Sheikh Hasina Calls Bangladesh Polls ‘Unconstitutional’, Attacks Yunus as ‘Fascist’

Sheikh Hasina Seeks Cancellation of Bangladesh Polls, Calls Yunus-Led Vote ‘Illegal’

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday demanded the cancellation of what she described as a “voterless, illegal and unconstitutional election”, alleging large-scale irregularities and political repression during the polls.

In a statement issued after voting concluded, Hasina claimed the election — held without the participation of her Awami League party — lacked legitimacy. She praised citizens for “boycotting and rejecting” the process, asserting that turnout was visibly low across the country.

According to Bangladesh Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, voter turnout stood below 50% as of 2 pm.

Hasina also questioned the integrity of the electoral roll, alleging that the number of registered voters, particularly in Dhaka, had “increased abnormally” and warranted scrutiny.

Allegations of Violence and Irregularities

The former prime minister alleged that the polls were marred by violence, intimidation and vote manipulation. She claimed there were incidents of polling station takeovers, gunfire, alleged vote-buying, ballot stamping and coercion of polling agents.

“Disregarding democratic values and constitutional principles, a deceptive election was arranged without the Awami League and without voters,” she said, accusing interim leader Muhammad Yunus of organising what she termed a “farce”.

Political Context

The election marks the first national vote since the 2024 student-led “Gen-Z” movement that forced Hasina from power and led to her departure to India amid widespread unrest.

The interim administration headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus subsequently banned Awami League activities. The Election Commission later suspended the party’s registration, preventing it from contesting the polls — a move that significantly reshaped the political landscape.

While the Awami League had previously boycotted elections as a political strategy, this is the first time it has been formally barred through legal and administrative action.

Demands from Hasina

Hasina called for the annulment of the election, the resignation of Yunus, the withdrawal of what she termed false cases, and the release of political detainees, including teachers, journalists and civil society members.

She also demanded restoration of Awami League activities and the conduct of a fresh election under a neutral caretaker government, stating that citizens’ voting rights must be fully reinstated.