In a surprising move, the Bangladesh Election Commission has restricted Sheikh Hasina’s voting rights. The commission stated that the National Identity Card (NID) of the former Prime Minister has been locked. This means that she will be unable to cast her vote in the upcoming general elections, set to take place in February.
According to the Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, the NID of the former PM has been locked, preventing her from voting, especially if she is residing outside the country.
The Election Commission has also blocked the NIDs of Hasina’s family members and close associates, including her sister Sheikh Rehana, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul. They will also be unable to vote.
Additionally, the children of Sheikh Rehana and the former security advisor of Sheikh Hasina, retired Major General Tariq Siddiqui, along with his family, have been prohibited from voting. However, the Election Commission Secretary did not offer any further explanation.
The NID card is essential for voting, particularly for individuals residing abroad. The Election Commission explained that those who have left the country, for legal or other reasons, can still participate in the general elections, provided their NID cards are active and not blocked.
The backdrop to these events involves a student movement from the previous year. Due to the unrest, Sheikh Hasina was compelled to seek refuge in India, which led to the collapse of her administration. Following this, Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the chief advisor of the interim government. Consequently, charges of crimes against humanity were brought against Hasina and other members of her government, and the activities of the Awami League party were suspended.