In a strongly worded virtual address to Awami League supporters, party president and five-time prime minister Sheikh Hasina has called the forthcoming parliamentary election a “complete farce” and urged party members not to participate by staying away from polling stations.
Sheikh Hasina, speaking from India, where she has been in exile since August 2024, accused the Jamaat-controlled jihadist-backed interim government led by Muhammad Yunus of banning the Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League, thereby denying the party the right to contest. The election is scheduled for February 12, 2026, alongside a referendum on constitutional reforms.
Denouncing The Election As Undemocratic
Sheikh Hasina described the poll as the “greatest fascism and the biggest tyranny,” arguing that power derives from the people, yet fundamental rights, including the right to justice and free participation, have been stripped away.
“Why should Awami League participate in it? They will not allow elections in the name of Awami League,” she said. “If Awami League participates and votes, they fear we will win.”
She emphasised that Awami League has never boycotted elections in the past—unlike the BNP in 2014 and 2024, or Jamaat—but stressed: “We do not boycott elections, but if they do not let us contest, we have no voters. Awami League will not go to the polling stations.”
Accusations Against Interim Regime
Sheikh Hasina launched a scathing attack on the Yunus administration, claiming it has unleashed “terrorism and militancy” since coming to power with alleged foreign backing. She accused advisers and coordinators of amassing vast wealth overnight—”hundreds of thousands of crores of rupees”—while pushing five crore people below the poverty line.
During her tenure, Hasina said she lifted millions from lower-class to middle-class status. She referenced a failed 2007 attempt involving figures close to Yunus, including media owners, and accused outlets like Prothom Alo and Daily Star of inciting violence against journalists and institutions.
Sheikh Hasina further alleged widespread oppression, including attacks on minorities, torture in prisons (including of women), and the placement of agents to silence dissent—even targeting former allies.
Calls For Justice And Release Of Detainees
Sheikh Hasina reiterated demands for the release of imprisoned Awami League leaders, 14-party allies, freedom fighters, former judges, police, and army officers who are facing “false cases,” stating that all harassing charges must be withdrawn.
“Prisons are full, yet they continue to oppress,” she added, calling for unity to “free Bangladesh from this situation.”
Awami League’s Legacy
Sheikh Hasina defended her party’s record, stating Awami League achieved Bangladesh’s independence, economic freedom, and elevation from least-developed to developing nation status—achievements she claims have been destroyed by the current regime.
“Only the Awami League can save it from destruction. No other party can,” she asserted, labelling others as “robbers” looting the country. She vowed prosecution of criminals while protecting the innocent, adding: “We who have been oppressed will not forget. Be patient—Inshallah, God saves us again and again.”
Personal Reflections And Promise
Recalling survival from the 2004 grenade attack—”thirteen grenades, the kind used on battlefields”—and past assassination attempts on opponents like Tarique Zia and Khaleda Zia, Sheikh Hasina said: “Wherever I am, I am alive. I am with you, with the people of Bangladesh.”
Crediting her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, for freeing the nation and herself for eradicating poverty and bringing smiles to the poor, she accused Yunus, Jamaat-Shibir, and NCP militants of reversing those gains.
“We will change the fate of the people of Bangladesh once more. That is our only promise,” Sheikh Hasina concluded.
Bengali 
English