In her first statement following the conclusion of the February 12, 2026 elections, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina condemned the polls as a “well-planned farce,” “illegal,” and “unconstitutional”. She alleged that widespread rigging began on the evening of February 11, including the capture of polling centers, gunfire, and the use of money to buy votes. Hasina called for the resignation of Yunus, the release of all political prisoners, and the restoration of the Awami League’s political activities.

Her party, the Awami League asserted that the elections, which were held without its participation, failed to uphold democratic standards and constitutional principles. Following the conclusion of voting and the commencement of counting, the party expressed its gratitude to citizens for rejecting what it termed a “voter-less” election.

The Awami League contended that the polling process, which allegedly began with severe irregularities, was marked by incidents such as the seizure of polling stations, gunfire, and unlawful financial inducements to voters. Additionally, the party accused certain individuals of vote-buying, inappropriate ballot marking, and the signing of result sheets by party agents in the absence of genuine voter participation.

According to the Election Commission, only 14.96% of eligible voters participated by 11 a.m. on the day of voting, a mere three and a half hours post commencement. Many polling stations, particularly in major urban centers like Dhaka, reported no voter presence at all.

Allegations of Intimidation and Monitoring of Voter Participation

In the lead-up to the election, the Awami League claimed its supporters and minority groups experienced ongoing intimidation, including arrests and violence aimed at coercing compliance with the electoral process. Despite such measures, the party noted that turnout was significantly low, resulting in predominantly empty polling centers across the country.

The Awami League also raised alarms over what it called “abnormal increases” in voter figures in several constituencies, particularly in the capital city, suggesting that the statistics were suspicious and potentially manipulated.

Demands for Cancellation of Election and New Polls

In light of these concerns, the Awami League has laid out multiple demands aimed at reforming the electoral process. The party is calling for the cancellation of the recent election, the resignation of chief advisor Muhammad Yunus, and the release of political detainees, which includes journalists, educators, and intellectuals.

Furthermore, they are urging the withdrawal of false charges against party members and the lifting of restrictions on Awami League activities. The party concluded its statement by advocating for new, free, fair, and inclusive elections under the supervision of a neutral caretaker government to restore voting rights for citizens.

As the political landscape in Bangladesh continues to unfold, the Awami League’s rejection of the election outcome sets the stage for ongoing dialogue and potential conflict regarding the future of governance in the country.

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