In an opinion article published by Amar Desh on August 5, 2026, lawmaker Mardia Mumtaz compares the final periods of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s and Sheikh Hasina’s rule in Bangladesh. The writer argues that governments that deny public consent, accountability and political pluralism eventually face severe crises, regardless of how long they remain in power. The article describes Hasina’s departure from the country in 2024 as the outcome of intense public anger.

The article questions the legitimacy and competitiveness of the 1973 election and the elections of 2014, 2018 and 2024. It also cites one-party rule, BAKSAL, restrictions on the media, the Digital Security Act, arrests and allegations of enforced disappearances. On the economy, it discusses management failures during the 1974 famine and cites recent inflation, falling reserves, defaulted loans and money laundering.

Mumtaz calls on political parties to act more cautiously and says elections should produce results accepted by defeated sides. The writer advocates political space for opposition parties, an impartial state for all citizens, independent courts and media, and peaceful constitutional transfers of power.