Post by : Rameen Ariff

Dhaka, Bangladesh – November 19, 2025: The conviction of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity has thrown Bangladesh into political turmoil. Since her exile in India on August 5, 2024, Hasina's party, the Awami League, is facing a ban on its political activities as the February elections approach.

Following the verdict, Hasina’s son asserted that the Awami League might obstruct the upcoming elections unless the political ban is lifted, advocating for inclusive elections to ease tensions. Experts warn that this intensifying polarization, coupled with a history of violent governmental crackdowns, could lead to a perilous electoral period.

“The interim government has completely sidelined the Awami League... the polarization has reached an alarming level,” remarked Michael Kugelman, a senior fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. He highlighted the significant risk of election-related violence, particularly given the low morale within Bangladesh's police force, which has already faced violent protests in 2024.

Since Hasina's exile, Bangladesh's interim government, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, faces mounting pressure to conduct fair elections. The current administration must navigate a divided political landscape dominated for decades by either Hasina or her ongoing rival. Observers note that Yunus's challenge lies in ensuring free elections without favoring the Bangladesh Nationalist Party or Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist faction in the country.

Although Bangladesh has sought her extradition, India is not expected to comply, allowing Hasina to continue influencing the Awami League from afar. Analysts predict that she will cautiously manage her party’s strategies from India while contemplating a return to politics when the situation permits.

According to former BBC Bengali Service head Sabir Mustafa, the Awami League must address substantial challenges in Hasina's absence. “The party requires significant reforms to reclaim its position. It will struggle without Hasina spearheading these changes,” said Mustafa.

The international response has been varied. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have voiced concerns over the trial's fairness, while the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights described the ruling as pivotal for victims of last year's state repression, although opposing the death penalty.

Kugelman underlined that Yunus’s primary objective is to foster a peaceful atmosphere for the upcoming elections. “These elections are crucial—the first in nearly two decades with a strong demand for free voting,” he stated. Analysts agree that addressing security, building voter trust, and ensuring fair access will be essential for reinstating political integrity and gaining international respect for Bangladesh.

Amid severe political divisions, a ban on the Awami League, and Hasina's continued influence outside the country, Bangladesh faces a daunting road ahead for credible elections. The interim government's handling of these factors will shape the nation’s political landscape in the near future.

#Global #World