Bangladesh Election Commission Bars Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina From Voting
Bangladesh's Election Commission has effectively barred deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family from voting in the upcoming February general elections by "locking" their national identity cards. The move follows the ousting of Hasina's government in August 2024 after a student-led uprising. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has suspended her Awami League party, and Hasina is currently being tried in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity, with prosecutors seeking capital punishment.
Unpacked:
Sheikh Hasina was ousted following a student-led uprising in July-August 2024. Mass protests, largely organized by students, resulted in political upheaval and forced her to flee Bangladesh and seek asylum in India. This led to the establishment of an interim government under Muhammad Yunus.
The Election Commission locked the NIDs of Hasina and her family, barring them from voting, because they are either facing charges or have fled abroad after the uprising. The move is seen as ensuring only eligible, present citizens can vote and is linked to ongoing legal proceedings against them.
Sheikh Hasina is being tried in absentia at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal on charges of crimes against humanity related to the 2024 uprising. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Being tried in absentia means she is not physically present at her trial, often due to her exile.
Muhammad Yunus is a Nobel laureate known for his work in microfinance. After Hasina’s ousting, Yunus was appointed Chief Adviser (de facto Prime Minister) of the interim government, overseeing the country's administration and organizing the upcoming general elections.