As long as Hasina retains power, every election in Bangladesh will involve extensive irregularities, making the much-anticipated level-playing field a distant dream.
Participating in an election under Hasina, against the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people, would undermine the sacrifices of those who fought, shed blood and gave their lives for democracy.
The United States, which sanctioned Bangladeshi security forces in 2021 over allegations of rights abuses, and other countries have also voiced their concernsabout the conduct of this week’s vote.
Hasina, in power since 2009, has repeatedly assured that the election would be credible after observers said the previous polls won by her party – in 2014 and 2018 – were marred by irregularities.
-Tarique Rahman
Acting Chairman
Bangladesh Nationalist Party
