Bangladesh is facing a period of intense political uncertainty following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League (AL) government on August 5, 2024. The country has rarely experienced long-term political stability, except during Hasina’s tenure from 2009 to 2024 and General H. M. Ershad’s rule from 1983 to 1990. Most governments have attempted to cling to power through unfair practices, only to be ousted by street protests or military intervention.
Since the end of military rule in 1990, successive governments, including Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s administration, have misused democratic institutions and engaged in revenge politics. The current political disruption is larger than usual and cannot be resolved by elections alone, as demanded by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which seeks a quick return to power. The BNP has supported bans on AL activities and may target other parties like JP in the future. Together, AL, BNP, and JP historically secured the majority of votes, making political control a sensitive issue.
Islamist forces, led by Jamaat-e-Islami and the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), have gained administrative support, though they lack the numbers for a full electoral victory. Their strategy involves managing elections in a way that could reduce BNP’s majority and expand their influence. The ultimate aim of these groups appears to be reshaping Bangladesh into a more Islamic state, using political maneuvering to achieve this goal.
The Islamists’ ambitions have grown due to both internal and external factors. Internally, they now receive unprecedented attention and support from the administration, despite forming only a small portion of the population. Externally, geopolitical uncertainties—including Turkey’s leadership aspirations in the Islamic world, Pakistan’s ambitions, tensions in India-US relations, and India-China rivalry—have created opportunities for these groups. They aim to exploit these circumstances before the opportunity fades.
The situation has led to widespread attacks on liberals, journalists, and minority groups. Efforts are underway to undermine Bangladesh’s Liberation history of 1971 and the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina’s father. Attacks on Hindus, Sufi Muslims, pro-Liberation voices, and media personnel have intensified. Exiled bloggers and Islamist groups coordinate mob attacks against anyone perceived as opposing their agenda.
Several high-profile arrests have highlighted the crackdown. On August 28, police detained 16 attendees at a Dhaka roundtable discussing Liberation values, including elderly freedom fighters, academics, and journalists. Individuals critical of the current government or supportive of pro-Liberation views have been targeted, often denied bail, and subjected to harsh legal measures. Arrests of prominent lawyers, judges, journalists, and activists have become common, reflecting a broader effort to intimidate dissenting voices.
Reports indicate a sharp rise in human rights violations. From January to June 2025, at least 441 rapes were reported—up from 401 in 2024. Deaths from violence increased, with 43 unidentified bodies recovered monthly on average during January–July. Journalists face criminal charges and attacks, while some media professionals have been killed or forced to commit suicide due to censorship and job loss.
Minority communities, particularly Hindus and Sufi Muslims, face sustained attacks. Hindu women have been stripped and assaulted in public, and Sufi shrines have been desecrated. These attacks often coincide with political objectives, as minority groups are seen as traditional supporters of the Awami League. The Yunus administration has largely failed to protect these communities, allowing fundamentalist groups to act with impunity.
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The rise in violence mirrors tactics used during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, where militia groups targeted liberals, Hindus, and moderate Muslims. Today, mobs and Islamist-backed groups continue similar campaigns, with institutional and administrative support or complicity. The human cost of these attacks is mounting, and political instability continues to deepen.
Bangladesh’s current situation underscores the fragility of its democracy. The combination of ambitious Islamists, weak governance, and geopolitical uncertainty has pushed the country into a volatile socio-political environment. Unless a peaceful resolution is found, widespread violence, intimidation, and human rights abuses are likely to continue.
In conclusion, Bangladesh faces a complex crisis, with political power struggles and rising fundamentalist ambitions creating uncertainty and instability. The international community, civil society, and Bangladesh’s citizens must remain vigilant to protect democratic values, minority rights, and social stability in the country.
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