Bangladesh’s former foreign minister, A K Abdul Momen, has labeled the country’s upcoming parliamentary election as a “sham election” lacking credibility. Momen urged the United States to reject the vote publicly, citing the exclusion of major parties and limited people’s participation.
Momen criticized the February 12 election, alleging it has been prearranged to facilitate significant changes in Bangladesh’s constitution and core values. He highlighted the exclusion of parties with substantial public support, leaving only a select few in the electoral race.
Expressing concerns over the election’s impact on stability and economic recovery, Momen emphasized that the current process is unlikely to address these issues. He warned of potential economic downturns and job market challenges, with visible signs of dwindling investments in Bangladesh.
Momen raised questions about the interim administration’s effectiveness, pointing out that Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, serving as chief adviser, has delegated authority to a group of radical Islamists. He criticized the administration for human rights violations, corruption, and inefficiency.
Advocating for a clear stance from the United States, Momen called for non-recognition of the upcoming election. He appreciated the decision not to send election observers and urged the U.S. to publicly denounce the election as a sham.
