Sheikh Hasina has expressed her sincere thanks and gratitude to the people of Bangladesh — including mothers, sisters, and members of minority communities — for rejecting what she described as a “sham election” staged by Muhammad Yunus, whom she accused of seizing power illegally and unconstitutionally.
In her statement, she alleged that the election held on 12 February was a “carefully orchestrated farce,” claiming it disregarded citizens’ voting rights, democratic norms, and the constitutional spirit of the country. She argued that the process was conducted without the participation of the Awami League and lacked genuine voter engagement.
According to the statement, irregularities began on the evening of 11 February, including alleged occupation of polling centres, incidents of gunfire, vote-buying, ballot stamping, and the forced signing of result sheets by polling agents. She further claimed that voter turnout remained extremely low throughout the country from the morning of election day, with many polling stations in Dhaka and other regions reportedly remaining empty.
Citing figures from the Election Commission’s briefing, the statement noted that voter turnout until 11:00 a.m. — approximately three and a half hours after voting began — stood at 14.96 percent. Sheikh Hasina interpreted this as evidence that the public had boycotted the election due to the absence of the Awami League.
The statement also alleged that in the days leading up to the election, Awami League voters, supporters, well-wishers, and members of minority communities faced attacks, arrests, intimidation, and a climate of fear. Despite this, she claimed, many chose to boycott what she described as a fraudulent process.
Additionally, concerns were raised about what was described as an “abnormal” and questionable increase in the number of registered voters, particularly in Dhaka.
In conclusion, Sheikh Hasina called for:
- The cancellation of what she termed a “voterless, illegal, and unconstitutional” election
- The resignation of Muhammad Yunus
- The withdrawal of what she described as false cases
- The release of political prisoners, teachers, journalists, intellectuals, and professionals
- The removal of the suspension on Awami League activities
- The restoration of voting rights through a free, fair, and inclusive election under a neutral caretaker government