Awami League rejects Feb 12 polls, demands neutral govt, plans protests

• Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) rejected the February 12 election schedule, calling the Yunus-led government "illegal and biased."
• The BAL's registration was suspended, effectively barring it from contesting the upcoming polls.
• The party demanded the withdrawal of all restrictions, release of political prisoners, and a neutral caretaker government.
• Chief Election Commissioner announced the general election for February 12, 2026, the first since Sheikh Hasina's ouster.
• The Awami League plans countrywide protests, including demonstrations and a lockdown.

Why It Matters: Political crisis looms in Bangladesh as Awami League rejects polls.