Mir Abdul Alim

Political instability in Bangladesh seems unending, making the nation's "health" deterioration further. Since the fall of the government, various groups from all sectors—civil servants to village police, universities to colleges, rickshaw pullers to railway workers—have taken to the streets with new demands every day. The capital, Dhaka, has transformed into a city of protests. The country is experiencing intense political turmoil, with daily demonstrations and movements escalating.

Since the government's fall due to a mass uprising, the situation has been spiraling into new crises. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is taking a firm stance ahead of the upcoming national elections, preparing to launch a series of programs in February. Meanwhile, the ruling party, Awami League, has also announced strikes and blockades in opposition to the interim government led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This standoff between the Awami League and BNP is putting the interim government under immense pressure. As a result, Bangladesh is now facing a complex political crisis.

BNP's Hardline Stance

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is adopting a strict approach regarding the upcoming national elections in February. As the interim government reaches its six-month tenure, BNP demands a new, neutral administration to ensure free and fair elections. The party accuses the current government of destroying democracy and ignoring the people's interests. Their new programs indicate a fresh wave of street movements aimed at pressuring the administration. BNP asserts that its movement will continue until democracy is restored and a stable political environment is re-established.

Awami League's Counterprogram: Strikes on February 16 and 18

The Awami League has strongly opposed the interim government led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Protesting against the government's so-called "misrule" and "repression," the party has called for nationwide strikes on February 16 and 18. Their demand is for the interim government to step down due to its failure in governance and inability to alleviate public suffering. The Awami League is trying to mobilize mass support for its movement.

What Lies Ahead?

The current political landscape suggests that tensions will escalate further. With both BNP and Awami League taking rigid positions, the country faces a high possibility of major conflicts. Experts believe that if neither side opts for reconciliation, the political crisis may prolong. The general public hopes for a peaceful resolution through dialogue, but if that fails, the ongoing turmoil could lead to a long-term national crisis. The key question now is how political parties will strategize and whether their approach aligns with public expectations.

Public Fear Amid Political Unrest

The ongoing political instability and relentless protests have left the general public in fear. Businesses are experiencing stagnation, and investors are adopting a cautious stance. The transport sector is also expected to face disruptions. Political analysts warn that the back-and-forth movements of the two major parties could severely impact the country's economy and social stability. Prolonged political instability could have significant repercussions on the economy, halting investments, creating market volatility, and negatively affecting exports and foreign exchange reserves.

Challenges for the Caretaker Government

The current caretaker government is facing significant challenges as it struggles to maintain political stability. Growing protests and mounting political pressure have put its legitimacy into question.

International Pressure and Influence

The political turmoil in Bangladesh has drawn international attention. The UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has expressed concern over the situation. Their report states that more than 2,000 violent incidents have been recorded since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The global community is now closely monitoring Bangladesh’s political crisis. International powers, including the European Union and the United States, are issuing statements in support of democracy and human rights. However, beyond these statements, there are suspicions of hidden foreign interests trying to exert influence over the nation, especially given Bangladesh’s strategic geographic location and economic significance.

The Role of Movements and External Forces

The rise of professional and labor union movements is noticeable. While many of these protests are based on legitimate demands, some suspect that external forces might be influencing certain demonstrations. Alongside opposition-backed protests, there are concerns about foreign organizations and extremist groups fueling unrest. Student protests in educational institutions are intensifying, and government employees continue to demonstrate for their demands. Transport workers have also threatened strikes over fare increases and other issues.

The Path to Reconciliation

Experts suggest that dialogue is the only effective way to resolve this crisis. If both sides exhibit political goodwill, they can reach an acceptable solution. Otherwise, prolonged instability could bring national development to a standstill.

Final Thoughts

The people of Bangladesh long for stability and peace. However, these aspirations seem to be fading amid political maneuvering and conflicting demands. The future now hinges on the leadership—will they choose the path of resolution or escalate conflicts further?

The writer is a, Journalist, Social Researcher, Secretary-General – Columnist Forum of Bangladesh.