Protests Intensify in Dhaka Amid Political Turmoil

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party demonstrate in Dhaka’s Naya Paltan area. — Reuters/File

• Thousands gathered to support the Bangladesh National Party in Dhaka.
• Leftist parties are preparing protests against the release of a Jamaat-e-Islami leader.
• At least six different demonstrations occurred in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Protests have become a routine part of life in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Many residents either participate in the events as political factions vie for power after last year’s upheaval or try to avoid the chaos altogether.

Since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024—having fled by helicopter as demonstrators stormed her palace—the South Asian nation of approximately 170 million has been embroiled in political strife.

Hasina’s 15-year-long authoritarian governance stifled dissent, holding back protests until a student-led uprising led to her downfall.

On Wednesday, Dhaka, a city with over 20 million residents, witnessed at least six protests, encompassing political rallies, counter-protests, labor strikes, and even celebrations surrounding the release of a leader from death row.

“I was freed this morning after spending 14 years in prison,” exclaimed ATM Azharul Islam, waving to thousands of supporters from the Jamaat-e-Islami party.

As the crowd erupted in cheers following his release from a prison hospital in central Dhaka—a day after the Supreme Court overturned his death sentence and acquitted him of war crimes—Islam communicated his past grievances and expressed hope for future justice.

“Previous rulings lacked fairness… We anticipate that the court will uphold justice moving forward,” he stated.

In contrast, leftist factions have condemned his release and plan to hold counter-demonstrations.

Across Ramna Park in the Naya Paltan district, a massive crowd filled the streets in a show of support for the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), as political groups brace for much-anticipated elections scheduled by the interim government for no later than June 2026.

‘Unpredictable’ Atmosphere

While tens of thousands of protesters gather at key intersections in Dhaka, others struggle through the congested streets.

“All major roads are blocked during the day,” lamented Zakir Hossain, a chicken vendor. “I’ve had to adjust my working hours and now start my day at midnight, even though the security situation is deteriorating, and muggings are becoming frequent.”

This instability is a reminder of the violence that erupted last year when police attempted to suppress protests that ultimately led to Hasina’s exit.

“The situation is unpredictable—protests can escalate into violence at any time,” voiced a housewife who wished to remain anonymous due to her husband’s government employment. “I used to refrain from calling him often, but now I worry whenever he is late returning home.”

Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, an 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate heading the caretaker government, has called for unity among political factions to ease the intense competition for power.

The government issued a warning on Saturday about “unreasonable demands” impeding its efforts.

‘Finding Balance’

Yunus has proposed that elections could occur as soon as December, although he indicated a later date would allow more time for governmental reforms.

Rallies organized by the influential BNP are demanding the government set a date for the elections and address a range of other issues, including the dismissal of certain cabinet members.

Tax authority employees have been staging a partial strike for two weeks in response to reforms that would place their agency under the finance ministry’s purview.

This tension intensified over the weekend when security forces cordoned off the national tax headquarters, subsequently prompting the government to reconsider its proposals.

Civil servants also staged protests this week at major government office complexes against directives altering employment regulations, which the government indicated it would review.

The demonstrations continue as everyday life is disrupted.

“Customers rarely visit the bank when the roads are blocked,” remarked bank manager Muhammed Sazzad. While he supports the right to protest, he suggested that authorities might designate specific areas for demonstrations.

Rakib Hasan Anik, a lecturer at the Bangladesh University of Professionals, expressed concern about the academic disruptions caused by the unrest, with students frequently caught in traffic and missing classes.

“There needs to be a balance,” he said. “We hope all parties can come together to prioritize the needs of the public.”