Exiled Bangladesh Student Leader Pins Hopes on Election Boycott to Demonstrate Political Influence
Living in exile outside Bangladesh, Saddam Hussain, the president of Chhatra League—the student wing of the Awami League—is expressing hope that his party's call to boycott the upcoming February 12 elections will have a significant impact. From an undisclosed location, Hussain told TOI that a low voter turnout would serve as a clear demonstration of the banned Awami League's continued influence within the country. He believes this could eventually pave the way for political negotiations or consensus with other parties in Bangladesh, potentially reshaping the nation's democratic landscape.
Allegations of Violence and Government Crackdown
The Chhatra League has faced serious accusations of involvement in the July violence against protesters, which ultimately led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hussain himself is facing charges related to violence and fled Bangladesh to avoid arrest. He detailed a grim picture of the current situation, alleging that violence against minorities and Awami League supporters has now become a disturbing new normal in the country.
Hussain made several alarming claims about the government's actions:
- Degree certificates of nearly 15,000 students were cancelled due to their alleged links with the Chhatra League
- Over 5 lakh party leaders and workers have been jailed
- Families of party members have been subjected to systematic harassment
Mobilization Efforts and Election Concerns
Hussain revealed that Sheikh Hasina called for the poll boycott over a month ago and urged Chhatra League cadres to mobilize people to stay away from voting. He claimed the organization has made deep inroads among the public and expects a significant response to the boycott call. However, he expressed serious concerns about potential election manipulation, suggesting that even if voter turnout is genuinely low, the government might fudge the numbers to present a different picture to the international community.
"Even if the turnout is low, they may fudge the numbers. But the groundwork done by the Awami League will show results in the long run," Hussain stated, adding, "This is a time of political struggle. We hope that Bangladesh will one day have a democratically elected government again."
Heartbreaking Case of Imprisoned Leader
Hussain cited the particularly distressing case of Chhatra League leader Hasan Saddam, who remains imprisoned under what Hussain describes as questionable circumstances. According to Hussain, Hasan was arrested for a crime that allegedly occurred while he was in India undergoing treatment for a medical condition. The tragedy deepened when Hasan's wife and nine-month-old infant were found dead last month.
Hussain claimed that Hasan was denied parole to attend their funeral and was allowed to see the bodies for only five minutes at Jessore jail, where they were brought. This case, according to Hussain, exemplifies the harsh treatment faced by Awami League supporters and the emotional toll on their families.
As Bangladesh approaches the February 12 elections, Hussain's statements from exile highlight the deep political divisions and human rights concerns that continue to challenge the nation's democratic processes. The exiled leader maintains that despite the current challenges, the Awami League's political groundwork will ultimately demonstrate its enduring influence in Bangladeshi politics.
