Awami League Leaders Barred From Participating In Bangladesh's Upcoming Election

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has announced that individuals accused of crimes against humanity will be barred from holding government positions or participating in the upcoming elections. This includes the Awami League, whose political party registration was suspended following serious allegations.

In a statement issued on September 4, Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah confirmed that the Awami League would not be allowed to contest the national elections scheduled for February next year.

This decision effectively bars members of the Awami League regime, including its leader Sheikh Hasina, from taking part in the elections. Many top leaders of the Awami League are accused of committing crimes against humanity, including the deaths of at least 1,400 people during their previous tenure.

The political turmoil last year, sparked by a student-led mass movement, culminated in the toppling of Hasina’s government, which had used excessive force, killing and injuring thousands, including many students and children.

Moreover, Brig Gen Sanaullah clarified that a suspended party’s electoral symbol remains frozen, preventing it from participating in the elections. There has been no decision regarding whether Awami League leaders will be allowed to run as independent candidates.