Bangladesh in turmoil: Rising insecurity, sectarian forces gain ground

By Bharat Dogra

Many who initially welcomed the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are now reconsidering their stance. The reasons are stark. Law and order has deteriorated sharply, leaving large sections of the population—particularly political opponents—deeply vulnerable. Minorities report growing insecurity, with disturbing incidents of targeted violence. Inter-faith harmony is under unprecedented strain, while prospects for fair elections are fading as major political parties, including those with strong minority support, face exclusion and obstruction.

At the same time, sectarian and fundamentalist groups—long known for exploiting divisions and resorting to violence—are gaining strength. These forces played a central role in Hasina’s removal and continue to benefit from external backing. The involvement of foreign powers, often denouncing sectarian violence publicly while covertly supporting such groups for strategic ends, raises troubling questions. Former Prime Minister Hasina herself has pointed to the hand of foreign and sectarian forces in her ouster.

The tragedy is compounded by the deaths of many protesters during the anti-Hasina movement. While some demonstrators may have genuinely sought a better future, the protests were largely shaped by regime-change operations, often manipulating sincere citizens without their awareness. History shows that such externally influenced movements, unlike genuine reform efforts, frequently unleash instability and violence.

Bangladesh’s painful history underscores these dangers. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding leader and Hasina’s father, was assassinated along with most of his family by forces later revealed to have foreign and sectarian links. Hasina herself survived multiple assassination attempts.

Yet, despite adversities, UN reports confirm that during much of Hasina’s tenure, Bangladesh achieved significant progress in human development indicators. Many successful initiatives emerged, though in her final years, positive achievements were overshadowed by a flood of negative narratives—a pattern seen in other regime-change operations.

The current trajectory is deeply worrying. For South Asia, the path forward must rest on secularism, inter-faith harmony, minority protection, inclusive democracy, socio-economic equality, and environmental sustainability. Only such a vision can reduce distress and foster lasting welfare. Sadly, the region is drifting away from this ideal, casting a shadow of sadness across the subcontinent. Still, hope remains if citizens remain vigilant and committed to steering South Asia toward cooperation and justice.

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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Protecting Earth for Children, Man over Machine, When the Two Streams Met, and A Day in 2071

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