Bangladesh Bars Sheikh Hasina & Family From Voting 2026

Dhaka, Bangladesh – In a major political move, Bangladesh’s Election Commission has stopped former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several members of her family from voting in the upcoming national elections in February 2026. This decision comes after Hasina lost power in August 2024 following a student-led uprising.

The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has also restricted the activities of Hasina’s party, the Awami League, and taken legal steps against its leaders over alleged involvement in political unrest.

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The Election Commission confirmed that Hasina’s National Identity Card (NID) has been “locked.” This means she cannot vote in Bangladesh or abroad, even through postal ballots for overseas voters. Her sister Sheikh Rehana, son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and daughter Saima Wazed Putul are also affected.

What This Means

Locking an NID makes a person ineligible to vote. Critics say this move is unfair and undermines democracy. Supporters of the interim government claim it is fully legal under current rules.

Reactions

Political analysts and human rights groups have expressed concern. They warn that excluding top opposition leaders could weaken democratic processes. Awami League supporters say this is a political tactic to reduce the party’s influence before elections.

Why It Matters

The February 2026 elections are expected to shape Bangladesh’s future. How the interim government handles opposition participation will be closely watched by citizens and international observers. Many worry that blocking key leaders from voting may affect the fairness of the elections.

Bangladesh now faces a critical challenge: keeping political stability while respecting citizens’ right to vote. With tensions rising, the world is watching how the country navigates this tricky political situation.