Bangladesh’s interim government, led by former Nobel‑prize winner Muhammad Yun us, has been in power for more than a year. Its arrival marked a sharp political reset—inside the country and in its foreign relations.
The ruling Awami League, once the dominant force, is now banned. Islamist groups have gained a foothold, and the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is being downplayed or attacked. Even the history of the 1971 Liberation War is a point of debate, adding to a sense of uncertainty.
Since Sheikh Hasina’s exit, violence has surged across the nation. Communal clashes, ethnic disputes, gender‑based attacks and mob violence create a climate of law‑and‑order instability. The interim administration deflects scrutiny by denying problems and blaming “outside influence” or conspiracy.
Given Yun us’s long‑standing rivalry with Hasina, the crackdown on Awami League hardliners was expected. The government uses political, judicial and administrative tools to target League supporters and suppress opposition voices, fostering a democracy that feels one‑sided.
Human Rights Watch warned in May that new laws threaten Bangladesh’s fundamental freedoms. Its report exposed how the government has stretched the Anti‑Terrorism Act to arrest and imprison thousands of political opponents on flimsy charges. The crackdown uses the law to silence dissent and hinder a fair democratic transition.
Local rights groups echo these concerns, noting a rise in human‑rights violations under the interim administration. They accuse the government of repeating the same abuses that plagued its predecessor.
The crackdown has strained ties with India, Bangladesh’s northern neighbor. The Yun us regime calls India an “ally” of the outlawed Awami League, while labeling India’s influence as the cause of Bangladesh’s political crisis. Critics say the government’s anti‑India rhetoric is a defensive tactic that keeps it from facing accountability.
During a recent U.S. interview, Yun us dismissed reports of anti‑Hindu violence as “fake news” and called it a “speciality of India.” These statements conflict with U.S. religious‑freedom reports that highlight concerns for minorities in Bangladesh.
2024 saw renewed tensions over Durga Puja, Bangladesh’s largest Hindu festival. The government warned of “hurting religious sentiments” in 793 pavilions and blamed neighboring India for orchestrating falsehoods. At least 49 incidents were recorded during the festival.
Ethnic violence also erupted in Khagrachhari, part of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The interim government blamed “fascist groups” based in neighboring countries, while New Delhi dismissed the charges. The incident underscored how the administration often shifts blame to external actors to cover its own law‑and‑order failures.
Despite more than a year in office, the interim government’s failure to deliver security or genuine democratic space continues. Its narrative of an external conspiracy delays the transition many Bangladeshis crave.
India has signaled it wants a smooth, inclusive democratic process in Bangladesh, ready to cooperate with whichever government comes to power. The next national elections may finally break the deadlock and set a new course for Bangladesh’s domestic and foreign policy.
Source: ianslive
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