‘Opposition should be secular, not religious’: Taslima Nasreen hopes new government 'unbans Awami League'

Taslima Nasreen flags rise of religion-based politics if Awami League remains banned in Bangladesh polls

• Taslima Nasreen warns of Jamaat-e-Islami becoming main opposition if BNP wins
• Nasreen urges unbanning Awami League to ensure secular opposition parties
• Bangladesh votes in its 13th parliamentary elections amid political upheaval

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Bangladeshi writer and activist Taslima Nasreen has voiced concern over the future of opposition politics as the country votes in its 13th parliamentary elections, saying the absence of the Awami League could reshape the political balance amid the ongoing polls.

In a post on X, Nasreen said that if the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) wins, Jamaat-e-Islami could become the principal opposition force for the first time in the country’s history. “This happens only because the Awami League has been banned," she mentioned.

“I hope the elected government unbans the Awami League, so that the opposition comes from secular or left-leaning parties, not a religious one," Nasreen wrote, expressing concern about the long-term implications of religion-based politics in a country that identifies itself as secular.

If the BNP wins, Jamaat-e-Islami will become the main opposition for the first time in Bangladesh’s history. This happens only because the Awami League has been banned.

I hope the elected government unbans the Awami League, so that the opposition comes from secular or… — taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) February 12, 2026

She added, “I oppose dynasty politics and religion-based politics. In a truly secular state, no political party should be built on religion. If any party must be banned on principle, it should be Jamaat-e-Islami, not secular parties."

Calling for political renewal, Nasreen said, “Bangladesh needs new secular leadership committed to women’s rights, human rights, universal education, universal healthcare, and free speech, not dynasties, not clerics."

Her remarks come amid a closely watched contest primarily between the BNP and its former ally Jamaat-e-Islami, with the Awami League barred from participating following last year’s political upheaval that led to Sheikh Hasina’s exit and the formation of an interim administration under Muhammad Yunus.

According to PTI, voting began at 7.30 am local time in 299 out of 300 constituencies and will continue until 4.30 pm. The elections are being held alongside a referendum on an 84-point reform package proposed by the interim government.

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman cast his ballot at the Gulshan Model School and College centre in Dhaka, saying, “I have exercised my constitutional right to vote. For more than a decade, the people of Bangladesh have been waiting for this day." He added, “We will lay priority to improving law and order in the country so that people feel secure".