Political instability continues to rise in Bangladesh, as tensions in Dhaka intensify ahead of a pivotal court verdict regarding the country’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The situation has escalated into violent protests as supporters of Hasina’s Awami League threaten to block the upcoming national elections if a ban on their party isn’t lifted.
Awaiting a Verdict
Sheikh Hasina is facing serious charges of crimes against humanity related to her government’s handling of protests in mid-2024, which reportedly resulted in over 1,400 deaths. These allegations, however, are dismissed by Hasina and her supporters as politically motivated.
Her son and adviser, Sajeeb Wazed, warned that unrest could spiral into violence if the interim government does not allow the Awami League’s participation in the electoral process. Wazed said, “Our protests are going to get stronger and stronger… there’s probably going to be confrontations.”
Escalating Violence
In the lead-up to the verdict—a televised event expected to convict Hasina in absentia—Dhaka has experienced a wave of violence. Crude bombs exploded throughout the capital, although there have been no reported casualties. Authorities have ramped up security measures, deploying over 400 Border Guards across key areas.
- 30 crude bomb explosions recorded recently.
- Numerous buses have been torched amid rising tensions.
- Dozens of Awami League activists arrested for alleged sabotage.
Government Response
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has denied any political bias in the trial. They have emphasised that any threats to national security—including those allegedly made by exiled political figures like Wazed—are taken seriously. “At present, there is no dialogue space for Awami League,” stated a government spokesperson.
Future Uncertain
As the situation develops, it is clear that Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. The outcome of the impending verdict and subsequent political moves will undoubtedly reshape the country’s landscape. Wazed has expressed a wait-and-see attitude but remains adamant that the Awami League would not participate in elections without a legitimate government.
Whether the international community intervenes remains uncertain. Still, the cries for justice and return to democratic processes echo loudly in the streets of Dhaka.