NEW DELHI/DHAKA, Feb 12: Bangladesh’s deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday condemned the general elections being conducted by the interim government as “a well-planned farce” and demanded “free, fair, and inclusive elections under a neutral caretaker government.”
This is the first election in 30 years without the Awami League’s electoral symbol, the boat, on the ballot following Hasina’s ouster in mass protests in August 2024.
Hasina, 78, currently in India after fleeing Bangladesh, accused the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus of disregarding voters’ rights, democratic values, and the Constitution
She alleged that the election was marred by polling centre seizures, gunfire, vote-buying, ballot stamping, and agents signing results sheets. She highlighted extremely low voter turnout, citing Election Commission data showing only 14.96% participation by 11 am on February 12, with many polling centres, including in Dhaka, completely empty.
She claimed widespread attacks, arrests, intimidation, and harassment targeted Awami League supporters, minority communities, and well-wishers, yet the fraudulent election was broadly rejected by voters. Hasina also raised concerns about abnormal increases in voter numbers, particularly in Dhaka, calling them suspicious.
The Awami League demanded the cancellation of what it described as a “voter-less, illegal, and unconstitutional” election, the resignation of Yunus, and the release of political prisoners, including teachers, journalists, and intellectuals.
The party also called for lifting the suspension on its activities and reinstating its registration to allow participation in genuinely free and inclusive elections.
Following the 2024 mass uprising that removed the Awami League from power, the interim government banned all party activities on May 12, and the Election Commission suspended its registration.
The government has stated the ban will remain until ongoing trials at the International Crimes Tribunal are completed. Consequently, Bangladesh’s ruling party for more than two decades across six terms has been barred from contesting the election, deepening concerns over the legitimacy of the vote. (PTI)
