Post by : Meena Ariff

Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, speaking from exile in India, has sharply criticized the country’s upcoming general election, warning that barring her party from the polls could push the nation into long-term political instability.

In a message sent recently, Hasina said Bangladesh’s future depends on elections that are open, inclusive, and genuinely democratic. She accused the interim authorities of stripping millions of citizens of their voting voice by excluding her party, the Awami League, from the February 12 election.

Hasina was forced from office in August 2024 following weeks of intense unrest triggered by a student-led movement. The violence claimed hundreds of lives and ended her 15-year rule. A court later sentenced her to death in absentia over allegations linked to the crackdown, a ruling she has dismissed as politically driven. International rights organizations have also questioned the fairness of the proceedings.

She cautioned that shutting out a major political force only deepens public anger, weakens democratic institutions, and sets the stage for future turmoil. According to Hasina, a government formed through exclusion cannot bring unity to a fractured nation.

The upcoming vote, seen as one of the most significant in Bangladesh’s history, will be overseen by an interim administration led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. He assumed office days after Hasina fled the country and has pledged to deliver a peaceful and transparent election. More than 127 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots, with a proposed constitutional referendum also on the agenda.

Despite these assurances, critics remain skeptical, questioning whether the election can truly reflect the will of the people without the participation of the Awami League. Concerns have also been raised over security, minority rights, press freedom, and uncertainty surrounding the proposed reforms.

Officials say security agencies are prepared to maintain order and prevent any attempt to influence the vote through force. Hundreds of international observers from global organizations are expected to monitor the election process.

Since Hasina’s removal, Bangladesh has faced mounting political tension, allegations of arbitrary arrests, and fears of rising influence from extremist groups. The interim government has rejected these claims, insisting it is committed to protecting rights and restoring democratic stability.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Tarique Rahman, has emerged as a leading contender. Rahman recently returned after years in exile and has promised to focus on national stability. He faces strong competition from a coalition of Islamist parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami.

Hasina acknowledged that previous elections under her leadership were imperfect, partly due to opposition boycotts. However, she stressed that continuing the cycle of bans and exclusion would block any chance of national reconciliation. Bangladesh, she said, urgently needs a legitimate government chosen by the people to finally heal its political wounds.

#world news #Global News