Bangladesh’s new government is facing a multitude of challenges following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina six months ago. Hasina, who fled to India after a student-led uprising ended her 15-year rule, is currently facing criminal charges over the deaths of protesters during the uprising. The interim government, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, has sought her extradition from India, but New Delhi has not responded.
The Yunus-led government has taken measures to reform various sectors, including the electoral system and public administration. However, major political players like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party are calling for urgent elections and long-term reforms under an elected government.
Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about security force abuses targeting supporters of Hasina's party, as well as restrictions on freedom of speech. The government has been accused of suppressing independent media and failing to protect religious and ethnic minorities from attacks.
Since Hasina's ouster, Islamist groups have become more prominent in Bangladesh, with concerns about the rise of hardline religious groups. Additionally, prison officials have reported that around 700 inmates, including Islamic radicals and death row convicts, remain at large following mass jailbreaks during the uprising.
As the political landscape in Bangladesh remains volatile, various groups are calling for different approaches, with some advocating for immediate elections while others prioritize vital reforms before holding elections. Yunus has pledged to hold an election either in December or by June next year, aiming to navigate the country through this turbulent period.
