Hasina’s Absence Shakes Up Gopalganj as Voters Prepare for February Elections

For decades, Bangladesh’s Awami League party had its unmistakable symbol—its “boat”—dominating election posters in Gopalganj. Now, however, that iconic image is conspicuously absent as opposition candidates vie for support.

In this district long considered a stronghold of the Awami League’s rule under Sheikh Hasina and her father, the incumbent prime minister’s party was ousted following an uprising last year. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has since barred the Awami League from participating in February 12 elections.

The absence of the party symbol underscores a seismic shift in Gopalganj. Posters for rival parties like Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, as well as independents, now dominate the landscape. The BNP has emerged as the front-runner, supported by up to 40% of former Awami League voters according to a survey published this month.

However, this change in electoral dynamics comes with profound personal costs for some. Activists like Shikha Khanam’s brother Ibrahim Hossain were arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act and subsequently accused falsely. With their family withdrawing from politics entirely, many fear continued suppression of their voices by security forces. Another Awami League supporter, Mohabbat Molla, a restaurant waiter, expresses hope but faces intimidation due to his past association with the party.

Despite the absence of Hasina’s boat symbol, some voters remain hopeful. Businessman Sheikh Ilias Ahmed hopes this election can finally break free from the influence and violence that characterized previous elections. “In the past,” he says, “my vote was already cast.” For him, a new set of candidates represents genuine choice.

The outcome of these elections could be influenced by whether core loyalists abstain or undecided local voters turn out to make their voices heard. Political analyst Asif Shahan suggests that while many Awami League supporters may boycott the election due to continued repression, those who remain will play a crucial role in determining the result.