Bangladesh Faces Chaos as Former Ruling Party Demands Lockdown to Protest Hasina Trial
In Bangladesh, significant unrest unfolded on Thursday as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party demanded a nationwide lockdown in response to her impending trial. The Awami League, Hasina’s former ruling party, called for protests against the charges she faces, which pertain to a crackdown on a student uprising that resulted in substantial casualties last year.
Trial of Sheikh Hasina and Potential Consequences
Hasina, who was ousted from power in August 2024, has not been publicly seen and currently resides in India. Her trial is set to be adjudicated by a special tribunal in Dhaka, with a verdict expected to be announced on Monday. Chief prosecutor Tajul Islam confirmed this during a press briefing on Thursday. He designated Hasina as the “mastermind” behind crimes against humanity linked to the uprising.
Disruption Across Bangladesh
- Transportation systems faced extensive disruptions as security measures intensified nationwide.
- Schools transitioned to online learning, and both public and private transportation services were severely limited.
- Incidents of violence, including a firebombing of a government office in Hasina’s ancestral home, Gopalganj, were reported.
In Dhaka, vandalism incidents increased, and streets remained unusually vacant. The interim government strengthened its presence with armed forces deployed across key areas, including around the tribunal.
Political Climate and Future Elections
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus announced plans for a referendum regarding a national charter during upcoming elections set for February. This charter involves the introduction of a two-tier parliament as part of the government’s reform agenda. Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has asserted his intention to hold Hasina accountable for her actions.
Over the past few days, political turmoil escalated with reports of crude bomb explosions and vehicles set ablaze in several regions, heightening fears of ongoing instability. As unrest continues, the Awami League has refrained from participating in the electoral process unless it is allowed a seat at the table, citing the detention of thousands of its supporters since Hasina’s ousting.
Amid these tensions, the interim government faces criticism from Hasina, who has accused Yunus of infringing human rights and supporting extremist factions. She has vowed to contest the charges and demand an independent inquiry into the violent events in Bangladesh, which have led to the deaths of an estimated 1,400 individuals, according to a UN report.
International Reactions
The situation has attracted the attention of India’s media, where some interviews with Hasina were published recently. This has prompted the Bangladeshi government to express its discontent to Indian officials, highlighting concerns over Hasina’s communication with the press in India.
As Bangladesh navigates this turbulent chapter in its political history, the coming days are critical as both the trial and response from the public evolve in the light of ongoing upheaval.
