Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has issued a bold challenge to Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, daring him to face her in a direct electoral contest. In a recent audio message, Hasina dismissed the upcoming national elections as a “farce” due to the exclusion of her party, the Awami League.

Sheikh Hasina’s Challenge: “Fight Me in the Polls”

In her audio message, Hasina challenged Yunus to prove his popularity through a ballot box. “If you have the power, fight in the elections,” she said. “I challenge Yunus come and stand against me in an election. Stand from any seat you want and see who the people vote for! You won’t do that. You don’t have the courage.”

Bangladesh Elections a “Farce” Without the Awami League

The national election in Bangladesh is scheduled for February 12, 2026. This will be the first vote since the fall of the Awami League government over a year and a half ago. While the Election Commission has deployed a massive security force to ensure a smooth process, the Awami League remains banned from participating by the interim administration.

Hasina criticized this exclusion, questioning the legitimacy of a vote that bars the country’s largest political force.

This is a farce in the name of an election. How can it be an election where the Awami League cannot participate? Why are we not being allowed to join today?”

Historically, the Awami League has held a significant vote bank, typically securing between 40% and 50% of the total vote.

Rivals Eye the Awami League Strongholds

With the Awami League officially out of the race, other political parties like the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami are moving aggressively to capture its traditional supporters.

A key battleground is Gopalganj, a long-standing stronghold for Hasina. Specifically, Gopalganj-3 (Tungipara) is her ancestral home. Candidates from rival parties are now reaching out to these voters:

Jamaat-e-Islami: Candidates are using local and family ties to appeal to Awami League supporters, telling them they can vote for Jamaat until their own party returns.

* BNP: Candidates are promising security and protection from legal cases to win over the leaders and workers of the sidelined Awami League.

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