Sheikh Hasina’s Son Urges Boycott of Bangladesh Elections, Calls Polls “Pre-Determined”

Dhaka: Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has appealed to voters to boycott the country’s upcoming general elections scheduled for February 12, alleging widespread bias and irregularities in the electoral process.

Speaking via video link at a public event, Joy claimed the elections were being conducted in a non-transparent manner and warned that participation would only lend legitimacy to what he described as a “manufactured” vote. The appeal comes amid controversy over the exclusion of Hasina’s Awami League from contesting the polls — a decision that has triggered strong resentment within the party.

Joy accused the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus of suppressing opposition voices and enabling extremist forces. “Terrorists are effectively in control of Bangladesh,” he alleged, claiming that Awami League leaders and supporters were facing systematic persecution. He described the upcoming vote as potentially the most manipulated election in the country’s history.

According to Joy, the outcome of the election had already been decided. He alleged that progressive political parties had been barred from participating and accused authorities of using fraudulent postal ballots to influence results. He urged citizens to withhold their vote, arguing that low turnout would undermine the credibility of the election.

“This is the last opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to protect their country,” Joy said, claiming that seat allocations in favor of rival parties had already been informally determined. He argued that a boycott would deny the process public legitimacy.

Joy also defended his mother’s 17-year tenure in power, saying Bangladesh had remained firm against terrorism under Awami League leadership. He warned that extremist organizations were now gaining ground and called on citizens to prevent them from strengthening their position through the ballot.

Bangladesh has been in political transition since August 2024, when mass protests and violence led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Hasina subsequently left the country and has been residing in India. The interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus later announced fresh elections for February 12.

Election authorities have not yet issued a detailed public response to Joy’s allegations.