Bangladesh Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Gets Shock from Government

Bangladesh has taken a major political decision ahead of its upcoming elections. The interim government has clearly stated that the Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, will not be allowed to participate in the February 2026 elections. This announcement came a day after several U.S. lawmakers urged Bangladesh to hold inclusive elections.

On December 24, 2025, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told the media in Dhaka that the government’s position on the Awami League is clear and final. This marks the first time since 1971 that the party has been barred from contesting an election in Bangladesh.

The interim government banned the Awami League’s political activities on May 11, 2025 and earlier, in October 2024, its student wing, the Chhatra League, was also banned. The situation worsened after the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death on November 17. While U.S. lawmakers expressed concern over the party’s exclusion, Mr. Alam said he was not aware of their letter. Sheikh Hasina had earlier warned that Awami League supporters may boycott the vote if the party is kept out of the election.