Bangladesh is once again walking in the fire of violence. This is happening when general elections are to be held in Bangladesh in February 2026. In such a situation, the concern regarding this election has spread to America. The major reason for this concern is the complete ban on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party Awami League. It can be understood that many US lawmakers have expressed concern over the complete ban on Sheikh Hasina’s party Awami League. This ban has been imposed at a time when general elections are to be held in the country in February 2026.
The Awami League was officially dissolved by the Mohammad Yunus-led interim government on 12 May. After this, a group of American lawmakers have written a letter to Yunus saying that the people of Bangladesh should get the right to choose their government through free and fair elections and for this it is necessary to conduct inclusive elections.
What response did the interim government give?
Yunus’ press secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Wednesday that he is not yet aware of this letter, but the government’s stand regarding Awami League is the same as before. He clearly said that the activities of Awami League are banned and the Election Commission has canceled its recognition as a political party. Therefore she cannot contest elections.
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Which American lawmakers expressed objection and why?
Let us tell you that the letter written to the interim government of Bangladesh is signed by many leaders including Gregory Meeks, senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US Parliament, Bill Huizenga, head of the South and Central Asia Subcommittee, MP Julie Johnson, Tom Suoji. MPs say that if the activities of any one political party are completely banned, fair elections are not possible. He also warned that running the International Criminal Tribunal (ITC) again in the old way could make the situation worse.
Questions on earlier elections also
Not only this, American lawmakers said that America and many international organizations have already acknowledged that the Bangladeshi elections of 2018 and 2024 were not free and fair. Citing a United Nations report, he said that about 1,400 people had died in the action of security forces during the protests in July-August last year.
Concern over human rights and democracy
The MPs further stressed that instead of imposing a blanket ban on political parties, action should be taken against the guilty persons under the law. Freedom of association and individual responsibility are fundamental parts of human rights. He expressed hope that the Yunus government or any future elected government would reconsider this decision.
