Government and Opposition Must Remain United to Resist Hasina

The announcement by Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following the mass uprising of 2024, that she intends to return to Bangladesh, along with her applications for a passport and national identity card, has apparently prompted banned Awami League leaders and activists still in the country to become active again. They have reportedly begun carrying out acts of sabotage, including sudden processions, arson and crude bomb explosions, in Dhaka and other parts of the country.

From the beginning of November until November 10, more than 50 crude bomb explosions and at least eight bus arson incidents were reported across the country. According to law enforcement agencies and media reports, 31 incidents involving crude bomb explosions and arson took place between October 1 and November 8.

In Dhaka, crude bombs have been exploded at more than 15 important locations, including Dhaka University, Jagannath University, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Titumir College, Southeast University, Shanto-Mariam University, Shahbagh, the Airport Roundabout, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court premises, Panthapath, Khilkhet, Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Dhanmondi, Rampura and Banasree.

Even important security installations have been targeted. Crude bomb explosions were reported at the CID headquarters in Malibagh, the Ansar and Village Defence Party headquarters in Khilgaon, Pallabi Police Station and the gate of Rajarbagh Police Lines. Several buses, both moving and parked, have also been set on fire using petrol bombs or other flammable substances. Incidents were reported beneath the Farmgate metro rail station, at the Coca-Cola intersection on Pragati Sarani, in Mirpur-11, at Notun Bazar in Bhatara and at Mohakhali Bus Terminal, as well as in several districts.

Police say the attacks are being carried out by individuals arriving on motorcycles or throwing crude bombs from flyovers to create political instability and public panic. However, observers believe such statements are insufficient to prevent the activities of the banned Awami League. They say law enforcement agencies must take a firm stance, arrest those involved and ensure exemplary punishment.

Political Analysis

Sheikh Hasina used state machinery to suppress the 2024 mass uprising, killing more than 1,500 students and members of the public and leaving over 30,000 people permanently blinded or disabled, according to the editorial. She subsequently fled to India. The unrest allegedly being created by her followers in Bangladesh over her announced return cannot be accepted under any circumstances. There can be no justification for such incidents surrounding the announcement that a person sentenced to death for genocide may return to the country.

People are questioning the roles of intelligence agencies, including the NSI, CID and DGFI, and other law enforcement bodies. Hasina, her senior leaders and associates allegedly fled after looting and siphoning off huge sums of money. Those who remain in the country are also believed to have substantial financial resources, which the editorial alleges are now being used to create unrest. Yet the authorities have not taken effective steps to recover weapons or identify and arrest those financing and instigating the attacks.

There are also allegations that Awami League sympathisers remain embedded in intelligence agencies, the police and the administration, securing important postings through financial influence. Some allegedly enjoy privileges, while others have joined the BNP to remain in the government’s favour. Analysts believe Hasina’s followers within these institutions have become active following her announcement and are waiting for an opportunity to put the government in difficulty.

Although some individuals involved in crude bomb attacks and arson have reportedly been arrested, the alleged masterminds remain at large. Authorities should not delay action by merely saying that suspects are under surveillance.

At a time when the government is trying to strengthen the country’s weak economy, such unrest is obstructing economic progress. The editorial also questions why CCTV cameras installed at important locations and along major roads are failing to help identify attackers immediately. Instead, perpetrators escape before authorities finish analysing the footage. Observers describe this as negligence and laxity on the part of law enforcement agencies.

Hasina and India are working together to create instability in Bangladesh. It describes the Awami League as a pro-India party and accuses Hasina of seeking revenge for her government’s fall and attempting to make Bangladesh subordinate to India again. It says resisting Hasina and the banned Awami League is the responsibility of every patriotic citizen.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Monday, at a meeting of his party’s parliamentary group ahead of the fourth session of the Jatiya Sangsad, that the government was on the right track and would confront all conspiracies through political action.

Meanwhile, opposition parties Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) have said they will stand united to resist Hasina despite their political differences. Jamaat said there would be no distinction between the ruling and opposition parties in confronting her, while the NCP pledged to support the government if it took firm action.

This emerging unity has raised hopes among the people. A demonstration of it was seen in Chattogram yesterday, where leaders and activists of the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir and Chhatra Shakti took a united stand following an overnight vigil and protest against the activities of the banned Chhatra League.

The people want the government and opposition to maintain this unity to prevent Hasina and the Awami League from regaining influence. Observers say political differences and criticism are natural in a democracy, but the parties must remain united on issues that threaten national interests.

The police and intelligence agencies must work together to prevent crude bomb explosions, bus arson and other acts of sabotage. There must be zero tolerance for such activities. The government should investigate why intelligence agencies are failing and, if necessary, place them under surveillance as well. No leniency should be shown towards those involved.