Bangladesh’s political situation is reportedly becoming increasingly unstable under the current interim government led by Dr. Yunus. In particular, the widespread repression, arrests, and violence against leaders and activists of the historic political party Bangladesh Awami League known for leading the Liberation War and its affiliated organizations have raised serious concerns about human rights violations.
After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on 5 August 2024 amid mass protests, a political transition took place in the country. Soon after, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Dr. Yunus. Although the new administration pledged to ensure a democratic environment and fair elections, the decision to ban the Awami League sparked intense reactions in the political arena.
Even for the Jatiya Party, another active player in opposition politics, uncertainty remains over whether it will be allowed to participate in the elections.
The death sentence handed down to former Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina currently staying safely in India in a case of crimes against humanity has triggered widespread controversy both at home and abroad.
The United Nations and Human Rights Watch have expressed deep concern over the verdict.
Amnesty International stated that the unprecedented speed of the trial conducted in the absence of two defendants raises “serious questions about the assurance of justice.” The organization described the verdict as “extraordinary and unprecedented.”
Human rights organizations have also called for the lifting of the ban on the Awami League, yet the government has not shown any clear initiative regarding this.
Various surveys indicate that mob lynching has risen alarmingly in the country, with most victims reportedly being Awami League affiliated leaders and activists.
According to allegations, nearly two hundred former MPs have been arrested, around two hundred thousand activists detained, and at least 500 leaders and workers have been killed.
Human rights activists say these incidents have put Bangladesh’s democratic and humanitarian situation in a highly alarming and critical state.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son and ICT policy architect Sajeeb Wazed Joy has alleged that efforts are underway to “minus” the top leadership of the two major political parties Awami League and BNP. Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence, the arrest warrant against her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the critical health condition of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, and the inability of the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to return to the country have made the political future and overall situation even more uncertain.