Dhaka, October 24(HS): Bangladesh Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad has said he sees little possibility of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returning to the country within the next decade, citing his political experience.

“I do not think Sheikh Hasina will be able to return even in the next 10 years,” Ahmad told reporters at the Bhola Circuit House, according to a report published by The Daily Star.

Criticising the Awami League's tenure in power, the Speaker alleged that the party had created an environment in which honest, competent and impartial individuals found it difficult to contest elections. He also noted that the party's activities had since been banned.

Emphasising the need for fundamental electoral reforms, Ahmad called for a system that would enable ordinary citizens to contest elections without being disadvantaged by a lack of financial resources. He argued that a candidate's public support, popularity and social acceptability should carry weight alongside financial capacity.

The Speaker urged the Election Commission to develop mechanisms that would provide economically disadvantaged but capable candidates with a fair opportunity to participate in the electoral process.

Referring to the forthcoming local government elections, Ahmad stressed that the polls must be conducted in a free, fair and impartial manner. He also criticised the country's electoral record over the past 15 years, asserting that elections during this period had not been fair.

His remarks come amid continuing political changes in Bangladesh following Hasina's departure from office and the subsequent restrictions imposed on the Awami League. The Speaker's comments underscore the ongoing debate over electoral reform, political participation and the credibility of the country's democratic institutions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar