Daijiworld Media Network - Dhaka

Dhaka, Sep 18: In a major development ahead of the Bangladesh general elections scheduled for February 2026, the Election Commission (EC) has locked the national identity cards (NID) of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, effectively barring her from casting her vote.

Confirming the move, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters at Nirbachon Bhavan that “anyone whose NID has been locked cannot vote from abroad. Her (Hasina’s) NID is locked.”

Though Ahmed refrained from revealing other names, reports by UNB and Dhaka Tribune claimed that the NIDs of Hasina’s younger sister Sheikh Rehana, son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and several other family members have also been blocked.

Rehana’s daughters Tulip Rizwana Siddiq and Azmina Siddiq, nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, former security adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, his wife Shahin Siddique, and their daughter Bushra Siddique are also reportedly barred from voting.

The EC clarified that individuals living abroad can still vote if their NIDs remain active, but those with locked IDs lose the right to participate in the electoral process.

Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after her government was toppled on August 5, 2024, following a violent student-led uprising, continues to face trial in absentia at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal. Prosecutors have sought the death penalty against her over alleged atrocities during the July 2024 unrest.

Since the fall of her Awami League government, Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus has been serving as the Chief Adviser of the interim administration, suspending Awami League’s political activities. Many senior Awami League leaders remain underground or in exile, with party offices and properties, including the historic 32 Dhanmondi residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, coming under attack by mobs.