Sheikh Hasina Demands Free, Fair Elections Amid Criticism of 'Yunus' Government

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  Politics and Government on Wed, Nov 12th, 2025 by moneycontrol.com

Sheikh Hasina Calls for Free, Fair Elections and Criticises the “Yunus” Government

A recent Moneycontrol report features former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a towering figure in Bangladeshi politics, voicing a strong demand for genuinely free and fair elections in the country. In a press briefing held in London, Hasina openly criticised what she described as the “Yunus” government – a term she uses to refer to the ruling administration that has been in power since the 2014 elections – and warned that the country’s democratic institutions are under threat.

Who is Sheikh Hasina?

Sheikh Hasina has been the head of Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League since 2009 and has been at the centre of the country’s political life for more than two decades. Her tenure has been marked by rapid economic growth, but also by accusations of cronyism, a stifling of dissent, and the suppression of opposition parties and civil society. Despite being in office, she continues to wield enormous influence; her statements are closely monitored by both domestic and international observers.

The “Yunus” Government

In the article, Hasina refers to the “Yunus” government as the current administration led by the incumbent cabinet, which was sworn in following the 2014 elections. She calls this regime “Yunus” as a shorthand reference to the caretaker‑era system that was abolished in 2011, thereby placing the power of election management in the hands of the ruling party. The Moneycontrol piece notes that the government, according to Hasina, has “abused its authority to intimidate opposition parties, restrict media freedom, and curtail the civil rights of citizens.”

The Demand for Free and Fair Elections

At the heart of Hasina’s message is a call for an impartial electoral process. She insists that “no election is truly free if one party controls the machinery that decides the outcome.” Hasina urged the Election Commission to allow independent observers from the United Nations, the European Union, and other global bodies to monitor the upcoming polls. She added that the opposition has repeatedly demanded a caretaker‑led election system, a proposal that was rejected after the 2011 constitutional amendment.

Historical Context

The article provides a brief historical background to explain why the caretaker system was originally introduced. After the 1991 parliamentary elections, Bangladesh established a non‑partisan caretaker government that would oversee the elections to prevent the incumbent party from manipulating the process. The system was scrapped in 2011, a move that critics argue paved the way for the 2014 election in which the Awami League won 58% of the vote amid widespread allegations of rigging.

Specific Accusations

Hasina’s criticism extends to specific actions by the current administration. She says the “Yunus” government has:

• Used law enforcement agencies to harass opposition leaders.
• Stifled media reporting by imposing restrictive press laws and threatening journalists.
• Blocked the release of political prisoners who were detained for alleged anti‑state activities.
• Encouraged a culture of impunity by failing to investigate corruption within government ministries.

The article quotes Hasina as saying, “When the state is used as an instrument of the ruling party, democracy loses its meaning.” She calls for a comprehensive audit of all state agencies to restore public trust.

International Reaction

The Moneycontrol piece also highlights reactions from the international community. The United Nations has repeatedly called for free and fair elections in Bangladesh, and the European Union has expressed concern over the crackdown on civil society. In her statement, Hasina mentioned that “the world must ensure that Bangladesh’s elections are transparent and inclusive, or else the legitimacy of the entire system will be in question.”

Additional Links and Context

The article includes links to related Moneycontrol coverage, such as a feature on the caretaker system’s abolition and another on the 2014 election controversies. A video clip of Hasina’s press conference is also embedded, providing viewers with the full context of her remarks. Readers are encouraged to watch the clip to see her body language and the direct questions asked by the press.

Bottom Line

Sheikh Hasina’s latest statement is a stark reminder that Bangladesh’s democratic future hinges on the integrity of its electoral process. By calling the current administration “Yunus” and demanding an impartial electoral mechanism, she underscores the lingering concerns that the ruling party’s grip on state institutions may threaten the country’s political stability. Whether her plea will spur reforms remains to be seen, but it has already reignited international dialogue about the need for transparent elections in South Asia.