Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accused the interim government of staging a flawed and unconstitutional election, citing low turnout, alleged irregularities, and intimidation of Awami League supporters.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday issued a strong statement criticising the recent national election, claiming that citizens had rejected what she described as a “so-called election” conducted under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus.
Gratitude from the People’s Leader Sheikh Hasina to All Citizens, Including Mothers, Sisters, and Minority Communities, for Rejecting the Farcical Election of the Murderous-Fascist Yunus
— Bangladesh Awami League (@albd1971) February 12, 2026
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Today’s so-called election by Yunus, who seized power illegally and unconstitutionally,… pic.twitter.com/bPmR2z5Fc1
In a statement released by the Bangladesh Awami League on social media platform X, Hasina accused the interim government of organising a poll that failed to meet democratic and constitutional standards.
“Today’s so-called election by Yunus, who seized power illegally and unconstitutionally, was essentially a well-planned farce,” the statement said.
Allegations of Irregularities and Low Turnout
Hasina alleged that the election process was marred by widespread irregularities, including:
- Seizure of polling centres
- Gunfire and violence
- Vote-buying
- Distribution of money
- Stamping of ballots
She claimed these incidents began on the evening of February 11 and continued into the voting day.
The former prime minister also alleged extremely low voter participation, saying turnout was negligible at many polling centres nationwide, with some centres reportedly recording no voters at all.
Citing figures attributed to the Election Commission, the Awami League said voter turnout was 14.96% by 11 a.m., about three and a half hours after polling began. According to Hasina, the low participation reflected public rejection of an election held without her party.
“This extremely low turnout clearly shows that the Awami League–free election was widely rejected by the people,” the statement added.
Claims of Intimidation and Minority Attacks
Hasina further alleged that Awami League supporters and minority communities faced intimidation, arrests and attacks in the days leading up to the election. She also raised concerns about what she described as abnormal increases in voter numbers, particularly in Dhaka, calling the figures “highly suspicious.”
Awami League’s Demands
In the statement, the Awami League demanded:
- Cancellation of the election results
- Resignation of Muhammad Yunus
- Release of political prisoners
- Withdrawal of what it termed false cases against party leaders and supporters
- Revocation of restrictions on party activities
- Fresh elections under a neutral caretaker government to ensure free, fair and inclusive polls
The party argued that the current political process lacks legitimacy and urged the international community and Bangladeshi citizens to support democratic restoration.