The Bangladesh Awami League has vehemently rejected the parliamentary election schedule announced on Thursday by the Election Commission under Muhammad Yunus’s interim government, labelling it a product of an “illegal, occupying, killer-fascist” regime incapable of ensuring fairness or inclusivity.
In tandem, the party unveiled a three-day escalation of protests late on December 10, including torch processions, marches, and a full lockdown, while issuing seven demands centered on the resignation of Yunus and the reversal of controversial judicial actions.
The rejection came hours after Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin declared national elections for February 12, 2026, alongside a referendum on the “July Charter” reforms. The Awami League described the timeline as part of a biased process that excludes the partyโthe historic leader of the Liberation Warโand a majority of the population, warning that proceeding without full participation would deepen the national crisis.
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Characterising itself as an election-oriented force with a record of contesting 13 national polls and winning nine to form governments, the Awami League demanded the lifting of all restrictions on its activities, withdrawal of fabricated cases against Sheikh Hasina and others, unconditional release of political prisoners, and replacement of the current administration with a neutral caretaker government to oversee participatory elections.
The rejection underscores the party’s refusal to legitimise polls under what it calls an occupying authority, insisting that transparency and neutrality remain impossible amid ongoing suppression.
Escalating its opposition, the Awami League outlined a three-day protest program in a statement issued on Wednesday night, December 10, to press seven core demands, framing them as vital for restoring democracy, citizen safety, and economic relief.
These demands include ensuring the safety of people’s lives and property, reducing prices of essential commodities, the resignation of the “illegal, occupying, killer, fascist Dr. Yunus,” annulment of verdicts from the “illegal kangaroo court” against Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and other members of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s family, unconditional release of all political prisoners, withdrawal of all false and fabricated cases against Sheikh Hasina, political activists, intellectuals, journalists, cultural figures, professionals, businesspersons, and innocent citizens, abolition of the illegal International Crimes Tribunal-Bangladesh (ICT-BD), and withdrawal of the ban and all obstructions on the Awami League, ensuring its full participation in elections and democratic activities.
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The protest schedule begins immediately. On December 11 (Thursday), torch processions will take place across the country, inviting peace-loving and patriotic citizens to join in illuminating against perceived fascist darkness. On December 12 (Friday), protest marches will occur nationwide following Jumuโah prayers, calling for community solidarity. On December 13 (Saturday), a complete lockdown from morning to evening will be enforced in Dhaka and across the country, urging business closures and road blockades in mass civil disobedience.
These actions follow recent mobilisations, including a nationwide shutdown last week in response to the ICT-BD’s November 17 death sentence in absentia against Sheikh Hasina for alleged crimes against humanity during the 2024 uprisingโa verdict the party has denounced as revenge orchestrated by Jamaat-e-Islami influences within the regime.
Party leaders hailed prior protests as resounding successes despite government bans, signalling growing defiance ahead of the polls from which the Awami League remains barred. The announcements heighten political tensions in Bangladesh, as the interim government pushes forward with electoral preparations amid accusations of judicial weaponisation and democratic erosion.
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