Dhaka 

Amid continuing political turmoil and a major shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, the country’s interim government has confirmed that the Awami League, led by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, will not be able to participate in the February 2026 national parliamentary elections as its political activities remain banned.

Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Shafikul Alam, said the Awami League will not be allowed to contest the upcoming polls as the Election Commission has deregistered the party.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday after a meeting of the Advisory Council of the interim government, Alam was responding to a query regarding a letter reportedly sent by US lawmakers to the Chief Adviser expressing concern over the ban on the Awami League.

He said he had not seen the letter and was unaware of its contents, but stressed that the government’s position on the Awami League was clear.

“Since the Awami League’s activities are banned and the Election Commission has deregistered the party, it will not be able to take part in this election,” Alam said.

The party’s registration has been suspended and several of its leaders are facing trial at the International Crimes Tribunal. In May, the interim government issued a gazette notification banning all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated, associated and fraternal organisations.

The ban will remain in force until the completion of trials at the International Crimes Tribunal. The notification was issued by the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance.

As Bangladesh prepares to hold national elections nearly a year after Sheikh Hasina’s government was ousted following a student-led uprising in July last year, the former prime minister has criticised the decision, saying elections without her party would lack legitimacy.

“An election without the Awami League is not an election but a coronation. Yunus governs without a single vote from the Bangladeshi people, and now he seeks to ban the party that has been elected nine times by popular mandate,” Hasina said.

She warned that millions could be effectively disenfranchised if the ban continues. “Any government that emerges from such an exercise will lack the moral authority to govern. This would be a terrible missed opportunity at a time when Bangladesh badly needs a process of genuine national reconciliation,” she added.

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Bangladesh is scheduled to hold its parliamentary elections in February 2026 amid heightened political tensions.