Sheikh Hasina seeks cancellation of Bangladesh polls

13-Feb-2026

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Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has demanded the cancellation of the country’s latest national election, describing it as a “sham election staged by the killer, fascist Muhammad Yunus” and calling for his resignation.

In a statement issued in response to the polls, Hasina demanded “the cancellation of this voterless, illegal, and unconstitutional election; the resignation of Yunus; the withdrawal of false cases and the release of all political prisoners as well as teachers, journalists, intellectuals, and professionals; the removal of the suspension imposed on the activities of the Awami League; and the restoration of the people’s voting rights through the arrangement of a free, fair, and inclusive election under a neutral caretaker government.”

In her statement, Hasina thanked “the masses at all levels, including mothers, sisters, and minority communities” for rejecting what she termed a fraudulent exercise organised by Yunus, whom she accused of seizing power “illegally and unconstitutionally.”

“Today’s so-called election organised by Yunus, who took power through illegal and unconstitutional means, was essentially a carefully planned farce,” Hasina said. She alleged that the election disregarded “the people’s voting rights, democratic values, and the spirit of the constitution” and was arranged “without the Awami League and without voters.”