DHAKA, Bangladesh — The interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has rejected concerns raised by U.S. lawmakers over Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections, reiterating that the Awami League will not be allowed to contest the polls scheduled for February next year.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Yunus’ press secretary Shafiqul Alam said the government’s position on the Awami League remains unchanged.
“Regarding Awami League, our position is clear,” Alam said, adding that the party’s political activities and registration continue to remain suspended, according to United News of Bangladesh.
Alam made the remarks when asked about a letter sent to Yunus on December 23 by five U.S. lawmakers stressing the importance of inclusive, free, and fair elections. He said he had not seen the letter and was not aware of its contents.
The letter was written by U.S. Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Bill Huizenga, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, with Julie Johnson and Tom Suozzi as co-signatories. The lawmakers expressed concern over what they described as a total ban on a political party ahead of the February elections.
Meanwhile, Awami League Joint General Secretary and former Member of Parliament A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim accused the Yunus-led interim administration of pushing Bangladesh toward instability and lawlessness.
Speaking to IANS, Nasim alleged that the country has witnessed widespread violence, including riots, killings, and attacks on religious minorities, since the interim government took charge.
“Riots, destruction of property, and killings are going on. Awami League members are being killed, religious minorities are being targeted, and their homes are being set on fire,” Nasim said. “Ordinary citizens and political workers who voted for the Awami League are also being targeted. This has continued for the last 16 months.”
Nasim’s comments come amid months of unrest across Bangladesh, marked by reports of vandalism, street violence, and attacks on minority communities, including Hindus.
He further alleged that extremist and fundamentalist groups linked to Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Chhatra Shibir, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party have gained influence, claiming the interim government has failed to uphold democratic norms and the rule of law.
“There is no rule of law in Bangladesh. There is no effective administration, no freedom of speech, no human rights, and no freedom of the press,” Nasim said.
Nasim fled to India after the Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024. He claimed political turmoil has persisted for more than a year and accused the interim leadership of allowing increased foreign influence in the country.
He alleged growing ties with Pakistan and its intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence, citing recent imports from Pakistan as evidence of shifting alliances.
“Bangladesh is an independent country that fought for its freedom,” Nasim said. “It should not be handed over to outside interests.”
The interim government has not publicly responded to Nasim’s allegations. (Source: IANS)
