The election without high excitement but high turnout

Afsan Chowdhury writes for DOT : 
In the end , it turned about to be one of the most predictable elections of them all. Even in 1970, nobody expected 167 out of 169 seats. This time around everyone expected a landslide and it turned out to be one. In fact most expected a landslide but it turned out to be the tumbling down the slopes of an entire mountain which buried the opposition totally.
In fact so great has been the victory that even the AL politicians are holding back as they draw in their breadth and reflect on this massive trouncing. But again its a matter of degree and not the essence. Which is to say that everyone was sure about the victory. Congratulations.
An 80% turnout
People were also sure that the AL would sweep the elections but some had excepted a contest. As the voting day grew near many felt that even voting would only amount to an extra layer of cake not the making of the confectionary itself. This made many to stay home, some say. Or so we thought. Many had also spoken in media about not seeing an overwhelming turnout on the election day. However, this again was proven not true as far as Election Commission is concerned. They have announced that voting was as high as 80%.
This is very interesting because even in 1970, when voters were busy the entire day with long queues , the percentage was around 50%. which was not noticed at least in Dhaka this time. This means much of the voting was done in the early hours before the crowds could collect. It also shows how efficient they have become and can rapidly dispose of the voters much quickly then ever before.
Does BNP rejection mean anything ?
The relative lack of public interest in the election results was the best indicator about its predictability. The ubiquitous social media was relatively quiet after the results were won and the usual high political banter is missing. This could be partly because of the clampdown but also because once the results were announced and the very high majority for AL was declared, discussions seemed irrelevant.
Meanwhile, BNP and the Alliance has rejected the results and asked for new polls which was only to be expected. The EC has of course rejected the call calling it an excellent election. The Front and the BNP are meeting to discuss their political future thought at this point there doesn’t seem to ne much of a political future for anyone except an AL person or if anyone is lucky enough, a member of JP.
It had already been stated by the AL members that JP was part of the back up plan if BNP or the Front walked out but of course before the elections were held. However, if BNP does walk out after the results are given , JP will be ready to do the same. What sort of an Opposition it will be is not clear but Bangladesh voters have chosen this combination and its now up to them to live with it.
In the end, once the immediate lack of excitement is over, the people may look at what they think their political future is. in that scheme of things, which part of politics appeals and which seems more exciting will be an interesting topic for speculation.