Observers say the confrontation between the ruling party of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who secured a fourth consecutive term on Sunday, and opposition parties may intensify and could lead to political turmoil and a worsening security situation.

The main opposition boycotted the ballot.

The country's Election Commission said on Monday the Hasina-led ruling party won a majority of seats in the country, where about 120 million voters registered.

Hasina said the election was free and fair, and that what is important for the next five years is work to advance the country's economic growth.

The main opposition party had claimed the vote would be rigged and staged fierce demonstrations in protest against the ruling party. Hasina responded with an iron fist, detaining opposition leaders and human rights activists.

Bangladesh has in recent years changed from one of the poorest countries in the world into one of the fast growing economies. Its market with a population of 170 million is seen as having huge potential and as a promising investment destination for many foreign firms.

An international human rights group is criticizing that nearly 10,000 opposition activists and others have been arrested and people are being tortured.