Former Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has called for the cancellation of the recent national election, describing it as a “farcical and voterless” exercise that failed to uphold democratic principles.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Bangladesh Awami League, she alleged that the election was conducted in disregard of the people’s voting rights and democratic values, adding that her party did not participate in the polls.
According to the statement, incidents of polling centre occupation, violence, monetary influence, and ballot manipulation began in various areas from the evening of 11 February. It further claimed that voter turnout remained low in most centres from the morning of 12 February.
Citing data from the Bangladesh Election Commission, the statement noted that voter turnout stood at 14.96 percent as of 11:00am, which the party described as evidence of public disinterest and rejection of the election process.
Sheikh Hasina thanked citizens for what she termed their rejection of a “staged election,” expressing gratitude to those who refrained from participating.
The Awami League also alleged that, in the run-up to the polls, party leaders, activists, supporters, and members of minority communities faced intimidation and pressure. The statement additionally questioned what it described as an unusual increase in the voter list, particularly in Dhaka.
The party demanded the immediate annulment of the election results, resignation of the government, withdrawal of politically motivated cases, release of detained leaders and activists, lifting of restrictions imposed on the party, and the holding of a free, fair, and inclusive election under a neutral caretaker government.
