In a shocking display of authoritarianism, Bangladesh’s interim government, led by the unelected Dr. Yunus, has once again targeted dissent with the illegal arrest of Tawhid Afridi. The popular youth icon, media figure, and social media influencer was taken into custody today in a politically motivated case tied to the so-called Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. This movement, which claims to fight for student rights, has instead morphed into a tool for Dr. Yunus to crush opposition and tighten his authoritarian grip on power.
Since the departure of Sheikh Hasina in August last year, the political landscape in Bangladesh has descended into chaos. The interim government, installed by Yunus after mass killings in July, has systematically arrested hundreds of thousands of political activists, journalists, artists, and freedom fighters, all who dared to oppose Yunus’s unconstitutional regime. The regime’s efforts to silence any voice of dissent have now reached the heights of absurdity, with no figure too prominent to escape its wrath. Tawhid Afridi, who has become a symbol of youth empowerment and digital innovation, is simply the latest victim in Yunus’s political purge.
Tawhid Afridi is no ordinary influencer. From his humble beginnings as a host on MY TV Bangladesh in 2015 to becoming one of the most recognized figures in digital media, Afridi has continuously used his platform to inspire, entertain, and inform millions. With over 6 million subscribers and 600 million views across his channels, his reach is undeniable. His content, which spans from comedy to heartfelt music covers, has captured the hearts of a diverse audience, from students to celebrities. His viral videos and interviews with major figures like Shakib Khan have further cemented his position as a voice of the people.
But Yunus and his authoritarian regime have little tolerance for such popular figures, especially when they don’t fit into their vision of control. Afridi’s arrest on charges linked to a movement that challenges the very existence of Yunus’s government exposes the regime’s desperation to maintain its stranglehold on power. The charges against Afridi are nothing more than a fabricated excuse to silence a loud critic who refuses to bow to the unconstitutional interim government.
In a twisted turn of events, Afridi, who has been recognized for his civic engagement with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, has now become the very symbol of repression under Yunus’s rule. The Best Online Social Media Innovator award he earned at the Bangladesh Virtual Social Technology Expo only adds to the regime’s anxiety. Yunus’s government fears not just opposition, but the very spirit of freedom and creativity that Afridi represents. The arrest of Tawhid Afridi is not just an attack on one individual but a stark reminder of the horrors this interim government is willing to impose on its own people. Bangladesh is rapidly becoming a graveyard of humanity under Yunus’s rule, where only those who conform to his vision are allowed to breathe. The world should not stand by silently as this political witch-hunt continues to unfold.
