Bangladesh Opposition Warns of Election Unrest as Verdict Against Sheikh Hasina Looms

Sajeeb Wazed, son and adviser to ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, warned that supporters of the Awami League will block February’s national election if the current ban on the party is not lifted. In an interview, he cautioned that growing protests could turn violent as the country awaits a highly anticipated verdict against Hasina, who has lived in exile in New Delhi since August 2024.

A Dhaka court is set to deliver a televised ruling expected to convict Hasina, 78, on charges of crimes against humanity tied to a deadly 2024 crackdown on student-led protests. She has repeatedly denied the accusations, calling the trial politically motivated. A United Nations report estimated that up to 1,400 people were killed and thousands injured during the unrest, which became Bangladesh’s worst political violence since its 1971 independence war. The turmoil also severely disrupted the country’s crucial garment industry.

Wazed, speaking from Washington, D.C., said the verdict is predetermined and may include a death sentence. He emphasized that India is providing full protection to Hasina. He also insisted that the Awami League will not recognize the election unless the party is allowed to participate and a democratically elected government takes power.

The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, rejected claims of political interference, saying the court acted transparently. The Awami League’s political activities were suspended in May due to alleged national security threats and war crime investigations involving senior leaders.

Tensions in Dhaka have escalated, with multiple crude bombs and arson attacks targeting public transport in recent days. Authorities have deployed additional security forces, tightened checkpoints, and restricted gatherings to prevent further unrest.

Wazed said nationwide protests and shutdowns are growing and will continue unless international pressure forces change. Meanwhile, the interim government maintains it has no plans to lift the ban, calling any incitement from exiled figures “deeply irresponsible.”

Despite her economic achievements, Hasina faces one of the toughest political challenges of her career. According to Wazed, she remains angry but determined: “We are all ready to fight back by whatever means necessary.”