Awami League’s Political Base Solid Despite Election Boycott Calls

A comprehensive report confirms the Awami League’s (AL) strong and consistent voter support in Bangladesh, regardless of recent calls for an election boycott of the February 2026 polls. While the interim government has sought to minimize the impact of these boycott sentiments, the report emphasizes the enduring appeal of the Awami League. Data from the 2001 elections illustrates this point clearly: despite winning only 62 out of 300 seats, the party still attracted over 22 million votes, demonstrating a significant popular mandate. Political analyst Masood Kamal, in his commentary, highlighted the deep ‘ideological and historical devotion’ of many Awami League supporters, who remain loyal despite allegations against party leaders. Kamal criticized the use of executive orders to ban political parties, stating it runs contrary to the values of a civilized society and has transformed the supposed unity government into a source of division. International human rights organizations have also expressed their disquiet, with groups like CIVICUS and Fortify Rights appealing for the revocation of party bans. They contend that such measures threaten democratic rights, undermine electoral fairness, and disenfranchise a large portion of the Bangladeshi population. Furthermore, the Jatiya Party is also facing increasing pressure, including exclusion from government reform dialogues and calls for its ban, contributing to wider concerns about the shrinking space for political diversity in Bangladesh.