Former Bangladesh FM: Yunus Govt Allows Fanatic Forces to Dominate, Bars Awami League from Polls

As Bangladesh approaches a pivotal national election amid prolonged political turmoil, former Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has sharply criticised the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of orchestrating what he described as an “arranged election” and allowing extremist forces to gain influence in the country.

In an interview with NDTV, Mahmud, a senior leader of the Awami League, questioned the credibility of the February 12 polls, arguing that widespread instability and the exclusion of major political players undermine the democratic process. He claimed that the Awami League and its alliance partners, which he described as the country’s most popular political force, have been barred from participating, leaving a majority of voters without what he called a “real choice”.

Citing surveys, including one attributed to Reuters, Mahmud said between 50 and nearly 60 per cent of Bangladeshis continue to support the Awami League. He alleged that the interim administration moved to exclude the party as public dissatisfaction has risen due to economic pressures, rising prices and a perceived breakdown in law and order. According to him, comparisons with the relative stability under previous Awami League governments have intensified public discontent.

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Mahmud also addressed speculation surrounding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in India since August 2024. He said she remains active and engaged with party workers both inside Bangladesh and abroad, dismissing suggestions that she has withdrawn from politics despite earlier indications that her last term might have been her final one.

The former minister reserved his strongest criticism for what he described as deteriorating security conditions and attacks on minorities. He alleged that incidents of mob violence, including the lynching of individuals accused of blasphemy, reflect an alarming rise in fanaticism and claimed that Hindus, Christians and Buddhists have faced repeated attacks with little accountability.

Mahmud further warned of growing regional implications, pointing to what he characterised as warming ties with Pakistan and the possible re-emergence of militant networks. He said any increase in extremism in Bangladesh would inevitably affect neighbouring countries, including India, underscoring broader concerns as the country heads toward one of its most contested elections in recent history.

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