Sheikh Hasina: Democracy Will Weaken If Free Participation Is Not Ensured in the National Election

From exile, Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a widely recognized advocate of democratic governance, has expressed deep and serious concerns regarding the upcoming national election following the ban imposed on her political party, the Awami League. She cautioned that excluding one of the country’s largest and most influential political parties from the electoral process threatens to undermine public confidence and weaken the foundations of democratic institutions built over decades.

Sheikh Hasina emphasized that true and meaningful democracy can only be achieved through the active participation of all major political parties and the inclusion of diverse political opinions. She noted that an election held without broad representation cannot genuinely reflect the will of the people and instead risks deepening political polarization, social division, and long-term instability, rather than fostering national unity and democratic legitimacy.

Reaffirming her long-standing commitment to democratic values, constitutional principles, and the rule of law, Sheikh Hasina called for a political environment in which citizens are able to freely express their political choices without fear, coercion, or restriction. She stressed that the right to vote and to participate in political life is fundamental to democracy and must be protected at all costs.

Sheikh Hasina further stated that Bangladesh’s sustainable stability, economic development, and social progress are closely linked to the credibility of its democratic processes. According to her, only free, fair, transparent, and participatory elections can ensure public trust, political accountability, and long-term national development.

She also highlighted the importance of reconciliation, dialogue, and mutual respect in resolving political differences. Sheikh Hasina underscored that exclusion, suppression, and intolerance only deepen divisions, while inclusive dialogue strengthens democratic culture and national cohesion. She urged the relevant authorities to take responsible steps to ensure an inclusive electoral process that upholds constitutional rights, protects civil liberties, and restores public confidence in democratic governance.

Source: Al Jazeera