(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Bangladesh Election Commission Bars Sheikh Hasina and Family from Voting in 2026 Polls
In a major update on Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections, the Election Commission has blocked former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 10 of her family members from casting their votes. This decision comes ahead of the parliamentary polls scheduled for February next year, as reported by local newspapers like Jugantor.
Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India on August 5 last year amid a massive student-led uprising, won’t be able to participate. Her National Identity Card (NID), along with those of her relatives, got blocked on February 16. This means no voting for them, whether from inside Bangladesh or abroad.
The blocked family members include Hasina’s son Sajib Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Sheikh Rehana, and several nieces and nephews like Tulip Rezwana Siddique, Azmina Siddique, and Radwan Mujib Siddique. When asked if Hasina could vote from exile, Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed was clear: "Her NID is blocked, so she won’t be able to vote."
The good news? Bangladeshi expatriates can still join the process. The elections will allow voting both in-country and from abroad, with an online registration system in the works. Expatriates need to use their NID number—not passports—to sign up. If your NID is blocked, tough luck; only valid ones will work.
This all ties back to the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who took over after Hasina’s exit. Yunus has already confirmed the February 2026 timeline for the polls, aiming to wrap things up before Ramadan starts.
Just last August, the Office of the Chief Adviser urged the Election Commission to gear up for free, fair, and peaceful national elections. In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner M. Siraj Uddin Mia, they stressed the need for top-notch preparations to ensure a smooth voting experience.
As Bangladesh moves toward these crucial Bangladesh elections 2026, the focus remains on making the process inclusive for eligible voters worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates on voting rights and election preparations.
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