Sheikh Hasina sworn in as PM in crisis-hit Bangladesh
Dhaka January 12, 2014 (AFP) - Sheikh Hasina was sworn in for a third spell as Bangladesh's prime minister on Sunday after a deadly general election boycotted by the opposition amid an ongoing political crisis.
President Abdul Hamid administered the oath at the presidential palace in the capital in a ceremony broadcast live on television channels, one week after the polls condemned by the opposition as a farce.
"I am, Sheikh Hasi-
I am, Sheikh Hasina, taking oath... that I will discharge my duties faithfully as the prime minister
na, taking oath... that I will discharge my duties faithfully as the prime minister of the government as per the law," Hasina said, prompting applause during the ceremony which included recitations from the Koran.
Hasina's 48 cabinet colleagues were also sworn into office during the ceremony attended by about 1,000 government and top military officials, along with foreign diplomats and newly elected members of parliament.
Hasina has insisted her walkover win in the January 5 polls was legitimate, despite a boycott by the opposition and its allies and the deadliest election violence in the country's history.
Hasina's Awami League party won nearly 80 percent of the seats, which should allow her to rule for another five years. But analysts say the new government could be shortlived since Hasina faces a deepening political crisis and mounting calls for new polls from the international community and the opposition.