Sheikh Hasina said, this survey conducted without the participation of Awami League has failed to uphold democratic norms, voting rights and constitutional principles.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday issued a statement through the Bangladesh Awami League in which she thanked citizens for rejecting the “so-called election” led by Muhammad Yunus, alleging widespread irregularities and low voter turnout.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued a statement on Thursday in which she thanked citizens for rejecting the “so-called elections” led by Muhammad Yunus (AFP)Sheikh Hasina criticized the election and said it failed to uphold democratic norms and constitutional principles.
A statement shared on Bangladesh Awami League’s X handle said, “Today’s so-called election of Yunus, who seized power illegally and unconstitutionally, was basically a well-planned farce.
“Without the Awami League, this fraudulent, voterless election has completely disregarded people’s suffrage, democratic values and the spirit of the Constitution.”
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The statement alleged that the process involved “capturing polling stations, gunfights, buying votes, distribution of money, [and] Stamping of ballots began in the evening of February 11. Hasina also claimed that by the morning of February 12, “voter turnout was negligible in most polling stations across the country,” with some stations reporting no voters at all.
Citing figures attributed to the Election Commission, the Awami League said the voter turnout was 14.96% as of 11 am – nearly three and a half hours after polling began. “This extremely low voter turnout clearly shows that the Awami League-free elections have been widely rejected by the people,” the statement added.
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Hasina also alleged that Awami League supporters and minority communities faced “constant attacks, arrests, intimidation and fear” in the days leading up to the polls. The statement expressed concern over the “unusual increase in voter turnout”, particularly in Dhaka, calling the matter “highly suspicious”.
Awami League demanded annulment of elections, resignation of Yunus, release of political prisoners, withdrawal of so-called false cases, lifting of restrictions on party activities and free, fair and inclusive elections under an impartial caretaker government.
Priyanjali Narayan is a content producer at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi, with over two years of experience covering national and international news. His work spans breaking news, in-depth explanatory and feature stories on global and domestic issues. Before joining Hindustan Times, he worked in the India Today newsroom, where he focused on expository journalism, writing detailed pieces on domestic and global issues and reporting feature stories that included interviews with prominent public figures. He holds a BA in History from Delhi University. His academic training in history continues to inform his storytelling. Outside of the newsroom, she can usually be found reading personal essays and fiction and planning her next trip.Read more
