Thu Sep 18 01:21:47 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article as it might appear in *The Hindu*, focusing on the Indian perspective:

**Summary:**

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has “locked” the national identity cards (NIDs) of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several of her family members, preventing them from voting in the upcoming general elections in February. The action follows the toppling of Hasina’s government in August 2024 after a student-led movement. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is now the Chief Advisor of the interim government. Hasina is currently being tried in absentia on charges including crimes against humanity related to the July 2024 uprising. Many Awami League leaders are in hiding or exile amid violence and vandalism.

**News Article:**

**The Hindu: *The View From India***

**Bangladesh EC Bars Deposed PM Hasina From Voting**

**Dhaka, Bangladesh | September 18, 2025** – Bangladesh’s political landscape took another dramatic turn as the Election Commission (EC) announced it has “locked” the national identity cards (NIDs) of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several of her family members, effectively barring them from participating in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February.

EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the move, stating that anyone whose NID is locked cannot vote. Unnamed EC officials have also confirmed that the NIDs of Hasina’s sister, son, and daughter, as well as other relatives, have been similarly blocked.

This decision follows the ousting of Hasina’s Awami League government in August 2024 after a violent student-led movement. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now heads the interim government, and Awami League activities remain suspended. Hasina is currently on trial in absentia, facing serious charges, including crimes against humanity.

**Implications for India:**

The situation in Bangladesh continues to be closely watched in India. The instability and legal challenges faced by Hasina and her party could impact regional relations and cross-border security. The plight of Awami League leaders, many now in hiding or exile, raises concerns about human rights and the rule of law in the neighboring nation. Any potential influx of refugees into India due to the ongoing political turmoil will also be carefully monitored by Delhi. The stability and democratic process in Bangladesh are vital to India’s own security and economic interests. The outcome of the February elections will be crucial in determining the future direction of the relationship between the two nations.

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