A Nation in Flux After Hasina’s Exit
Bangladesh has entered a volatile phase following the abrupt ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is tightening its grip on the political space as the country inches toward elections next year. In the backdrop of mounting unrest, authorities are cracking down on Awami League loyalists while simultaneously repositioning Dhaka’s foreign policy. The developments mark a dramatic shift in both domestic and international arenas.
The latest flashpoint came when Dhaka Metropolitan Police detained 244 Awami League leaders and supporters after a surprise march in the capital. According to Additional Commissioner SM Nazrul Islam, the detainees were accused of plotting to destabilize the law-and-order situation ahead of the polls. This follows earlier operations in which more than 500 Awami League workers were rounded up across Dhaka.
Local media reports reveal that the marchers carried banners and shouted slogans pledging the return of Sheikh Hasina. The rally, described as spontaneous, was swiftly dispersed. Police confirmed that 11 people were initially apprehended during the procession, but the net soon widened as investigations began into those present nearby. Officials insist that due process will follow, though critics allege the arrests are politically motivated.
Political Vendetta Allegations
Awami League leaders have accused the Yunus administration of orchestrating a campaign of suppression. They point to sedition charges, land disputes, and revived complaints against Hasina and her associates as evidence of vendetta politics. Analysts argue that the flurry of arrests and cases appears designed to neutralize Bangladesh’s largest political party before the elections.
The interim government, however, maintains that law enforcement actions are necessary to prevent unrest. Supporters of Yunus stress that the state is facing unprecedented instability and that public order must take precedence over partisan interests.
Pakistan Steps In
As domestic politics roil, Bangladesh’s external relations are undergoing a striking transformation. On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Muhammad Yunus met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for the second time in as many years. The talks, according to Dhaka’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam, focused on enhancing trade and economic ties.
This thaw is remarkable given the deep historical scars of the 1971 Liberation War, during which Bangladesh has long accused Pakistan of atrocities. Relations had remained frosty under Hasina’s Awami League due to Dhaka’s insistence on justice for war crimes. Yet recent developments—such as Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s official visit to Dhaka after a 13-year hiatus—signal a recalibration. Despite Dhaka rejecting Dar’s claim that the genocide issue had been “resolved,” both capitals appear willing to move past decades of mistrust.
Broadening Diplomatic Outreach
Beyond Pakistan, Yunus used his UNGA visit to hold talks with leaders from Italy, Finland, and Kosovo. According to official statements, these discussions centered on economic cooperation and the importance of ensuring credible elections. Italy and Finland, in particular, voiced support for a democratic transition, positioning themselves as potential partners in stabilizing Bangladesh’s fragile political landscape.
Uncertain Road Ahead
The convergence of mass arrests, strained domestic politics, and shifting international alignments points to a period of uncertainty for Bangladesh. Parties that once united to push Hasina from office are now struggling to maintain cohesion, raising questions about the stability of Yunus’s caretaker setup. Meanwhile, the opposition Awami League retains strong grassroots support, as evidenced by the flash marches that continue to erupt across Dhaka.
A Delicate Balance
Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. The interim government is seeking to establish legitimacy abroad while silencing dissent at home. Its outreach to Pakistan and European partners reflects a desire to reshape foreign relations, but the heavy-handed approach against Awami League supporters’ risks deepening polarization.
For Bangladesh, the real test will come in ensuring free, fair, and inclusive elections. Without this, the cycle of unrest and suppression may only intensify, threatening not just the credibility of the interim government but also the democratic aspirations of the nation.
(With agency inputs)
