India, Oct. 29 -- Exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has warned that millions of Bangladeshis will boycott next year's national election after her party, the Awami League, was barred from contesting, calling the decision "unjust and self-defeating."

"The next government must have electoral legitimacy," she said. "Millions of people support the Awami League. You cannot disenfranchise millions of people if you want a political system that works."

Hasina in exile, interim govt led by Yunus

Hasina fled to India in August 2024, following a deadly student-led uprising that toppled her 15-year rule.

Since then, an interim administration headed by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus has governed Bangladesh and pledged to hold election...