Sheikh Hasina Threatens Election Boycott if Barred from Contesting

According to British news agency Reuters, the exiled former Prime Minister of Bangladesh stated that she would not take part in any election government without the Awami League and would not return to Bangladesh under such circumstances.

She said, “Banning the Awami League is not only unfair, but it is also self-defeating. Millions of people are with us, and if our party is excluded from the electoral process, our supporters will not participate in the elections.”

Currently, an interim government is in place in Bangladesh. In May 2025, the Election Commission suspended the registration of the Awami League, after which the government imposed a complete ban on the party’s activities, citing national security concerns and ongoing investigations into war crimes by party leaders.

Sheikh Hasina faces allegations of human rights violations and the imprisonment and torture of opponents during a crackdown on student-led protests in 2024. The International Crimes Tribunal has completed its investigations, and a verdict is expected on November 11.

Regarding her return to Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said, “I certainly want to return home, but only when there is a legitimate government, the supremacy of the constitution, and the rule of law is established.” She further stated that whether in government or opposition, the Awami League will continue to play a role in Bangladeshi politics.

She also emphasized that “it is not necessary for my family members to lead the party.” Last year, her son, Sajeeb Wazed, who resides in Washington, told Reuters that he might consider leading the Awami League if asked.

Since Sheikh Hasina’s removal, an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has been in place and has announced general elections for February 2026.

According to Reuters, Bangladesh has over 126 million registered voters. Historically, the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been the country’s two main parties, and the BNP is currently seen as having strong chances of winning the upcoming elections.