The BRICS TimesFormer PM Sheikh Hasina stated that Awami League voters are not being asked to back any other party. She added that they still hope to be permitted to contest the election.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spoke to Reuters in Delhi on Wednesday (October 29, 2205). She shared that millions of her Awami League supporters will boycott the upcoming Bangladesh election. This is because her political party was prevented from contesting the polls. The 78-year-old leader confirmed she will not return to Bangladesh under any post-election government. She plans to continue her stay in India for the time being.
Hasina has been residing in India since August 2024. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, is currently ruling Bangladesh. This government took charge after Hasina stepped down from power. It has promised to hold elections next February.
‘Ban on Awami League Unjust’
Hasina responded to an email from Reuters with a strong statement. She said, “The ban on the Awami League is not only unjust; it is also suicidal.” This marks her first media address since she fled Bangladesh last year. She had to save her life after 15 consecutive years in power.
Hasina emphasized that the next government must achieve electoral legitimacy. Millions support the Awami League, so they will not vote in the current situation. “You cannot disenfranchise millions if you want a functioning political system,” she stated.
Sheikh Hasina’s Party Face Ban
Bangladesh has over 126 million registered voters. The Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have long dominated the country’s politics. The BNP is widely expected to win the upcoming election. In May, the Election Commission suspended the Awami League’s registration. The Yunus-led government cited several reasons for banning all party activities. These reasons included a threat to state security and probes into war crimes by Awami League leaders.
Statement on Bangladesh Election
Sheikh Hasina clarified their position on the election. “We are not asking Awami League voters to support any other party,” she said. “We still hope that we will be permitted to contest the election.” She did not confirm if anyone was having secret talks with Bangladeshi officials. These hypothetical talks would aim for the Awami League to participate in the elections.
Hasina mentioned she is living freely in Delhi. However, she remains cautious due to past events involving her family. She concluded, “I would certainly like to go home, provided the government there is legitimate and respects the constitution.”
