Dhaka: Ousted and former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday called the national election in the country a "carefully planned farce", as interim
Chief Muhammad Yunus termed it a 'birthday for new Bangladesh.' These statements surfaced as voting in the national election concluded today in Bangladesh and counting of votes is underway. Soon after the voting concluded on Thursday, Hasina's party Bangladesh Awami League posted a message on behalf of its leader expressing her gratitude to all the citizens for rejecting the "Farcical Election of the Murderous-Fascist Yunus". "Today’s so-called election by Yunus, who seized power illegally and unconstitutionally, was essentially a well-planned farce. The people’s voting rights, democratic values, and the spirit of the Constitution were completely disregarded in this deceptive, voter-less election conducted without the Awami League...," Hasina's party said in a statement. Hasina's statement came after Yunus termed the election day as birthday of a new Bangladesh. "We will celebrate this birthday throughout the day,” the interim government head told reporters, adding, "This is a day of great joy."
Awami League Alleges Yunus Administration of Booth Capturing, Buying Votes
Alleging Yunus' regime of booth capturing and buying votes, the Awami League said, "From the evening of February 11, this farce began through the capture of polling centers, gunfire, the widespread use of money to buy votes, stamping ballot papers, and taking agents’ signatures on result sheets. From the morning of 12 February, voter turnout in most polling centers across the country was extremely low. Many polling stations in the capital and other parts of the country were completely empty of voters."
"According to the Election Commission’s briefing, voter turnout until 11 a.m. (within three and a half hours) was only 14.96%. This low participation at the peak voting period proves that the public boycotted and rejected this election without the Awami League," the party said.
Polling in Atmosphere of Fear, Says Hasina's Party
Mentioning about how the country witnessed widespread violence in the run up to elections, Hasina's party said, "It should be noted that in recent days there were continuous attacks, arrests, intimidation, and an atmosphere of fear targeting Awami League voters, supporters, well-wishers, and minority communities, in an attempt to forcibly take them to polling stations. Even so, ignoring all fear and intimidation, they boycotted and rejected this fraudulent election. As a result, most polling centers across the country were effectively without voters."
"Additionally, there have been observations that the number of voters on the voter list- especially in Dhaka- has increased abnormally, which is highly questionable and unbelievable," Awami League added.
Awami League Gives Big Call To Reject, Dismiss National Election
Making a strong pitch to dismiss the election, the Awami League said, "In this situation, we demand the cancellation of this voter-less, illegal, and unconstitutional election. The resignation of Yunus, the withdrawal of false cases and the release of all political prisoners as well as teachers, journalists, intellectuals, and professionals, the removal of the suspension imposed on the activities of the Awami League, and the restoration of the people’s voting rights through the arrangement of a free, fair, and inclusive election under a neutral caretaker government."
