India, Feb. 12 -- Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday issued a statement thanking citizens for what she described as rejecting a "so-called election" organised under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, while alleging widespread irregularities and low voter participation.

Hasina said the poll, conducted without the participation of the Awami League, failed to uphold democratic norms, voting rights, and constitutional principles.

"Today's so-called election by Yunus, who seized power illegally and unconstitutionally, was essentially a well-planned farce. The people's voting rights, democratic values, and the spirit of the Constitution were completely disregarded in this deceptive, voter-less election conducted without...