NEW DELHI: Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that millions of Awami League supporters will boycott next year’s national election after the party was barred from contesting. Speaking to Reuters from exile in New Delhi on Wednesday, Hasina, 78, said she would not return to Bangladesh under any government formed after an election that excludes her party. She fled to India in August 2024 following a deadly student-led uprising that toppled her 15-year rule.

An interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been governing Bangladesh since her removal and has pledged to hold general elections in February 2025.

“The ban on the Awami League is not only unjust, it is self-defeating,” Hasina said in her first media comments since her ouster. “Millions of people support our party, and they will not vote if we are excluded. You cannot disenfranchise millions and expect a functioning democracy.”

Bangladesh has more than 126 million registered voters. The Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have long dominated the political landscape, and the BNP is widely expected to win the upcoming polls.

The Election Commission suspended the Awami League’s registration in May, while the Yunus-led government banned all political party activities, citing national security concerns and ongoing war crimes investigations into senior Awami League leaders.

“We are not asking our supporters to back other parties,” Hasina said. “We still hope reason will prevail and we will be allowed to contest.”

Hasina, credited with transforming Bangladesh’s economy but accused of human rights abuses and suppressing dissent, won a fourth consecutive term in 2024 in an election boycotted by the opposition.

She is now facing charges of crimes against humanity at the International Crimes Tribunal over the violent crackdown on student protesters between July and August 2024. A verdict is expected on November 13.

A United Nations report estimates that up to 1,400 people were killed and thousands injured during those protests — the deadliest unrest since Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War.

Prosecutors allege that Hasina oversaw abductions, torture, and extrajudicial killings through secret detention centres operated by security forces. Hasina has denied the accusations, calling the proceedings “politically motivated.”

“These are kangaroo courts, and the verdicts are predetermined,” she told Reuters. “I was denied any real opportunity to defend myself.”

Despite the turmoil, Hasina said the Awami League would eventually return to play a legitimate role in Bangladesh’s future — in government or in opposition — and that her family does not have to lead it.

“It’s not about me or my family,” she said. “For Bangladesh to move forward, there must be a return to constitutional rule and political stability.”

Hasina, whose father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and three brothers were killed in a 1975 military coup, said she lives freely in Delhi but remains cautious because of her family’s history.

A Reuters journalist recently spotted her walking quietly through Delhi’s Lodhi Garden, accompanied by two personal security guards.

“I would love to go home — if the government there is legitimate and the rule of law truly prevails,” she said.

Her departure initially triggered attacks on Awami League workers, though the streets have since remained calm. However, sporadic clashes erupted earlier this month during the signing of a state reform charter.

The High Court has issued a rule asking why former chief justice ABM Khairul Haque should not be granted bail in five cases, including the one filed over the killing of Jubo Dal activist Abdul Kaiyum Ahad in the capital’s Jatrabari during the anti-discrimination student movement. The respondents have been directed to submit their replies within two weeks.

The bench of Justice ASM Abdul Mobin and Justice Saghir Hossain issued the rule on Sunday. Earlier, on July 24, police arrested Khairul Haque from his residence in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi. He was later shown to be arrested in the case filed over the killing of Abdul Kaiyum Ahad in Jatrabari during the July movement.

He was also shown to be arrested in another case filed in Narayanganj over allegations of delivering unlawful verdicts and fabricating false judgments. On August 25, 2024, Abdul Bari Bhuiyan, former president of the District Bar Association and general secretary of Fatullah Thana BNP, filed the case. Khairul Haque was later shown to be arrested in several other cases as well.

On August 11 this year, during the hearing of Khairul Haque’s bail and case dismissal petitions in the same Jatrabari murder case, chaos erupted in the courtroom as pro-Awami League and state counsels engaged in heated arguments and scuffles.

Dhaka – Sajeeb Wazed, son of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has urged Bangladesh’s interim government to lift the ban on the Awami League, warning that elections held without the party would be illegitimate and could deepen political instability.

Speaking to The Associated Press from Washington D.C., Wazed said, “This ban has to be lifted. Elections must be inclusive, free, and fair.” He added that current restrictions are “political manipulation disguised as justice,” aimed at preventing his mother and party leaders from participating in the upcoming polls.

Bangladesh is scheduled to hold national elections in February 2026, the first since a student-led uprising last year ended Hasina’s 15-year rule and forced her into exile in India. Three days after her ouster, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed the role of interim head of government, promising to restore order and implement reforms. In May, his administration banned Awami League activities and arrested many of its senior leaders, while others fled the country.

Wazed stressed that if the Awami League is not given sufficient time to prepare for the election, the results “will not be recognized by the people or by international observers.”

The political landscape remains fragmented. While the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) remains a key contender, the Jatiya Party continues to face suppression, including attacks on its headquarters and disrupted rallies. The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami has also reemerged, expanding its presence and seeking alliances with other hardline groups. Wazed warned that ongoing instability could benefit Islamist parties and accused the Yunus-led government of facilitating their rise through a “rigged election.”

Wazed also highlighted human rights concerns, citing arrests, custodial deaths, and attacks on religious minorities. He criticized the interim government’s handling of last year’s uprising and questioned the impartiality of special tribunals prosecuting Hasina, including a recent call for the death penalty.

International rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have urged Yunus to lift the “broad ban” on Awami League activities, calling it an excessive restriction on freedom of association, assembly, and expression. The interim government has not commented on Wazed’s remarks.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged all political parties to take part in the upcoming national election, putting aside minor differences, to help restore the democratic process in the country.

“I call upon all political parties to join the coming election by putting aside small differences so that together we can bring back democracy in the country and return to the democratic system,” he said.

He made the call while speaking at a program marking the 21st founding anniversary of the Daily Naya Diganta at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital. Fakhrul said he believes the election will be held on time in February 2026. “We also think that through an acceptable election to all, we will get an opportunity to return to a democratic system.”

He said the student-led mass uprising in August 2024 created a new opportunity to establish a truly democratic state.On behalf of the BNP, Fakhrul paid deep tribute to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in 2024 for freedom and democracy. He mentioned that the interim government has already announced that the election will be held by February next year.

The BNP leader expressed the hope that the reform issues had already been settled, as the political parties had agreed upon them and signed the National July Charter.

He alleged that around 6 million political leaders and activists faced false cases, about 20,000 were killed, and 1,700 others became victims of enforced disappearance during the past “fascist rule” of the Awami League.

Recalling the post-Liberation War period, Fakhrul said the media, particularly the press, faced severe repression. “After the establishment of Baksal in 1975, all newspapers were shut down. I remember that many journalists became unemployed, and some even worked as hawkers in front of Baitul Mukarram, as there were no newspapers left.”

After the political changeover in 1975, he said, BNP founder and late president Ziaur Rahman was the first to move away from the one-party system and introduce multi-party democracy, ensuring press freedom.

“We must not forget that the key reforms began during his (Zia’s) time and were later carried forward by former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia,” Fakhrul added.

The results of the 2025 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations have been published. This year, the combined pass rate across nine general education boards, the Madrasah Education Board, and the Technical Education Board stands at 58.83%. Dhaka Education Board Chairman and Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee Chairman Prof Dr Khondokar Ehsanul Kabir announced the results on Thursday.

The pass rate has dropped by 18.95 percentage points compared to last year. A total of 39,097 students achieved a GPA 5 this year. In 2024, the average pass rate was 77.78%, while in 2023 it was 78.64%. This year the pass rates are 64.62% in the Dhaka Board, 59.40% in Rajshahi, 48.86% in Comilla, 50.20% in Jessore, 52.57% in Chittagong, 62.57% in Barisal, 51.86% in Sylhet, 57.49% in Dinajpur, 51.54% in Mymensingh, 75.61% in the Madrasah Education Board, and 62.67% in the Technical Education Board.

Of them, the Madrasah Board topped the pass rate with 75.61% while Comilla Board positioned at the bottom with 48.86%. Ehsanul Kabir informed that a total of 69,097 students secured GPA-5 this year, a cut by 76,814 than that of the past year.

Examinees will be able to get their results through the websites of the country’s education boards, all relevant examination centers, educational institutions, and via SMS. This time, 1,251,111 students participated in the examination under 11 education boards.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that the future of the nation’s economy and its overall political landscape hinges upon the upcoming general election. He alleged that, overall, BNP leaders and activists have endured the most severe political persecution in recent years.

He made these remarks on Tuesday afternoon, while addressing an extended meeting of the Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila and Ruhea Thana BNP units as the chief guest at the Thakurgaon District Shilpakala Academy auditorium.

The senior BNP leader claimed that the party’s workers have faced unprecedented oppression during what he termed the 16-year ‘dictatorial’ rule of Sheikh Hasina. Providing statistics, he asserted that nearly 6 million leaders and activists have been targeted with ‘false’ cases. Furthermore, he alleged that 20,000 workers have been ‘killed’ and 1,700, including three sitting MPs, have been ‘forcibly disappeared’ (gums).

He observed: “Our political activists can, at least, sleep peacefully at night now.”

Fakhrul mentioned that numerous party workers in Thakurgaon have spent long periods in prison and been convicted in false cases over the last 15 years. He expressed gratitude to the lawyers for providing crucial legal assistance during this period.

On the subject of a nationwide referendum (or plebiscite), Mirza Fakhrul disclosed that the BNP has proposed to the National Consensus Commission that the national election and the referendum be held simultaneously on the same day. The meeting was chaired by Thakurgaon District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin.

Among the other attendees were District BNP General Secretary Paygam Ali, Municipal BNP President Shariful Islam Sharif, Sadar BNP President Abdul Hamid, Ruhea Thana BNP President Abdul Jabbar, and other local leaders from the BNP and its affiliated bodies.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami has formed a special team to spread false propaganda using digital technology. Speaking at a discussion marking the founding anniversary of the BNP-affiliated Olama Dal at the National Press Club on Tuesday, Rizvi said: “Jamaat is conducting misleading campaigns using digital platforms. They have formed a group of young individuals to spread lies, offensive remarks, and vulgar content on social media. These people are packaging falsehoods and spreading them regularly.”

He further said: “Claiming that voting can lead to heaven is a deception. Jamaat is trying to impose PR (proportional representation) out of frustration and is conspiring to disrupt the election. Ordinary people are not familiar with PR.”

Rizvi also remarked: “Those calling for a referendum in November have a master plan. Through certain conditions, they aim to confuse the public and delay the national election.”

He accused Jamaat of trying to remain under the shadow of the Awami League, saying: “Their political maneuvering shows they are trying to draw votes away from the Awami League. On one hand, they are creating debate over PR, reforms, and referendums; on the other hand, they are manipulating religious sentiments.”

He warned about the spread of a misleading ideology under the guise of a new Islamic trend in Bangladesh, saying: “This can be identified as ‘Maududism.’ The people of Bangladesh will never accept it. There is no place for such ideology in our faith, beliefs, and unity in monotheism.”

Referring to the events of 1971, Rizvi said: “Those who committed horrific acts during the Liberation War were also Muslims. But how can one Muslim inflict such atrocities on another? Those who supported or are still supporting such crimes—can they be called good people? Using religion as a tool to mislead the public and justifying any means for power is not supported by Islam.”

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said they want to see a free, fair, inclusive, and participatory election in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time. The Indian Foreign Secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an inclusive and participatory election.

He made the remarks while interacting with the visiting delegation of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi. Senior officials of the MEA, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin, and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present.

During nearly an hour-long interaction, the Indian Foreign Secretary responded to questions on bilateral issues, border issues, water sharing issues, and issues related to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is staying in India. The foreign secretary acknowledged that some issues are natural in any relationship.

Reiterating that India firmly supports “free, fair, inclusive, and participatory elections” in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said that India will work with any government that emerges through the mandate of the people of Bangladesh. The Indian foreign secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an “inclusive and participatory” election.“We remain ready to engage with any government that emerges from these elections with a popular mandate,” he said while responding to a question during an interaction with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, joint secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin, and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were also present.

During the nearly hour-long discussion, the Indian foreign secretary responded to questions on bilateral relations, border management, water-sharing issues, and matters concerning former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently staying in India.

The foreign secretary acknowledged that some issues exist, which is natural in any bilateral relationship. A 23-member DCAB delegation is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India. The foreign secretary said one important issue being closely watched not only in the region but also globally is the next steps in Bangladesh’s internal political process.

“We have all seen the announcements and statements regarding the next elections in Bangladesh. I understand that a time frame around February has been indicated in this regard,” he said.

He added that India is encouraged by the fact that Bangladeshi authorities themselves have spoken about a timeline for the elections and that India looks forward to their successful conduct.

“It will be a government elected with a popular mandate, and we will work with whichever government the people of Bangladesh choose to represent them,” Foreign Secretary Misri said.

Referring to India’s role in the region, the foreign secretary said that India has a significant stake in the peace, progress, stability, and development of Bangladesh.

“All of these issues are linked to regional stability, and we attach the highest importance to that — not just for ourselves but also because it serves our mutual interests,” he said.

When asked about the possibility of elections excluding a major political party, Misri said: “I obviously cannot get into the middle of decisions made by authorities in Bangladesh. The authorities, the people, and civil society in Bangladesh will have to make their own assessment of how these elections are viewed both domestically and internationally.”

He added that it is not only a matter of internal legitimacy but also one of external perception.

“These decisions will not just affect the present but will have implications in the medium to long term. Ultimately, it is for the people of Bangladesh to decide,” Misri said.

He noted that the elections will undoubtedly express a certain mandate.

“When it comes to the conditions shaping that mandate, India will not interfere. That is something for the people of Bangladesh to determine,” he said.

He also mentioned that even after the events of July and August last year, India has continued to work with the authorities in Dhaka, despite the unusual nature of the current political arrangement.

“That hasn’t prevented us from working with or engaging the authorities,” he said.

Misri noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first leaders to congratulate Professor Muhammad when he assumed charge as the head of the interim government, followed by a series of subsequent engagements. When asked about Pakistan–Bangladesh relations, the foreign secretary said he would not comment on Bangladesh’s relations with a third country.

“I can only say that we value our relationship with Bangladesh. We have a stake in its peace, progress, stability, and development. All of these have a bearing on regional security and stability,” he said.

“We have had close discussions with the authorities in Bangladesh on these matters in the past, and I am sure we will continue to do so,” he added, expressing confidence that Bangladesh recognizes the importance of regional stability and security for all. The foreign secretary said the India–Bangladesh relationship is rooted in strong cultural, linguistic, religious, and historical ties.

“These are factors that continue to underpin our relationship. We have always approached it with a people-first mindset,” he said.

“This is a time-tested relationship — more than five decades old — and I am confident it will continue to flourish,” Misri added. He said India’s approach toward Bangladesh has always been pragmatic.

“We are no strangers to the momentous developments that have taken place in the region, the world, and in Bangladesh. Our pragmatic approach has guided our engagement with the authorities, including the interim government,” he said.

“The only point I would make is that for this engagement to be sustained and to serve as the basis for even stronger ties in the future, both sides need to work toward creating a conducive environment,” he noted. The foreign secretary concluded by emphasizing the importance of avoiding statements or actions that could harm the bilateral atmosphere.

Explaining former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India and its impacts on bilateral relations, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said this is a “judicial legal process” and it requires “engagement and consultations” between the two governments.

“We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues,” he said while responding to a question during an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Beyond that, the Indian foreign secretary said, he does not think it would be constructive to say anything further at this point. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present.

Responding to a question, Foreign Secretary Misri said they should set aside the perception that they have a favourite or they are trying to engage with one set of people or ignore another set of people. He said they want the earliest possible expression of the mandate of people through which a democratically elected government will emerge.

Asked whether India is trying to reinstate Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh Awami League, the Indian foreign secretary said they are only in favour of an early election in Bangladesh for an opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to express their mandate to the popularly elected government.

“We will deal with the government. We are prepared to deal with the government. I don’t think there is anything else to say with regards to that,” said the foreign secretary.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain recently said Bangladesh is yet to receive any positive response from India regarding its request for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition to face trial at home.

“There is no new information on this. Bangladesh has asked India to return Sheikh Hasina to face trial. There has been no positive response from India yet,” he told reporters in Dhaka recently. Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh is waiting for a response from New Delhi.

Responding to a question on whether the government will seek international assistance to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country, the foreign affairs adviser said the government can seek assistance if it deems it necessary, adding: “However, I do not see any need at the moment.”

The foreign adviser said the government would continue to pursue the extradition of former prime minister Hasina, currently reported to be in India since August 5 last year. Bangladesh sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) to India in December last year, along with a set of supporting documents, formally requesting Hasina’s extradition. He said they want to see a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time.

The Indian foreign secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an inclusive and participatory election. During nearly an hour of interaction, the Indian foreign secretary responded to questions on bilateral issues, border issues, water sharing issues and issues related to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina who is staying in India.

The foreign secretary acknowledged that there are some issues which are natural in any relationship. A 23-member delegation of the DCAB is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India.