On June 22, 2025, a shocking act of political violence sent shockwaves throughout Bangladesh and the world. K. M. Nurul Huda, the former Chief Election Commissioner of Bangladesh, was brutally attacked by a mob in a planned setting. The assailants of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists struck him with shoes on his face, a deeply humiliating and disgraceful act that transcended mere violence. The assault not only targeted him physically but also served as a symbolic attack on his integrity and role in Bangladesh’s democratic process.
The entire incident unfolded after the filed a case against K. M. Nurul Huda, accusing him and several election commissioners—including Rafiqul Islam, Kabita Khanam, and Brigadier Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury—of involvement in the controversial 2018 general elections. In response, police arrested the former Chief Election Commissioner on the evening of June 22, mere hours after the case was filed. However, despite the arrest, the police officers allowed the mob violence against him to continue unchecked, compounding the humiliation and danger he faced.
This incident is not an isolated case; it highlights the rising lawlessness in Bangladesh, which is being fueled by a corrupt political elite. At the forefront of this chaos stands Dr. Yunus, whose increasing ties with extremist forces have become disturbingly evident. The assault on Nurul Huda is widely perceived as an act of political revenge—an attempt to silence a respected public servant and a valiant freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in the nation’s independence.
This attack is not merely against an individual, but against the very spirit of the Liberation War itself. Under the current regime led by Dr. Yunus, there is a systematic effort to dismantle the legacy of Bangladesh’s hard-won independence. This horrifying incident stands as a painful reminder of the government’s disregard for the values upheld during the Liberation War and its leadership, which threatens to undermine the country’s democratic foundations.
But what were the real grievances against him? Was it because he led the election process under Sheikh Hasina’s regime, ensuring the constitutional provisions were followed? Or was it because he refused to allow the forces of chaos to dismantle Bangladesh’s democracy by blocking their attempts to abolish elections?
The global community is now aware of Dr. Yunus’s orchestrated effort to oust the Hasina-led Awami League regime—a movement in which hundreds of students and ordinary citizens were mercilessly shot by his well-coordinated sniper gangs. Fearing his dwindling acceptance within the country, Dr. Yunus now finds himself cornered, with his support base at an all-time low. As a result, he has resorted to banning the Awami League—a constitutionally legitimate political party that holds the support of over 50% of the population.
This attack on Nurul Huda is more than just an assault on an individual—it symbolizes a much larger political and ideological war, one that threatens to erase the very essence of Bangladesh’s democratic values and the spirit of its Liberation War. The international community must recognize the gravity of this situation and stand with the people of Bangladesh in their fight for justice, democracy, and the preservation of their hard-earned independence.
Violation of Human Rights Declaration
This violent assault on former CEC Nurul Huda signifies a severe breakdown of law and order in Bangladesh, where power is being increasingly misused to settle political scores. The attack is a blatant violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protect citizens from cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. The alleged involvement of powerful political figures reveals how deeply embedded corruption and political violence have become within the ruling establishment. With a compromised judiciary, seeking justice through domestic channels seems nearly impossible, which sets a dangerous precedent for future political confrontations.
The Call for Justice
The vicious attack on Nurul Huda is a symptom of a deeper, more troubling pattern of political violence that is destabilizing Bangladesh. This orchestrated assault, which targeted a respected former Chief Election Commissioner and freedom fighter, highlights the increasing trend of political opponents being attacked for the mere crime of opposing the ruling regime. With no regard for the rule of law, political violence is becoming more widespread, sending a chilling message to the citizens of Bangladesh and the international community: that political violence will go unpunished. The very soul of Bangladesh, fought for and won during the Liberation War, is now under threat. The rise of extremist ideologies and the increasing use of political violence to settle scores is a growing concern for the future stability of the country.
In response to this grave attack, we demand an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident, with special focus on those responsible—particularly the high-ranking political figures and extremist groups involved. Accountability must be pursued without bias, and the people of Bangladesh must raise their voices to restore the rule of law, safeguard human rights, and ensure that political violence has no place in the future of this nation. It is critical that the international community also plays an active role in pressing for justice, helping curb the rising tide of political violence, and ensuring that Bangladesh’s commitment to democratic principles is upheld.
Protecting the Spirit of Bangladesh’s Liberation
Bangladesh was founded on the core principles of democracy, secularism, and human rights, values that were earned through the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters during the Liberation War. These values remain the cornerstone of the nation’s identity and must not be forgotten. Sadly, the present political climate, marked by corruption and extremism, poses a threat to the very spirit of the Liberation War and the principles on which Bangladesh was built. The recent assault on K. M. Nurul Huda, a courageous freedom fighter, is a direct attack not only on an individual but on the essence of Bangladesh’s independence.
In this critical moment, Bangladesh must return to its roots—prioritizing justice, freedom, and the rule of law. The people must unite to protect the values of the Liberation War and ensure the country does not veer further toward corruption and extremism. It is time for a national movement to restore peace, justice, and democracy.
