Bangladesh in Turmoil: 150 Million Voices Left Unheard

HABER

Bangladesh in Turmoil: 150 Million Voices Left Unheard
By Kadir Duran / Bruxelles Korner

On April 22nd, I attended a press conference on political violence in Bangladesh, particularly the alleged persecution of members and supporters of the Awami League. Organized by Mr. Bazlur Rashid, the event revealed damning testimonies about the abuses committed by the current regime. Through this report, I aim to retrace Bangladesh’s recent history and raise awareness about the current threats to democracy in this country of 160 million people.

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Historical Context: From the Ashes of War to Democratic Hope

Bangladesh, officially the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, was born out of pain. After a devastating war of independence against Pakistan in 1971—which claimed the lives of three million people—the country was built around historical figures like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the “Father of the Nation” and founder of the Awami League.

His daughter, Sheikh Hasina, would carry on his political legacy, serving as Prime Minister from 1996 to 2001, then from 2009 to 2024. Despite criticism of her authoritarian style, many see her as a pillar of stability.

 

A Contested Power, a Brutal Overthrow

The general elections of January 2024, boycotted by much of the opposition, unsurprisingly resulted in another victory for the Awami League. But by July, a student revolt against the quota system set the country ablaze. In August, Sheikh Hasina was reportedly forced to flee, without formally resigning, according to official sources. She is said to be currently in exile in India, maintaining that she remains the legitimate Prime Minister.

On August 8, 2024, Muhammad Yunus—internationally renowned for his Nobel Peace Prize and the Grameen Bank—was appointed head of the interim government by President Shahabuddin.

Current Crisis: A Descent into Chaos

Since the transition, the country has plunged into a spiral of violence. What began as a student movement has evolved into a national uprising marked by summary executions, ethnic and religious persecution, and a resurgence of Islamist fundamentalism.

According to numerous testimonies, including those presented at the press conference, the repression targeting Awami League supporters amounts to a systematic campaign of terror.

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Documented examples of persecution include:
    •    Extrajudicial executions: such as in Saghata, where activists were tortured to death.
    •    Public lynchings: like that of Abdullah Al Masud, a former student leader.
    •    Political assassinations: including MA Momin Patwary, killed during a tribute to Mujibur Rahman.
    •    Targeted violence against families and destruction of private property.
    •    Judicial repression: nearly 200,000 people prosecuted, often without merit.
    •    Press intimidation: journalists attacked, newsrooms ransacked.
    •    Attacks on minorities: more than 1,000 homes belonging to religious minorities targeted in just two weeks.

Muhammad Yunus: From Nobel Laureate to Controversial Actor

Once hailed as the “banker of the poor,” Muhammad Yunus was celebrated for his innovations in microcredit. However, his model—especially through Grameen Bank—has been accused of usurious practices (interest rates of up to 45%), pushing thousands of women into distress and debt.

In August 2024, Yunus allegedly refused to appear in court for a tax evasion case involving $666 million.

Persistent rumors accuse him of backing student movements and financing the destabilization of Hasina’s government to the tune of over $360 million. Some even suggest indirect support from foreign networks, including certain American political figures.

 

A Democracy Crushed

What is happening today in Bangladesh is not democratic change. It is a descent into authoritarianism. The judiciary is being manipulated, fundamental freedoms are being trampled, and the country is veering toward dictatorship—if not state collapse.

Extremist groups such as Hizb ut-Tahrir and even cells affiliated with the Islamic State are capitalizing on the instability. The promise of a “Caliphate Bangladesh” is no longer just rhetoric. Weapons are spreading, police stations are under attack, and minorities are being persecuted.

A Call to the International Community

The silence of the international community is deafening. Major media outlets are not reporting on this violence. The United Nations, despite some signals, has yet to take a firm stance. Yet the situation demands action.

Bangladesh is on the brink of civil war. Its people—caught between dictatorship and fundamentalism—are crying for help. Europe, the United States, and multilateral institutions must demand respect for human rights, free elections, and a return to the rule of law.

 

Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads

Bangladesh is living through a silent tragedy. The campaign of terror against the Awami League, minorities, journalists, and the broader population must not go unpunished. The future of the region also hinges on the stability of this nation of 170 million people.

The international community must heed this call. For it is not only 150 million voices being ignored—it is an entire democracy being assassinated.