In an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak from Washington, D.C., Sajid Wazed, the son of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has voiced serious concerns about the integrity of the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 12 in Bangladesh. He has labeled the elections a sham, urging Bangladeshi citizens to boycott the voting process. Wazed claims that the outcomes of the elections are predetermined and that there will be significant electoral fraud involved. This raises alarm about the democratic processes in the nation as citizens grapple with governmental integrity and transparency.

Wazed further warned that if the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami comes to power, it could lead to an increase in extremism, the implementation of Sharia law, and a rise in terrorism in Bangladesh. His statements reflect a deep-seated worry regarding the ideological direction of the country, suggesting that a return to power of certain political factions could destabilize the region and embolden radical elements. This entails broader implications for not only Bangladesh but also its neighbors and the international community that keeps a watchful eye on South Asia's political dynamics.

Moreover, in the interview, Wazed pointed out that Awami League, Bangladesh's oldest and largest political party, has been barred from participating in the elections. Historically, Awami League has garnered 30 to 40 percent of the vote in past elections, and the recent restrictions highlight a worrying trend of suppression against not just Awami League, but also other progressive political parties. This raises concerns about the future of democracy in Bangladesh and the health of political pluralism, suggesting a drift towards authoritarianism.