It has been over two years since Sheikh Hasina's election victory, which was widely criticized as being unfairly influenced in her favor. At the time, it seemed unlikely that her 15-year hold on power would be disrupted so suddenly, or that a rival party, which had been largely dismissed, would make such a significant comeback.

However, in the context of Bangladeshi politics, this shift is merely another instance of the alternating pattern of power between Hasina's Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which have been trading power for decades.

This marks the first time that Tarique Rahman, the new leader of the BNP, has formally led the party and contested an election.

His mother, Khaleda Zia, who passed away late last year, had led the party for four decades, taking over after the assassination of his father, Ziaur Rahman, the founder of the BNP and a key figure in Bangladesh's war for independence.

Tarique Rahman has faced allegations of corruption and benefiting from nepotism during his mother's tenure. He returned to Bangladesh five days before her death, ending his 17-year self-imposed exile in London.

Although Rahman, 60, has occasionally acted as the de-facto chair of the BNP when his mother was imprisoned or ill, he is largely viewed as an untested leader.

According to political scientist Navine Murshid, Rahman's lack of experience may actually work in his favor, as people are willing to give change a chance and are hopeful for positive outcomes.

The BNP's primary objective is to restore democracy in Bangladesh, according to the party.

Senior BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the party's first priority is to rebuild the country's democratic and financial institutions, which have been damaged over the past decade.

Bangladesh has a history of broken promises, with parties often becoming increasingly authoritarian after coming to power.

However, the country's young people, who played a key role in the "July uprising" of 2024 that led to Hasina's ouster, appear less willing to accept the status quo this time around.

Tazin Ahmed, a 19-year-old who participated in the uprising, expressed her desire for a better future, stating that the real victory will be when the country is free from corruption and has a stable economy.

Ahmed emphasized that the resignation of the previous prime minister was not the ultimate goal, but rather a step towards achieving a corruption-free and prosperous Bangladesh.

Her cousin, Tahmina Tasnim, 21, echoed similar sentiments, calling for unity among the people and a stable nation with a strong economy, and warning that they will not hesitate to take action if necessary.

Since Hasina's departure, Bangladesh's interim leader, Mohammad Yunus, has struggled to maintain law and order.

The new government will need to prioritize restoring law and order, as well as addressing the country's economic challenges, including high food prices and unemployment among the large youth population.

Sociologist Samina Luthfa noted that the lack of experience in governing is a challenge faced by all parties.

The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, which has been banned twice in Bangladesh's history, including during Hasina's tenure, has won a significant number of seats in this election.

The National Citizens Party (NCP), a new party formed by some of the students who led the uprising, has won six seats in its first election.

Luthfa observed that the incoming parliament will feature many new leaders who have never held office before.

She noted that the NCP's young members have a lot to learn, while the more experienced politicians lack experience in governing the country, making it a challenging task ahead.

Jamaat's election manifesto focused on secular and development-oriented policies, with no mention of Islamic law.

However, the party's website suggests that its ultimate goal is to implement Islamic law, which has raised concerns about its intentions if it were to come to power.

Murshid stated that Jamaat's performance in the election was not unexpected, given its strong organization and grassroots efforts over the years.

She acknowledged that Jamaat is a well-organized party, but also expressed concerns about its inherently anti-democratic and patriarchal nature.

Luthfa criticized all parties for failing to adequately represent women in Bangladesh, with only about 4% of candidates being female.

She emphasized that the women who participated in the July uprising have been let down by all parties, which have failed to translate their collective energy into meaningful political representation.

Luthfa urged parliament members to quickly nominate skilled and deserving women to the reserved seats in parliament.

In Bangladesh's parliament, 50 seats are reserved for women, who are nominated by parties in proportion to their electoral performance.

While this election was distinct from previous ones under Hasina, being genuinely competitive and with an uncertain outcome, the exclusion of her party has raised questions about the election's credibility.

When asked if the BNP would support allowing the Awami League to re-enter the political process, senior leader Chowdhury stated that it is not up to the BNP to decide, citing the Awami League's questionable credibility.

Chowdhury noted that the Awami League's past actions, including allegations of killing and persecuting its own people, would need to be addressed before it could be considered a viable political force again.

Hasina, currently in exile in India, has denounced the recent election as a "farce" and called for a new election in which the Awami League can participate.

While public opinion is currently strongly against the Awami League, it would be premature to write off the party entirely, given Bangladesh's complex political history.

The situation remains fluid, with the new government facing significant challenges in restoring stability and democracy to the country.

Additional reporting by Aakriti Thapar

In Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, a distinctive red hue has dominated the city's landscape every 14 February for as long as many residents can recall, a tradition that has become an integral part of the city's culture.

As people commemorate Valentine's Day, the streets are filled with individuals donning red attire or carrying red roses, embracing the symbolic color of love and romance.

Local traders capitalize on the demand for fresh flowers, leveraging Kenya's position as a leading global producer of cut flowers to offer an array of blooms to customers.

However, a newer trend has emerged, with some individuals opting for bouquets composed of folded, rolled, or fastened banknotes in various colors, rather than traditional flowers.

This phenomenon has spread to other African nations, prompting central banks in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, and Namibia to issue public warnings about the potential consequences of damaging or defacing banknotes in the process of creating these cash bouquets.

The central banks have cautioned against practices that involve gluing, taping, stapling, or pinning banknotes together, which can render them unusable.

According to the Central Bank of Kenya, banknotes are often subjected to various forms of damage, including being glued, taped, or stapled, which can compromise their integrity.

Damaged banknotes can be rejected by automated teller machines and cash-sorting equipment, resulting in significant costs to taxpayers as they are removed from circulation.

While the Central Bank of Kenya does not object to the practice of gifting cash, it has emphasized that damaging banknotes is a serious offense that can lead to imprisonment for up to seven years.

The popularity of cash bouquets can be attributed, in part, to celebrities and online influencers who often share videos of themselves presenting these unique gifts to their followers.

The demand for cash bouquets extends beyond Valentine's Day, with people also using them to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions throughout the year.

These bouquets come in a variety of designs, with creators tailoring their arrangements to suit the preferences and budgets of individual clients.

The amounts used in these bouquets can range from as little as 1,000 shillings ($8; £6) to as much as a million shillings, according to Angela Muthoni, a florist at the Gift and Flowers shop in central Nairobi.

Cash bouquets can be presented in various forms, including floral designs, combinations of flowers and money, elegant wrappings, cake designs, or gift boxes.

Muthoni reports that money bouquets have gained significant popularity over the past two years, with her shop receiving between 15 and 20 orders daily in the lead-up to Valentine's Day, despite the Central Bank's warning.

Muthoni notes that gifting cash eliminates the stress of choosing a present, as "everyone loves money," making it a convenient and appreciated gift.

Some Kenyans argue that the trend of giving money bouquets reflects a growing emphasis on materialism, where people seek to purchase love and affection rather than cultivating meaningful relationships.

Haskell Austin, a 24-year-old, attributes the phenomenon to peer pressure, preferring to give flowers as a more thoughtful and personal gesture.

Austin describes the idea of gifting money as "materialistic" and suggests that, if cash must be given, a straightforward transfer is a more practical and respectful approach.

Instead of creating elaborate bouquets, Austin recommends simply transferring funds, which he believes is a more considerate and efficient way to show appreciation.

Lynn, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed disappointment at the timing of the Central Bank's warning, as she had been looking forward to receiving a cash bouquet on Valentine's Day.

Despite the warning, Lynn notes that people remain enthusiastic about the trend, with many still eager to give and receive cash bouquets.

Nicole Rono, another resident, shares Lynn's sentiment, stating that she would prefer to receive cash, as "who doesn't love money?" and noting that flowers, while nice, are not as practical or desirable.

Benjamin Nambwaya, a university student, observes that the culture of giving money bouquets is often driven by social expectations, with women typically being the recipients.

Nambwaya believes that this trend can have negative consequences, potentially "destroying relationships" by creating unrealistic expectations and pressures to provide financial gifts.

Nambwaya prefers giving flowers, which he considers a more thoughtful and romantic gesture, allowing him to express his feelings without the burden of financial expectations.

In his view, flowers are a more appropriate way to show appreciation and affection, as they represent a small, meaningful gesture rather than a grand, expensive display.

According to economic expert Odhiambo Ramogi, the popularity of cash bouquets reflects a broader cultural shift towards a more capitalistic approach to life, where special occasions like Valentine's Day are seen as opportunities for commercialization and marketing.

Ramogi argues that this trend is driven by the influence of advertising and marketing, which often emphasizes the importance of material gifts and displays of wealth on special occasions.

For Muthoni, the decision to give cash or flowers ultimately depends on the individual's preferences and values, as people have different ways of expressing love and appreciation.

Muthoni acknowledges that, while some people may prefer more traditional or sentimental gifts, others may view money as a more practical and desirable option, as it can be used to purchase a wide range of goods and services.

In her view, the key to a successful gift is understanding the recipient's needs and preferences, and tailoring the gift accordingly, whether it be cash, flowers, or something else entirely.

The Central Bank's warning has sparked a wide range of reactions on social media, with some people praising the move as a necessary measure to prevent the damage of banknotes, while others have ridiculed it or expressed disappointment.

The debate has also inspired humorous responses, such as memes featuring bouquets made from rolled chapati bread, highlighting the creative and often humorous ways that people are responding to the trend.

On TikTok, Kenyan Scott Ian Obaro noted that the trend may have contributed to a culture of "showing off," where people feel pressure to display their wealth and status through elaborate gifts and displays.

Ramogi suggests that the preference for cash over flowers in African cultures may be due to the fact that giving flowers is a relatively foreign concept, and that many people in Kenya and other African countries would prefer to receive money as a practical way to address their needs.

According to Ramogi, the tradition of giving flowers is a Western custom that has not been widely adopted in Africa, where people often prioritize more practical and tangible gifts, such as money or other forms of material support.

Ramogi believes that the combination of this cultural preference with the growing emphasis on materialism has led to the rise of cash bouquets, where people use banknotes as a symbol of love and appreciation, rather than traditional flowers.

The intervention by Kenya's regulator, along with those in other countries, may help to slow the growth of the cash bouquet trend, as people become more aware of the potential consequences of damaging banknotes.

Muthoni is concerned that the move could have a negative impact on the livelihoods of people who have built businesses around creating cash bouquets, but she remains optimistic that there is room for innovation and adaptation in the industry.

According to her, bouquets featuring transparent pockets that can safely contain money are among her designs, and she is also exploring alternative concepts, including digital arrangements.

In response to the warning from Kenya's central bank, some individuals have opted to use US dollars instead, which would not be subject to the same restrictions.

Given the persistence of this practice, it is unlikely that the tradition of giving money bouquets will be discontinued in the near future.

For additional news and updates from Africa, visit BBCAfrica.com.

The requested video is currently unavailable for playback.

Delap's missed opportunity sparks surprise, with the Chelsea player failing to capitalize on a scoring chance against Hull City.

In Chelsea's 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round win over Hull City, Liam Delap prematurely celebrated a goal, believing he had ended his eight-match drought with the club.

However, the ball had not fully crossed the goal line after Delap blocked a clearance from Hull City's goalkeeper, Dillon Phillips.

Delap's frustration stems from his struggles to find form since joining Chelsea in a £30m deal following Ipswich Town's relegation to the Championship.

The 23-year-old striker has scored only twice in 23 appearances for Chelsea, with his last goal coming in a 2-1 defeat to Fulham in early January.

Delap appeared to have broken his goal drought in the 23rd minute, pressuring Phillips into a mistake and watching as the ball looped up and struck the underside of the bar.

The ball bounced down onto the goal line, but Delap failed to react quickly, instead raising his arm to celebrate and then appealing to the officials.

Delap's lack of urgency allowed Phillips to recover and block his subsequent shot.

Delap's initial reaction was to celebrate, then appeal to the officials, before attempting to score from the rebound, which was blocked by Phillips.

BBC One commentator Alan Shearer expressed surprise at Delap's actions, stating, "Delap seems to be taking his time, as if he has all the time in the world."

Shearer added, "What is Delap waiting for? He ambles towards the ball and takes his time, showing a lack of urgency."

Shearer criticized Delap's performance, saying, "Delap has had a poor four minutes, giving the ball away twice and missing a clear scoring opportunity. He needs to improve his performances."

Despite his earlier mistake, Delap recovered well, providing three assists as Chelsea won 4-0, with Pedro Neto scoring a hat-trick and Estevao Willian adding another goal.

In a post-match interview with BBC One, Delap joked about the incident, saying, "I almost ran off the pitch, thinking the goal had been scored."

Delap acknowledged his mistake, stating, "I should have waited for the referee's whistle. It was silly of me, but I've learned from it."

Delap has started only two of Chelsea's last nine Premier League games, but was given a chance by manager Liam Rosenior, who dropped in-form forward Joao Pedro to the bench.

Rosenior praised Delap's response to his earlier mistake, saying he was pleased with the forward's overall performance.

Delap's first assist for Neto's opening goal came after he completed his first successful pass in the final third, having previously lost possession eight times.

Delap's second assist for Estevao resulted from impressive hold-up play, while his third assist for Neto came from a powerful drive into the box.

Rosenior described Delap's performance as "top-notch," emphasizing the importance of a striker's role in bringing others into play.

Rosenior added, "As a number nine, it's not always about individual performance, but about making sacrifices and creating space for other players."

Shearer praised Delap's recovery, saying, "He deserves credit for his role in the win, despite a poor start."

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards hopes Delap can replicate his performance in the Premier League.

Richards told BBC One, "Delap's game was brilliant, and I liked how he thought about getting into space when Hull set up in a five-man defense."

Former Spurs and Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown commented on BBC Radio 5 Live, "Delap is an all-around number nine who can do anything. He's effective when on form, good in the air, and can hold the ball up well."

Brown added, "Delap is a valuable outlet for Chelsea, providing a plan B option. He can defend, finish, and is a throwback to a different style of play."

Chelsea's win over Hull City, courtesy of Neto's hat-trick, secured their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Arrests were made following discriminatory chants at the Hull City match.

A hat-trick from Neto helped Chelsea defeat Hull City and advance in the FA Cup.

The requested video is currently unavailable for playback.

Chelsea secured a win over Hull City in the FA Cup, with Neto scoring a hat-trick.

For the latest Chelsea news, analysis, and fan views, visit our website.

Do you have any questions about Chelsea? Ask us, and we'll do our best to provide the information you're looking for.