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Bangladesh Elections Face Legitimacy Crisis

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 9:22 GMT by Al Jazeera English
      Locales: BANGLADESH, UNITED KINGDOM

Doha, Qatar/Dhaka, Bangladesh - With the March 2026 general elections fast approaching, Bangladesh is navigating a period of intense political turmoil. Sheikh Hasina, the exiled leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has sharply condemned the polls, declaring them a "sham" after the Election Commission effectively barred her party from participation. Her scathing critique, delivered from her base in Doha, Qatar, underscores growing international concerns about the legitimacy of the upcoming vote and the future of democracy in Bangladesh.

The catalyst for this escalating crisis was the recent ruling by the Election Commission preventing Hasina and numerous other prominent BNP leaders from contesting the elections. This decision follows months of rising tensions between the BNP and the incumbent Awami League, led by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Last year witnessed widespread protests and violent clashes, fueled by allegations of political repression and election manipulation. Hasina argues the ban is a calculated move to consolidate the Awami League's power and eliminate meaningful opposition.

"These elections are not a genuine expression of the people's will," Hasina asserted in a press conference. "They are a carefully orchestrated attempt to legitimize continued authoritarian rule. The people of Bangladesh deserve a free and fair election, a chance to choose their leaders without fear of intimidation or coercion. That opportunity has been stolen from them."

The BNP, historically the primary opposition force in Bangladesh, represents a significant challenge to the Awami League's decade-long hold on power. Removing Hasina - a key figure in the opposition - drastically alters the electoral landscape and raises questions about the integrity of the process. The ban immediately sparked outrage among BNP supporters and has led to a palpable increase in fear and anxiety within the party's base. Hasina has voiced serious concerns for their safety, alleging that the Awami League government is exploiting the ban as justification for targeting and silencing dissenters.

Reports from reputable human rights organizations appear to corroborate these claims. Multiple sources cite a significant increase in security presence surrounding known BNP strongholds, coupled with reports of harassment and arbitrary arrests of party members. This environment of fear effectively stifles political activity and creates an uneven playing field.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation. While most nations are adopting a cautious diplomatic approach, several have publicly called for free and fair elections. The European Union, in a statement released earlier this week, expressed deep reservations, stating, "The conditions necessary for a truly democratic election are simply not in place. We urge the government to ensure that all political parties have the opportunity to participate freely and that the voices of all citizens are heard." Privately, numerous foreign governments are reportedly even more critical, signaling potential consequences for Bangladesh's international standing if the elections are perceived as rigged.

The context of these elections is further complicated by Bangladesh's current economic challenges. While the country has experienced substantial economic growth in recent years, issues like income inequality, unemployment, and rising inflation remain persistent problems. Critics argue the Awami League has failed to adequately address these issues and accuse the government of prioritizing political control over economic progress.

The coming weeks will be crucial. Whether the Awami League will heed international calls for a more inclusive and transparent electoral process remains to be seen. Many analysts fear the current trajectory points toward a further erosion of democratic norms in Bangladesh, potentially leading to prolonged political instability. The March 2026 elections are not simply a contest for power; they represent a pivotal moment that will determine the future of democracy in the nation.