Sheikh Hasina Warns of Democratic Collapse and Extremism Ahead of Bangladesh Election

Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has given an extensive statement regarding the political instability, democratic crisis, and rise of extremism surrounding Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. In an interview with an Indian media outlet, she alleged that extremist forces have become active with the direct patronage of the interim government, and under such circumstances there is no possibility that the forthcoming election will be free, fair, or participatory.

Speaking from India, where she has been staying since the fall of her government, Sheikh Hasina said that India is Bangladesh’s long-standing and trusted friend. She expressed her gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for providing her shelter and support. At the same time, she stated that India’s concerns regarding persecution of religious minorities, attacks on diplomatic missions, and provocative statements originating from Bangladesh are entirely justified.

According to Sheikh Hasina, the interim government is nurturing extremist and militant groups that do not represent the people of Bangladesh. She alleged that democracy has been dismantled, political parties have been banned, and arbitrary arrests have become a daily occurrence. Women are being pushed out of public life, and religious minorities are regularly subjected to violence.

Regarding the upcoming February election, Sheikh Hasina said that any election held while banning the Awami League would be merely “symbolic.” She claimed that genuine independent candidates and opposition parties are being kept away from the electoral process, and that due to the biased role of the administration, the democratic environment has been completely destroyed. She said, “Because they lack the courage to face us at the ballot box, our political activities have been banned.”

Sheikh Hasina called upon Awami League supporters to remain calm and patient. She stated that more than 152,000 party leaders and activists are currently imprisoned in politically motivated cases, and that due to inhumane conditions in prisons, more than a hundred people have died.

She directly blamed the interim government and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus for Bangladesh’s current state of chaos. She alleged that this government is deliberately destroying the economy, democratic institutions, and social structure. Investment has come to a standstill, imports and exports are being disrupted, and employment has nearly collapsed.

Highlighting the achievements during her time in office, Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh was once an example of economic progress, religious tolerance, and social development in the region. Those achievements, she said, are now on the verge of destruction.

Regarding her return to Dhaka, Sheikh Hasina said that it would not be possible for her to return until constitutional governance and the rule of law are restored. She stated that lifting the ban on the Awami League, releasing political prisoners, and holding a genuinely free election are her primary conditions for returning.