‘Terrorists Are Ruling Bangladesh’: Sheikh Hasina’s Son Calls For Boycott Of ‘Rigged’ Feb 12 Polls

Last Updated:February 02, 2026, 22:02 IST

Sajeeb Wazed Joy urges Bangladesh citizens to boycott the February 12 election, calling it "rigged" and accusing extremists of dominating the volatile political scene.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy speaks at an event organised around a discussion on a well-acclaimed book ‘Inshallah Bangladesh: The Story of an unfinished revolution’ by Deep Haldar, Sahidul Hasan Khokon and Jaideep Mazumdar. (Facebook)

Ahead of the February 12 general elections in Bangladesh, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Prime Minister, said a “rigged election" will take place and urged the citizens to “boycott the election".

Speaking for the first time at a public event in India, though via video call, Sajeeb 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."

Sajeeb Wazed Joy was speaking at an event organised around a discussion on a well-acclaimed book ‘Inshallah Bangladesh: The Story of an unfinished revolution’ by Deep Haldar, Sahidul Hasan Khokon and Jaideep Mazumdar.

He claimed that this election will be held completely one-sided. “Despite arson, vandalism, and the killing of workers at the Party’s office, the United States is supporting Tarique Rahman (BNP chairman) for its own interests," he attacked the US.

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Sajeeb said during Awami League’s 17-year rule, “Bangladesh was free of terrorism, and terrorists were not allowed to gain a foothold in eastern India either".

“At present, Lashkar-e-Taliban leaders are holding public rallies openly, and Al-Qaeda operatives are moving around freely in Bangladesh," he said.

He further said: “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."

Sajeeb called on the citizens to boycott the election. “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," he added.

With Tarique Rahman consolidating his political position within Bangladesh and Joy raising his voice from the US, many see the developments as the early drumbeat of a fresh political battle in an already volatile landscape.

News world ‘Terrorists Are Ruling Bangladesh’: Sheikh Hasina’s Son Calls For Boycott Of ‘Rigged’ Feb 12 Polls

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