Latest news with #BangladeshElections
Times of Oman
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Bangladesh NSA in Washington to brief US about progress on holding elections
Dhaka : Bangladesh's National Security Adviser (NSA) Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday met with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at the State Department in Washington, DC, Bangladesh Chief Adviser's Press Wing said in a statement on Thursday. "They discussed the Rohingya issue, ongoing tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the US, developments in South Asia, and the democratic transition in Bangladesh", the statement said. "Deputy Secretary of State lauded the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at a critical juncture for Bangladesh and reiterated continued US support for Bangladesh", it added. "Dr. Rahman separately met Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch and had fruitful discussions on the agreement between the two countries on reciprocal tariffs", the statement said. Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in a student-led uprising in August last year. Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed. On June 14, Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, hinted at holding national elections in early February next year. However, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed concern over the ban on political parties in Bangladesh and stressed that the decision "unduly restricts the freedom of association, expression and assembly". He urged the Bangladesh's interim government to hold free and inclusive elections. Bangladesh's interim government earlier banned the activities of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League and its affiliated organisations. Subsequently, in May, the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) suspended the registration of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League as a political party. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, has hinted at holding national elections in early February next year." The Chief Adviser said that he has announced that the elections will be held by the first half of February next year. If all preparations are completed, the elections could be held even in the week before the start of Ramadan in 2026," said a joint statement issued after the talks between Muhammad Yunus and Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman in London.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Is Bangladesh ready for a 'credible' election?
Dhaka: Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, recently met the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is expected to be the frontrunner in elections next year. Tarique Rahman, who has lived in exile in the United Kingdom for over 15 years, is the acting chairman of the BNP, a major party which his mother, ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, led for decades. The meeting in the UK capital London was held amid rising tensions in Bangladesh, which has been locked in a tense political limbo since an uprising culminated in former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation in August 2024. Reforms needed before elections The BNP wanted an election by December 2025, while the interim government had been aiming for April 2026, saying it needs time to implement a host of reforms. Yunus and Rahman have now agreed that polls could be held in February — if sufficient progress on reforms is made. These include constitutional reforms, changes to the electoral process and boosting judicial independence and press freedoms. Authorities also need to deliver justice for the victims of last year's mass protests, in which hundreds were killed, mostly by the security forces loyal to Hasina and her Awami League. Tasnim Jara, a leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), newly formed by the student leaders of last year's protests, thinks that while the government has taken initial steps for an election, "institutional readiness remains uneven." "Key election infrastructure, such as an impartial election commission, a neutral civil administration, and an independent judiciary, requires urgent reform. A credible election will depend on whether the political parties can agree on a reform package soon and whether that package is visibly implemented in time," she told DW. While the agreement between the BNP and Yunus is a welcome development for many observers, they say that the restoration of law and order to allow for a credible election that includes all major parties remains a priority. Saimum Parvez, a special assistant to the BNP Chairman, thinks that "the dismal law and order situation, unchecked unruly mobs, and encouragement of depoliticisation" are the obstacles. "However, as common people of Bangladesh are usually enthusiastic about participating and engaging in electoral campaigns, it is possible to overcome these obstacles with community support," he told DW. The Dhaka-based political historiographer Mohiuddin Ahmed, however, was less optimistic. "Bangladeshi political parties don't behave peacefully during elections. They tend to use force whenever possible to control polling centers. Maintaining an orderly situation during the polls will be challenging if the administrations and police forces don't work properly," he told DW. Former government and security officials face criminal charges A UN fact-finding mission this year found that officials from Bangladesh's former government and security apparatus had systematically committed serious human rights violations against protesters last summer and that crimes against humanity may have been carried out. Hundreds of cases have been filed against Hasina and her allies since she fled to India on August 5, 2024. Her Awami League party claims that the cases are politically motivated. Observers say that the country's security forces have lost credibility since last year's crackdown, which has contributed to the deteriorating security situation. Naomi Hossain, a political sociologist and a professor at London's SOAS University, said that Bangladesh was tough to govern and that order had always been "difficult to achieve." "It is one reason why people put up with Sheikh Hasina so long — at least she wielded the power to maintain some semblance of order, violent and repressive though it was for anyone who wanted to dissent," Hossain told DW. She added that given the political vacuum since Hasina's ouster, it was "no surprise" that law and order was currently "a problem." "I think that the army is probably feeling the need to act with caution given the human rights violations they allegedly participated in last year. That means not being too heavy-handed with the mobs and Islamist gangs we see news reports about," she said. Military brought in to tackle lawlessness Bangladesh's interim government has empowered army officers with the rank of captain or higher to help police maintain law and order in the country. However, Tasnim Jara, a former doctor who is now a politician, told DW that the army's deployment had not resolved the crisis and only "exposed deeper issues." "State-sanctioned violence and repression over the past 16 years deeply undermined public trust and destabilized the foundations of governance," Jara said, calling for that legacy to be addressed. "Lasting stability will only come through institutional reform of the police and security agencies. We have yet to see these reforms," she added. Will the Awami League be able to take part in the election? The Awami League was banned last month pending trials by a special tribunal into the party and its leaders for alleged crimes against humanity and human rights violations. But observers, including Hossain, think Bangladesh's oldest party should be allowed to participate in the upcoming polls because it still enjoys broad support, despite the fact that many of its leaders are "credibly accused of numerous crimes." "The party is a huge national body and still seems to command a lot of support across the country, perhaps particularly in rural areas and among minority groups and women. Banning them serves no good purpose," Hossain told DW. She warned that such a move would likely lead to "a super-majority landslide" for the BNP, "who will then be empowered to behave exactly as the Awami League did when it won its super-majority back in 2008." Jara, on the other hand, thinks that before the Awami League can be allowed to participate in elections, its leaders must first be held accountable for their alleged human rights violations which include "enforced disappearances, torture, election rigging, and widespread killings." "A credible legal process must address these before any accused entity can participate. If justice is bypassed, it will destroy public trust and risk returning the country to the very repression people rose up against. No party can be above the law," she told DW.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
UN Human Rights Chief expresses concern over ban on political parties in Bangladesh
Dhaka: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has expressed concern over the ban on political parties and all related activities in Bangladesh and stressed that the decision "unduly restricts the freedoms of association, expression and assembly." He urged the Bangladesh's interim government for dialogue with the political parties and urged for free and inclusive elections. "I am encouraged that the Interim Government and political parties in Bangladesh are making progress through dialogue", said Volker Turk in his speech during the 59th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. "I urge meaningful advances on reforms, to create the environment for free and inclusive elections", he added. Turk said, "However, I am concerned about recent changes to legislation to allow the banning of political parties and organisations and all related activities. This unduly restricts the freedoms of association, expression, and assembly. My Office hopes to reach an agreement on our expanded presence soon," he said. Bangladesh's interim government recently banned the activities of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League and its affiliated organisations. In May, the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) suspended the registration of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League as a political party, a senior EC official said. "We have suspended Bangladesh Awami League registration (as a political party) in line with the home ministry notification", Aktar Ahmed, Senior Secretary of EC, told the reporters. However, the Awami League rejected the government's decision and announced that they will conduct their activities properly. "The people of Bangladesh are shocked and outraged by the illegal and unconstitutional occupying fascist Yunus government's announcement to ban the activities of the Awami League", the statement said. "We reject this decision of the fascist dictator Yunus government with hatred and strongly condemn and protest against it", the statement said. "At the same time, we express firm commitment that the Bangladesh Awami League will continue to conduct its activities properly, ignoring this decision of the fascist Yunus government", the statement said. Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in a student-led uprising in August last year. Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed.
Arab News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Bangladesh's Yunus meets key party leader in London
DHAKA: Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus met in London on Friday with the leader of the South Asian nation's key party that many expect to be the frontrunner in elections next year. Tarique Rahman, 59, the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, is the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is widely seen as likely to sweep elections that Yunus said will be held in April. The exact date of the elections remains a sticking point but they will be the first in the nation of around 170 million people since a student-led revolt ousted former premier Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, ending her iron-fisted 15-year rule. Yunus and Rahman were shown smiling and shaking hands in the meeting in London, according to photographs released by the government press team, although relations between the caretaker government and the BNP have been rocky. Yunus's government warned last month that political power struggles risked jeopardizing gains that have been made, saying that holding elections by mid-2026 would give them time to overhaul democratic institutions. Hasina's rule saw widespread human rights abuses and her government was accused of politicizing courts and the civil service, as well as staging lopsided elections. Under pressure from political parties, including the BNP, Yunus said this month that polls will be held in April. However, the BNP has continued to push for an earlier date. The BNP said on Friday it wanted to hold the elections before Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, begins around February 17. Khalilur Rahman, a senior member of Yunus' cabinet, said it was possible that the 'election will be held earlier provided significant progresses in reforms and trials are made.' Key BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said they 'hope we can reach a consensus on the reforms soon.' Yunus, 84, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has said he will not continue the caretaker role he took up at the behest of student protesters after Hasina fled by helicopter to India.
Times of Oman
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
"The elections are not the priority of this government, they will use it for their own purpose": Bangladesh Students League President Saddam Hussain
Dhaka: As Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, announced that national elections will be held in April 2026, strong criticism has emerged from student political groups affiliated with the now-banned Bangladesh Awami League. Saddam Hussain, President of the Bangladesh Students League, the student wing of the Awami League, called the announcement a "state-sponsored drama" and accused the current government of lacking legitimacy and control. "The elections are not the priority of this government. This is just a state-sponsored drama. They will use this for their own purpose. They banned the Bangladesh Awami people of Bangladesh are waiting for a democratic representative to govern the present government has no control over the law and order restoring democracy in Bangladesh, we have no other option than the removal of this current fascist Yunus is using the state machinery for his own personal agenda," he said. Hussain further alleged that the interim government aims to reshape Bangladesh into a religious state, sidelining minority communities and fostering insecurity. "The current government aims to make Bangladesh a religious is no security for the lives of minorities - Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and indigenous people of people have been killed, their houses have been of the ideologies of the present government is that they think of the minorities as second-class are being attacked due to their religious identity," he added. Linking these concerns to regional dynamics, Bangladesh Students' League President Saddam Hussain has strongly criticised the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, warning against its "increasing closeness" with Pakistan. In an exclusive interview, he termed the diplomatic shift "dangerous," claiming it dishonours the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War and threatens regional stability. Hussain, who represents a substantial base of politically active youth affiliated with the Awami League, claimed that Yunus' interim rule not only tolerates but actively promotes relations with Pakistan's intelligence agencies and extremist organisations. "They're legitimising actors who once committed genocide on our soil," he said, referring to Pakistan's role in the 1971 killings. He cautioned that Islamic hardliners and terror groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, Hizb ut-Tahrir, Ansarullah Bangla Team, and Lashkar-e-Taiba, all of whom have ties to Pakistan, are now receiving state-level support and meeting with high-ranking officials, including the interim Chief himself. Hussain accused the interim government of attempting to "erase the history" of Bangladesh's freedom. "They demolished Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence at Dhanmondi 32. Liberation War sculptures and institutions have been targeted or vandalised. "This isn't just revisionism; it's deliberate erasure," he stated. He further claimed that known extremists convicted in past assaults are being released and given official protection. "These gangs had a noticeable role in the political upheaval that deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in July and August. "Now, they're being rewarded for their role in destabilising the country," he claimed, warning that Bangladesh risks becoming a breeding ground for international terrorism with active linkages to Pakistan's ISI. Saddam Hussain gave a bleak image of Bangladesh's current condition, citing an alarming increase in violence against minorities after the change in government. "Minorities, particularly Hindus, live in dread. Since August 5, over 2,200 events targeting minority populations have been reported, including deaths, lootings, forced evictions, and attacks on temples and property," he said. He accused the interim government of systematically excluding minority groups from public life. "Minority candidates who pass all examinations for government positions are turned down merely because of their religion. "Their names are blacklisted," he stated. He went on to say that religious freedom has practically been eliminated. "They instruct you on what to wear, what to celebrate, and how to live your faith. "It is no longer a democracy; it is a fascist, religious state." Hussain sharply criticised Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, saying, "He speaks of peace and democracy abroad, but under his watch, Bangladeshis are silenced, persecuted, and driven underground." Dissent is criminalised, and students who support the Awami League are barred from attending lessons." Hussain concluded with a powerful appeal to the global community. "Democracy must be restored. This illegitimate interim government must go. The international community has a responsibility to stand with the people of Bangladesh. Without justice, there can be no peace, not here, not in South Asia." He asserted that the Awami League, despite repeated crackdowns, remains the only political force capable of restoring inclusive governance and secular values in Bangladesh. "Awami League has always bounced back, whether under Yahya, Ayub, or Yunus. The people are with us, and we will reclaim our country through their verdict."
