Muhammad Yunus, heading Bangladesh’s interim government, has sounded an alarm regarding potential attempts to sabotage the upcoming general election. He warned that influential groups, operating both internally and externally, are gearing up to disrupt the polls, especially after the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, was banned from competing. Yunus indicated that these powerful elements are prepared to obstruct the election, possibly through unforeseen aggressive tactics.
Yunus described the forthcoming election as a significant ‘challenge’ during a recent meeting, anticipating a ‘planned campaign of propaganda’ to be launched both domestically and internationally. He specifically noted the increasing use of artificial intelligence to create deceptive content, such as fabricated images and videos, which are expected to proliferate on social media and online platforms, aiming to manipulate public perception.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has publicly committed to ‘restore’ democracy in Bangladesh, speaking out for the first time since her removal. Hasina criticized the current situation in the country and announced that a massive boycott of the upcoming election by her supporters is planned. The 78-year-old leader has been in India since August 5th last year, following a widespread student uprising that led to her stepping down. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus returned from Paris to lead an interim administration, claiming the students had selected him for the role. The Yunus government subsequently outlawed all Awami League activities, citing national security concerns, and initiated trials against Hasina and other senior party members in absentia. The Election Commission’s decision to cancel the Awami League’s registration prevents them from participating in future elections. With the Awami League out of contention, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), under former premier Khaleda Zia, has become a leading contender. Awami League supporters have organized small street marches in Dhaka, leading to the arrest of hundreds, including several junior officials detained for unauthorized processions.