Hasina sworn in for 3rd time as Bangladesh PM

 DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) -- Sheikh Hasina has been sworn in for her second straight term as Bangladesh's prime minister and third overall, following one of the most violent elections in the country's history.

Hasina took the oath of office Sunday, a week after her Awami League party won an election marred by street fighting, low turnout and an opposition boycott that made the results a foregone conclusion.

President Abdul Hamid also swore in 29 Cabinet ministers and 19 deputies.

The election was one of the deadliest since Bangladesh's 1971 independence, as an opposition alliance led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia attempted to derail the vote.

At least 18 people died in election day violence, and more than 100 polling centers were set on fire.

Hasina also served as prime minister from 1996-2001.