Hasina's party banned from February 2026 Bangladesh elections

Bangladesh’s interim government has reaffirmed that the Awami League will not be able to participate in the next national election, scheduled for February 12, citing the suspension of the party’s activities and deregistration. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said that the government’s position on the Awami League was “clear,” noting that its political activities remain banned and its registration as a political party has been suspended. As a result, he said, the party cannot take part in the upcoming polls. Alam made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Dhaka, responding to questions about a letter reportedly sent to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus by five US lawmakers urging inclusive, free and fair elections. He said he had not seen the letter and was not aware of its contents.

The US lawmakers, Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Bill Huizenga, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Julie Johnson and Tom Suozzi had expressed concern that banning an entire political party could disenfranchise a significant portion of voters. They stressed that freedom of association and individual, rather than collective, criminal responsibility are fundamental human rights.

Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), landed in Dhaka on Thursday said, the people of Bangladesh want to regain their right to speak. They want to get back their democratic rights. Addressing a rally, he said,“The time has come for all of us to build the country together. This country belongs to people of the hills and the plains, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. We want to build a safe Bangladesh, where every woman, man, and child can leave home and return safely.”