladesh won't be forced to choose a side and will be able to balance between the superpowers quite well. He said Bangladesh is successfully "reaping the benefits of great power competition" in its relationship with China and India. US State Dept spokesperson says will ‘refrain from being drawn into’ internal Bangladeshi political matters "Its economic and defense ties with Beijing have grown significantly in recent years. We've gotten to the point where China is financing Bangladesh's first submarine base. This is another reflection of Dhaka's successes as a balancer," the analyst told DW. The government, referring to international observers, said the 12th National Parliament election of Bangladesh was held on January 7 in a free, fair, transparent, festive atmosphere and with large participation of the people. ‘Free, fair and peaceful’ election continues to be the focus of US’ engagement with Bangladesh govt: State Dept Spokesperson 

The Chief Election Commission of Bangladesh will meet with President Mohammed Shahabuddin on November 5 regarding the announcement of the election schedule, according to Bangabhaban. The Election Commission (EC) sought a meeting with the president to discuss the 12th national parliament election yesterday.  The commission led by Kazi Habibul Awal wanted to hold this meeting between November 1 and 5. Read more: No election without caretaker govt: Acting Ameer of Jamaat The Election Commission said it will hold a meeting after the meeting with the president. The schedule of the 12th national election may be finalized at that meeting. Returning officers may be appointed then. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal will then announce the schedule of the general election through an address to the nation on Bangladesh Television. A meeting with the president before announcing the schedule for national election is a long-time practice. Read more: If BNP genuinely wanted elections, they wouldn’t have resorted to acts of terrorism: Quader