Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has warned that millions of voters may boycott the upcoming national election if her party, the Awami League, is not allowed to participate. She has insisted that the next government must hold credible democratic legitimacy, which she says cannot be achieved by denying voting rights to a vast number of her supporters.
The Awami League’s official recognition was canceled earlier this year, and its student organisation, the Bangladesh Chhatra League, was declared banned. After the fall of the Awami League–led government in August 2024, demands have been raised by various groups to completely prohibit the party from contesting elections.
Hasina stated that her supporters will not vote for any other political party as an alternative. While she expressed hope that the Awami League would be given clearance to contest, she warned that a mass voter boycott could occur if the restrictions remain.
She also indicated she will not return to Bangladesh unless the political rights of her party are restored and a constitutional system ensuring the rule of law is reinstated. According to her, she wishes to come back only when a legitimate administration is in place.
With the election approaching, the exclusion of one of Bangladesh’s oldest political forces has emerged as a key issue, drawing both national and international attention.