Clashes erupted in the capital city of Dhaka as Bangladesh police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at stone-throwing opposition party supporters who were blocking major roads. The demonstrators were demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The main opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been facing internal disarray since its leader, Khaleda Zia, was imprisoned in 2018 on corruption charges. Despite the challenges, the party has organized significant protest rallies in recent months, drawing tens of thousands of supporters who expressed their anger over the rising cost of living.
The BNP has been urging Prime Minister Hasina to step down and has demanded that the next election, scheduled for January 2024, be held under the supervision of a neutral caretaker government. However, the government has rejected this demand.
During the clashes, BNP activists reportedly set fire to buses and used petrol bombs, leading to injuries on both sides. The BNP claimed that dozens of their supporters were hurt, while the police reported at least 20 officers injured.
Amidst the confrontations, at least 90 people were arrested, and two senior BNP leaders were briefly detained by the police.
Abdul Moyeen Khan, a senior BNP leader, condemned the police actions as “injustice” and highlighted the alleged arrests and mistreatment of demonstrators, asserting that it infringes on people’s fundamental right of association.
Western governments and human rights groups have criticized the Bangladeshi government for its crackdown on anti-government protests. The United States announced in May that it would restrict visas for Bangladeshis who undermine the democratic process in the country.
There have been concerns about electoral integrity and opposition suppression during previous elections in 2014 and 2018, with accusations of vote-rigging. The current government, led by Prime Minister Hasina, has denied these charges.
Hasina’s leadership has faced criticism for authoritarian practices, human rights violations, restrictions on free speech, and the imprisonment of critics. Meanwhile, her arch-rival, former premier Khaleda Zia, has been allowed to stay at home in Dhaka under a special provision during the COVID-19 pandemic, but political activity has been barred for her.
