Bangladesh is facing a wave of political turmoil, violence, and instability following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024. The chaos has drawn international attention, including warnings from UK parliamentarians about the potential global repercussions of the unrest, which has seen Islamist extremism gain ground and the country’s democratic fabric come under severe strain.
A report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Commonwealth, presented to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, paints a grim picture of Bangladesh’s post-Hasina landscape. It records more than 2,000 incidents of violence since August 5, accusing the interim government of weaponizing the legal system and raising concerns about the erosion of human rights.
Unrest and Repression
The fall of Sheikh Hasina, who led the country for over 15 years, has left a vacuum filled with chaos and competing factions. The Bangladesh Chhatra League, the country’s largest student organization and a pillar of Hasina’s Awami League, has been banned. Thousands of Awami League leaders have been arrested, and hundreds have reportedly been killed in what critics say is a crackdown on dissent.
Press freedoms have also suffered. Accreditation cards for journalists have been revoked, leading newspaper Prothom Alo has been attacked by mobs, and several media outlets have faced intimidation. Violence against minorities and a rise in mob attacks have further deepened fears of lawlessness.
The economic situation is dire. The stock market has collapsed, factories have shut down, and thousands of garment workers, a key sector in Bangladesh’s economy, are protesting unpaid wages. Teachers across the country have faced assaults and forced resignations, while hundreds of police officers and government officials have been sacked without due process.
The APPG report warns of significant instability. It notes:
“The security situation in some parts of Bangladesh remains extremely dangerous over three months after the initial student protests that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina and the formation of the interim government.”
Political Turmoil and Islamist Resurgence
The APPG highlights concerns about the interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of using the legal system to target political opponents. Murder charges have been filed against former ministers, judges, journalists, and scholars, raising questions about their credibility. By the end of August, the report claims, over 1,000 people had been killed in the unrest.
The report also warns of the re-emergence of Islamist extremist groups in the absence of a strong central authority. Observers fear this could destabilize the country further and pose a threat to regional and global security.
Despite the turmoil, the fall of Hasina’s government was met with optimism by some. However, the APPG cautions that:
“There is an urgent need to end the culture of using the law as a political weapon, and human rights and the rule of law need to be upheld. A failure to do this will not reflect well on the new interim regime.”
Sheikh Hasina’s Legacy
Sheikh Hasina’s supporters point to her record of stability and development during her tenure. Her government oversaw consistent GDP growth, major infrastructure projects such as the Padma Bridge and the metro rail, and improvements in healthcare, education, and women’s rights. These achievements have earned her respect domestically and internationally.
Critics of the interim government argue that the progress made under Hasina’s leadership is now at risk of being undone. Economic disruptions, combined with social and political instability, threaten to derail the trajectory of one of South Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
Impact on the UK and Beyond
The crisis has implications beyond Bangladesh’s borders. The UK, home to over 644,881 people of Bangladeshi descent, is closely monitoring developments. Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq, Sheikh Hasina’s niece, has also been personally affected by the upheaval, with her aunt’s ousting raising questions about political stability in the Commonwealth nation.
Tory MP Andrew Rosindell, chairman of the APPG, emphasized the importance of the report:
“This report will be a step in our efforts to raise awareness of issues affecting important Commonwealth partners. The findings will be shared with the government, charities, and other stakeholders involved with Bangladesh and the Commonwealth.”
A Fragile Future
The road ahead for Bangladesh is uncertain. Many are calling for a return to democratic principles and the rule of law to restore stability. Critics of the interim regime stress the need for credible leadership to guide the country through its challenges and prevent further erosion of civil liberties.
While Bangladesh’s future hangs in the balance, the resilience of its people and the international community’s engagement may prove critical in steering the nation toward recovery. As it stands, the country faces a defining moment that will shape its trajectory for years to come.
