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Sheikh Hasina, the ousted leader of Bangladesh, has sharply condemned the forthcoming election from her exile in India, denouncing the exclusion of her party from the electoral process. With the vote scheduled for February 12, her comments could further inflame political tensions in a nation already grappling with instability.
Exclusion from the Electoral Process
In an email to the Associated Press, Hasina expressed her concerns over the interim government’s decision to bar her party, the Awami League, from participating in the election. She warned that without inclusive and fair elections, Bangladesh risks enduring prolonged unrest. Having been ousted following a violent uprising in 2024, which resulted in her receiving a death sentence for her role in the crackdown, Hasina’s remarks highlight the fragile state of democracy in Bangladesh.
“Each time political participation is denied to a significant portion of the population, it deepens resentment, delegitimizes institutions and creates the conditions for future instability,” Hasina stated. She emphasised that a government formed through exclusion cannot hope to unite a divided nation.
The Context of the Election
With over 127 million eligible voters, the upcoming election is seen as one of the most significant in decades, marking the first since Hasina’s removal. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is overseeing the electoral process alongside a proposed constitutional referendum that could implement sweeping reforms. Campaigning has commenced, with rallies being held across the capital, Dhaka, and beyond.
Yunus assumed control shortly after Hasina fled the country on August 5, 2024, amid escalating violence. While he has pledged to conduct a free and fair election, sceptics question the integrity of a process that excludes the Awami League and fear the administration’s commitment to democratic principles.
Security and International Observers
In response to concerns over potential violence, Yunus’s administration has assured the public that security forces will maintain order during the election. The interim government has invited international observers, and approximately 500 representatives, including from the European Union and Commonwealth, are set to monitor the polls.
However, the political climate remains charged, with reports of human rights abuses and a rising influence of Islamist groups under Yunus’s leadership. Critics have highlighted arbitrary arrests of opposition members and widespread attacks on media freedoms, raising alarms about the overall health of democracy in Bangladesh.
The Political Landscape
Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has emerged as a key contender in the election. Rahman returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in self-imposed exile, promising to work towards stabilising the nation. His main opposition is a coalition led by the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, which had been severely restricted under Hasina’s government.
The BNP’s history of electoral boycotts adds additional complexity to the political landscape, as it participated in the 2018 elections but later accused Hasina of manipulating the results.
A Call for Political Change
In her correspondence, Hasina lamented the ongoing cycle of political exclusion in Bangladesh, admitting that her own government had previously contributed to this disunity through electoral boycotts. She asserted that a legitimate government, one that truly represents the people’s consent, is essential for the nation to heal from its political wounds.
To move forward, Hasina argued, Bangladesh must break the entrenched cycle of exclusion and embrace a more inclusive democratic process, stating, “Otherwise, there will be no redemption.”
Why it Matters
The upcoming election in Bangladesh is not merely a political event; it represents a critical juncture for the nation’s democratic future. The exclusion of significant political factions raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process and the potential for unrest. As Bangladesh prepares to vote, the international community will be watching closely, aware that the outcome will significantly impact not only the country’s stability but also its standing on the global stage.
