Bangladesh has been experiencing unprecedented political turmoil, social unrest, and economic instability. The crisis reached a boiling point with the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, followed by mass protests, riots, and growing concerns over illegal immigration into neighboring countries.
How the Crisis Began: Sheikh Hasina’s Fall from Power
Sheikh Hasina, who led Bangladesh for over a decade, faced growing dissent due to allegations of authoritarianism, electoral manipulation, and economic mismanagement. In 2024, protests erupted over employment quotas, high inflation, and alleged corruption within her government.
The protests, initially led by students, quickly gained national momentum, with opposition parties and civil society groups demanding her resignation. The government responded with internet blackouts, mass arrests, and violent crackdowns on demonstrators. However, the unrest escalated, forcing Sheikh Hasina to resign in August 2024. She fled the country, and a military-backed interim government was established under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Riots and Lawlessness in Post-Hasina Bangladesh
Even after Sheikh Hasina’s departure, Bangladesh continues to grapple with widespread instability. The interim government is struggling to control the law-and-order situation. Riots have erupted in multiple cities, with reports of clashes between rival political groups and law enforcement.
- In Dhaka, protests have turned violent, with demonstrators demanding quicker elections and an end to military oversight.
- In Chittagong, religious extremist groups have taken advantage of the chaos, leading to sectarian violence.
- In Sylhet, local business owners have staged shutdowns due to looting and economic uncertainty.
Despite pledging a free election by 2026, Muhammad Yunus’s government is under pressure to restore stability sooner. Many question whether he can lead Bangladesh toward democracy or if the military will retain control.
The Rise of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP)
One of the biggest developments in Bangladesh’s political landscape is the formation of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP). The movement, led by young activists and student leaders from the protests, aims to create a “Second Republic,” breaking away from the dynastic politics of Hasina and Khaleda Zia.
NCP leaders are calling for a new constitution that guarantees free and fair elections, judicial independence, and a decentralized government. While their vision is ambitious, their ability to challenge the entrenched political elite remains uncertain.
Bangladeshi Immigration Crisis: Impact on India and Beyond
As political and economic conditions worsen in Bangladesh, illegal immigration has become a growing concern in neighboring India, particularly in states like West Bengal, Assam, and Karnataka.
In October 2024, India’s Supreme Court declared that all Bangladeshi migrants who entered Assam after March 24, 1971, are illegal immigrants. The ruling has led to stricter border enforcement and calls for large-scale deportations.
Crackdowns in Delhi and Karnataka
- Delhi authorities launched a two-month crackdown in December 2024 to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.
- Karnataka’s Home Minister announced a special task force to address the issue, citing concerns over demographic shifts and illegal employment.
Many Bangladeshi immigrants in India fear mass deportations, while human rights groups argue that many of them have lived in the country for decades and should be granted legal protection.
Recent Developments: UN Intervention and Economic Struggles
UN Visit to Bangladesh
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres visited Bangladesh in early 2025 to assess the situation of Rohingya refugees and the humanitarian crisis. Many fear that the worsening political climate will lead to funding cuts and more displacement.
Bangladesh’s Economic Crisis
With foreign investors hesitant to engage in an unstable Bangladesh, the interim government is seeking international aid and investment to prevent economic collapse. Additionally, efforts are underway to prosecute corruption cases and recover stolen assets from former officials linked to Sheikh Hasina’s administration.
Bangladesh is at a turning point. The fall of Sheikh Hasina has created both opportunities and challenges. While the promise of a new political system gives hope to many, the ongoing violence, weak governance, and rising immigration tensions threaten the nation’s stability. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Bangladesh moves toward democracy or deeper into chaos.
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