Dhaka, Jan 19 (NationPress) Sajeeb Wazed, the son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, has claimed that the election scheduled for February 12 is merely a staged production rather than a legitimate democratic process. He has pointed fingers at the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, which he alleges is backed by the illegal radical Islamist group Jamaat-e-Islami.

Wazed cautioned that there are moves to legitimize a rigged election within the South Asian country, asserting that the extremist forces that usurped power after the July–August 2024 protests are employing the same tactics once again.

“The forthcoming election is far from a transparent democratic process. It is a staged performance orchestrated by the Jamaat-backed government of Yunus. Another act is being staged to give a facade of legitimacy to a rigged election. Extremist forces, having seized power in July–August by manipulating student protests, are repeating their strategy,” Wazed remarked on X.

Criticizing the Yunus administration, he stated, “This government is not interested in transforming the election into a celebration of democracy. Instead, it seeks to use the election as a weapon to propagate fundamentalism. Here, what matters is not the ballot box but a predetermined script. The voice of the people is overshadowed by Yunus’s orchestrated agenda.”

Wazed emphasized that the citizens of Bangladesh face a pivotal choice—either to accept this staged election and endorse fundamentalism or to reject what he terms a farce to safeguard their future. He believes that the decision extends beyond the polling booth into every individual’s conscience.

He asserted that an election intentionally excluding the Awami League, the party that spearheaded Bangladesh’s fight for independence, cannot reflect the people's will. It is merely a scheme to usurp power, a conspiracy to dominate the state.

“Since taking power, the Jamaat-backed Yunus has driven a once-stable nation towards ruin. The economy, security, and social harmony are all at risk. Their primary aim has become the promotion of fundamentalism and militancy,” he added.

Wazed urged the populace to boycott this illegal, rigged election, stating, “Every parent in this nation bears the duty to ensure a safe and progressive Bangladesh for their children. To fulfill this duty, one must reject fundamentalism, militancy, and this corrupt election. This is not merely a call for a vote boycott; it is a plea to rescue the state. This transcends any party interest; it concerns the future of Bangladesh.”