DHAKA: Bangladesh’s interim government announced on Thursday that the Awami League party will not be allowed to contest the February 2026 national parliamentary elections, marking a dramatic turning point in the country’s political trajectory following last year’s unrest. The Awami League is led by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Speaking after a meeting of the Advisory Council held yesterday, Shafikul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, confirmed that the party will be excluded from the upcoming Bangladesh parliamentary elections.
“Since the Awami League’s activities are banned and the Election Commission has cancelled the party’s registration, it will not be able to participate in the next election,” he said.
Alam also responded to questions about reports that several US lawmakers had written to the Chief Adviser expressing concern over the ban. He said he had not seen the letter but stressed that the government’s stance was unambiguous.
Related series of events
In May, the interim administration had issued a gazette notification outlawing all activities of the Awami League as well as its affiliated and associated organisations. Moreover, several senior leaders are currently facing proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal.
The Awami League’s registration remains suspended till date, as per the order issued by the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs under provisions of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance. The ban will remain in force until the conclusion of the trials at the International Crimes Tribunal.
Sheikh Hasina criticises the ban
The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has criticised the move, warning that an election without her party would lack legitimacy. “An election without the Awami League is not an election, it is a coronation,” she said in a statement. She also accused the interim administration of ruling without a popular mandate and attempting to sideline a party that has won power multiple times through elections.
Hasina further cautioned that barring the Awami League could discourage voter participation. “When people are denied the chance to vote for their preferred party, many choose not to vote at all. Millions could be effectively disenfranchised if this ban continues,” she said, adding that any government formed under such circumstances would struggle to claim moral authority.
With the Bangladesh elections 2026 approaching, political tensions remain high. The exclusion of one of the country’s largest political parties has intensified debate over democratic representation, reconciliation, and the future direction of the nation.
Agencies
Speaking after a meeting of the Advisory Council held yesterday, Shafikul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, confirmed that the party will be excluded from the upcoming Bangladesh parliamentary elections.
“Since the Awami League’s activities are banned and the Election Commission has cancelled the party’s registration, it will not be able to participate in the next election,” he said.
Alam also responded to questions about reports that several US lawmakers had written to the Chief Adviser expressing concern over the ban. He said he had not seen the letter but stressed that the government’s stance was unambiguous.
Related series of events
In May, the interim administration had issued a gazette notification outlawing all activities of the Awami League as well as its affiliated and associated organisations. Moreover, several senior leaders are currently facing proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal.
The Awami League’s registration remains suspended till date, as per the order issued by the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs under provisions of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance. The ban will remain in force until the conclusion of the trials at the International Crimes Tribunal.
Sheikh Hasina criticises the ban
The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has criticised the move, warning that an election without her party would lack legitimacy. “An election without the Awami League is not an election, it is a coronation,” she said in a statement. She also accused the interim administration of ruling without a popular mandate and attempting to sideline a party that has won power multiple times through elections.
Hasina further cautioned that barring the Awami League could discourage voter participation. “When people are denied the chance to vote for their preferred party, many choose not to vote at all. Millions could be effectively disenfranchised if this ban continues,” she said, adding that any government formed under such circumstances would struggle to claim moral authority.
With the Bangladesh elections 2026 approaching, political tensions remain high. The exclusion of one of the country’s largest political parties has intensified debate over democratic representation, reconciliation, and the future direction of the nation.
Agencies