(Image source from: Sheikh Hasina re-elected PM for third time})

For the second straight term, Sheikh Hasina was sworn in as Bangladesh's prime minister on Sunday, amid political unrest. This is Sheikh Hasina's third spell as Bangladesh's PM.

Sheikh Hasina took the oath of office a week after her Awami League party won an election, shaken up by street brawl, poor turnout and a boycott by her political opponent that guided the election results into her favor. The on-going political unrest in the country only tilted the favors to Hasina's party and ensured that her party cinched the elections with a predictable majority.

"I am, Sheikh Hasina, 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.

President Abdul Hamid sworn in Hasina's 48 other cabinet colleagues  during the ceremony attended by about 1,000 government and top military officials, along with foreign diplomats and newly elected members of parliament.

Hailed as one of the deadliest elections in Bangladesh since 1971 independence, the opposition alliance led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Hasina's archrival, tried ever means possible to derail the vote by calling weeks of strikes and blockades.  At least 18 people were killed on the day of election, and more than 100 polling centers were set alight.

AW: Suchorita Choudhury