Bangladesh: Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy alleges ‘rigged election’, calls for poll boycott

Joy alleges rigged polls, boycott call

Ahead of Bangladesh’s February 12 general elections, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, alleged that a “rigged election” was imminent and urged citizens to “boycott the election”.

Speaking for the first time at a public event in India via video link, Joy said, “A rigged election is going to take place. Terrorists are ruling in Bangladesh. Muhammad Yunus is working on behalf of those Islamic extremists. Many innocent people have been killed. Many Awami League workers and police officers have been killed even though the party is not in power.”

He was addressing an event centred on the book Inshallah Bangladesh: The Story of an Unfinished Revolution by Deep Haldar, Sahidul Hasan Khokon and Jaideep Mazumdar. Joy claimed the polls would be entirely one-sided, alleging external backing for the opposition. “Despite arson, vandalism, and the killing of workers at the National Party’s office, the United States is supporting Tarique Rahman (BNP chairman) for its own interests,” he said.

Joy asserted that during the Awami League’s 17-year rule, “Bangladesh was free of terrorism, and terrorists were not allowed to gain a foothold in eastern India either”. He added, “At present, Lashkar-e-Taliban leaders are holding public rallies openly, and Al-Qaeda operatives are moving around freely in Bangladesh.”

He further alleged that opposition to the current political order had been systematically dismantled. “Not only the Awami League, but all progressive parties have been banned there. As a result, this so-called election will be a farce. Votes are being cast by force using fabricated postal ballots,” he said.

Calling for a boycott, Joy told voters, “This is your last chance to save Bangladesh—your last chance to stop Jamaat. At present, Jamaat is effectively in power. The BNP will win most seats, around 150, while Jamaat will get around 130. Do not vote. This is a call to boycott the election. The outcome of this election is predetermined. If you do not vote, this election will not be accepted.”

With BNP leader Tarique Rahman strengthening his political position inside Bangladesh and Joy speaking out from abroad, observers see the statements as signalling the start of another intense political confrontation in an already volatile environment.