Staff Reporter :
Sheikh Hasina retained state power through manipulation of elections. By abusing government authority, she captured the electoral process, which eventually cut off her connection with the people.
This was stated by the late Badruddin Umar – eminent intellectual, writer, researcher, and president of Jatiya Mukti Council – in his last testimony to the investigation officer (IO) of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in the case filed against Sheikh Hasina and three others on charges of crimes against humanity.
ICT Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told journalists, “Badruddin Umar was a vital witness in Sheikh Hasina’s case. Although he could not appear before the tribunal in person, he recorded his testimony with the investigation officer.”
Citing Section 19(2) of the International Crimes Tribunal Act, Prosecutor Gazi Tamim noted that if a witness passes away after giving a statement to the IO, the tribunal is legally empowered to accept it upon the prosecution’s application.
According to the testimony, Umar said Sheikh Hasina had manipulated every election from 2009 to 2024 by establishing full control over all state
institutions – from the Election Commission to the police and bureaucracy.
He stated that Hasina’s intent to control elections was clear from the outset. Since this would not be possible under a Caretaker Government, she abolished the system after coming to power in 2009, despite having campaigned for it in 1996. Umar explained that she realized free polls would not return her to office, so she moved to bring all state mechanisms under her grip.
Quoting Umar, the prosecutor said Sheikh Hasina maintained control in two ways: by offering money, privileges, and undue benefits on the one hand, and by intimidation and threats on the other. By 2009, she had consolidated her dominance, which allowed her to conduct the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections on her own terms.
“In 2014, people were barred from entering polling stations. In 2018, ballots were stuffed the night before voting day. The same pattern repeated in 2024. Though she declared victory, these elections lacked any real public mandate,” Umar’s testimony added.
