Washington, February 6: Former Bangladeshi Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen has labeled the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh as a “sham” that cannot be trusted. He urged the United States to reject the electoral process and refrain from granting recognition.
Momen stated that since “most parties have been banned from participating” and “many individuals are being prevented from engaging,” the elections should not be prioritized.
In an interview, the former minister alleged that the elections scheduled for February 12 are “pre-determined,” with officials using them to alter “the constitution of Bangladesh as well as its values and principles.”
He pointed out that parties with “about 60 to 70 percent” public support, along with “12 coalition parties,” have been barred from participation. This has turned the elections into a contest for “select parties and a few privileged individuals.”
Momen questioned the purpose of the elections, stating, “We vote for stability, political stability, and economic recovery. Elections are held to eliminate fear and threats in the country. However, I believe that the upcoming elections will not improve any of these conditions.” He warned that the elections would lead to further devastation, worsening an already struggling economy.
He noted that economic indicators are already declining, with both domestic and foreign investments dwindling. “Bangladesh produces about 2 million unemployed individuals each year,” he said, adding that prolonged instability would crush the hopes of the country’s youth. When asked who is truly in charge, Momen claimed that formal authority has been relinquished under the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
“They are technically running the country, but they have essentially abandoned their responsibilities,” he said, accusing the administration of handing control over to “radical Islamic groups,” resulting in human rights violations, increased corruption, and oppression.
Momen called on the United States to take a clear public stance, expressing hope that the U.S. would not recognize the elections. He welcomed the decision by both the United States and the United Nations to refrain from sending election observers.
“The U.S. stands for democracy and full participation of the people,” he stated, emphasizing that “now is the right time for the U.S. to publicly declare that the upcoming elections are a farce and that it will not recognize them.”
The former minister also accused the administration of stoking anti-India sentiment to divert attention from domestic failures. He dismissed claims that previous governments compromised national interests, asserting that agreements with India or other countries were always made in mutual interest, labeling contrary accusations as “completely propaganda-based.”
Regarding foreign policy, Momen noted that Bangladesh has abandoned its traditional balancing approach. He explained that previous governments maintained a balance between India, the U.S., and China, while the current leadership has turned India into an adversary by moving closer to China. “I believe this is the wrong approach in South Asia,” he said.
In response to a question, Momen warned that if the current trajectory continues, serious internal and regional threats could arise. He stated, “Bangladesh will be recorded in history,” alleging that “jihadist terrorist” networks have established a foothold. “These terrorists have no religion, no country. Their sole purpose is to eliminate Bangladesh.”
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K.R./