Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina denounces the 13th Parliamentary election as illegal and voterless, alleging intimidation, ballot manipulation, and constitutional violations under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, and demands fresh inclusive polls under a neutral caretaker administration.
Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sharply criticized the country’s 13th Parliamentary election, describing the exercise as “farcical” and “illegal,” while thanking citizens for what she termed a decisive rejection of the polls. The election, held on Thursday under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, has triggered fresh political turmoil in the country.
In a strongly worded statement shared on the Awami League’s verified social media platform X, Hasina accused the interim administration of orchestrating what she called a “well-planned farce” after allegedly seizing power “illegally and unconstitutionally.” She claimed that the election process disregarded democratic principles, constitutional values, and the fundamental voting rights of the people.
According to Hasina, the polls were conducted without the participation of the Awami League, one of the country’s largest political parties, effectively rendering the election non-inclusive. She described the exercise as a “deceptive, voterless election” that failed to reflect the will of the electorate.
“From the evening of 11 February, this farce began with seizure of polling centres, gunfire, vote-buying, distribution of money, stamping of ballots, and agents signing result sheets,” her statement alleged. She further claimed that by the morning of 12 February, voter turnout remained negligible across most polling centres nationwide. In several areas of the capital and other regions, she said, polling stations reportedly had no voters at all.
Citing data from the Election Commission’s briefing, Hasina pointed out that by 11 a.m.—just three and a half hours after voting began—only 14.96 percent of eligible voters had cast their ballots. She described this turnout as “extremely low” and argued that it demonstrated widespread public rejection of what she termed an Awami League-free election.
The former Prime Minister also alleged that the period leading up to the polls was marked by intimidation and repression. She claimed that Awami League supporters, voters, well-wishers, and minority communities were subjected to continuous attacks, arrests, and threats aimed at discouraging participation or influencing voter behavior.
“Even so, despite all threats and harassment, people rejected this fraudulent election, leaving most polling centres effectively empty,” Hasina stated. She further alleged that there were “abnormal increases” in voter numbers in electoral rolls, particularly in Dhaka city, raising what she described as serious and suspicious concerns about the integrity of the voter lists.
The Awami League has formally called for the cancellation of what it labeled a “voterless, illegal, and unconstitutional” election. In its statement, the party demanded the resignation of interim leader Muhammad Yunus, whom it accused of authoritarian conduct. It also called for the immediate release of political prisoners, including teachers, journalists, and intellectuals, and the withdrawal of what it described as false and politically motivated cases.
Additionally, the party demanded the revocation of the suspension on Awami League activities and urged the formation of a neutral caretaker government to oversee fresh elections. According to Hasina, only a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process conducted under a neutral authority can restore public trust and safeguard democratic rights.
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The interim government has not immediately responded in detail to the allegations. However, political analysts suggest that the sharp exchange of accusations underscores the deep polarization currently shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape. Concerns over electoral transparency, institutional independence, and political inclusivity have intensified in recent months, drawing attention from domestic observers and international stakeholders alike.
As tensions continue to rise, the future trajectory of Bangladesh’s democratic process remains uncertain. With demands for fresh elections gaining momentum from the opposition, the coming weeks are likely to prove critical in determining whether dialogue, reform, or further confrontation will define the country’s political path forward.
