Nation on edge: Bangladesh in grip of violence, sabotage
Abu Jakir :
The interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus is reportedly facing a complex conspiracy aimed at destabilising its administration. A sudden wave of unrest has left ordinary citizens anxious, as seemingly minor incidents escalate into violent confrontations without warning.
There have even been attempts to paralyse Dhaka, heightening the prevailing uncertainty.
On Tuesday, Chattogram witnessed a tragic act of violence when Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) Saiful Islam was brutally murdered. The 35-year-old, originally from Chunati in Lohagara, was attacked during clashes between law enforcement and followers of former ISKCON leader Chandan Kumar Dhar, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.
According to Nazim Uddin Chowdhury, President of the Chattogram Lawyers’ Association, Saiful was abducted from the court premises and fatally attacked with sharp weapons by protesters.
Incidents like this have become increasingly difficult to control, with a surge in vandalism, road blockades, and arson targeting educational institutions and industries.
Established businesses are under immense strain, private investment has nearly stalled, and delays in processing letters of credit (LCs) have disrupted imports of essential goods, causing price hikes in daily necessities. Citizens are left questioning the government’s authority amid the growing chaos.
Many believe that members of the Awami League, now in hiding, are actively working to undermine the administration. Violence has escalated to a point where law enforcement is struggling to regain control, still burdened by the trauma of past confrontations.
Observers note that individuals loyal to the previous regime, including some key advisors, continue to occupy influential government positions.
Since the August 5 uprising, protests have erupted over various issues, including demands by Ansar members, garment workers, and calls to raise the age limit for government jobs. These protests often turn violent.
On Monday, areas around Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College in Jatrabari and Shanir Akhra became battlegrounds, with similar chaos occurring in Old Dhaka the day before. Educational institutions such as National Medical College Hospital, Suhrawardy College, and St. Gregory’s School have been targeted. Students from Titumir College blocked roads and railways in Mohakhali, halting trains and adding to the turmoil. Law enforcement agencies are struggling to contain these destructive activities.
Reports suggest that activists from the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League have played active roles in many of these incidents. Sources indicate that grassroots activists have been directed by senior party leaders to engage in such disruptive actions.
In response, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condemned the violence, blaming “defeated fascist forces” for orchestrating conspiracies to undermine the achievements of the people’s revolution.
He urged the public to remain calm and resilient. Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman warned of a multifaceted conspiracy against the interim government, involving both domestic and international actors. He stressed that recent violence was staged under the guise of legitimate protests.
Adding a new dimension to the situation, Ganatantra Mancha accused neighbouring India of attempting to portray Bangladesh as an intolerant and radicalised state where minorities are under threat.
At a press conference in Dhaka, Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, claimed that the BJP perceives the Awami League’s defeat as its own loss and continues to engage in efforts to destabilise the current administration.
The ongoing unrest reflects a volatile political and social landscape, presenting mounting challenges for the interim government as it navigates an environment fraught with violence, conspiracies, and international scrutiny.