Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for the cancellation of Bangladesh’s recent national election, describing it as “voterless, illegal and unconstitutional.” In her first public statement since the polls concluded, Hasina alleged that the electoral process lacked legitimacy and failed to reflect the will of the people.

Labelling the election “deceptive”, Hasina said it was conducted without the participation of her party, the Awami League, and without meaningful voter engagement. She argued that an election held in the absence of a major political force undermines democratic principles and constitutional norms. Her remarks signal a deepening political standoff in the country following months of turbulence.

Bangladesh held the election amid heightened political tensions, marking its first national vote since the 2024 mass protests that led to the fall of Hasina’s government. The protests, driven by widespread public anger over governance and electoral transparency, culminated in her removal from office, reshaping the country’s political landscape.

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The Awami League’s absence from the electoral contest significantly altered the political equation. Critics of the process have questioned voter turnout and the level of political competition, while supporters of the interim leadership have maintained that the polls were conducted in accordance with constitutional procedures.

Hasina’s demand for annulment adds uncertainty to Bangladesh’s political future, raising the possibility of prolonged instability. As the nation navigates a sensitive transition period, attention is now focused on how authorities respond to her call and whether dialogue among political stakeholders can help ease mounting tensions.

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