‘The political climate remains tense’

The protesters have highlighted various incidents including attacks on sex workers, harassment of students over clothing choices, moral policing, and assaults on girls’ football fields, reflecting a broader concern over systematic violence and intimidation against women…. Besides, there are allegations of violence targeting minorities, along with the Sufi Mazaars (shrines) of Muslims in various corners of the country

Mohammad Ikbal Hasan is an advocate practising law in the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Dhaka. Besides the law profession, he works on human rights and is a political activist. After obtaining an M Phil degree, he is pursuing a PhD in Law. Before joining the Supreme Court as practitioner, he was Assistant Professor and Chairman of the Department of Law, University of Information Technology and Sciences, Dhaka.  In addition to authoring a textbook on Land Law, he has published many research articles in national and international journals and participated in conferences at home and abroad. As a researcher he writes on  legal issues and gives lectures on social and human rights causes. In conversation on email with Amit Sengupta, Editor, timesheadline.in

What is the current situation in Bangladesh, politically? Is it peaceful, and are the democratic forces strong?

Currently, Bangladesh is under the administration of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina six months ago due to a widespread student-led mass uprising. The political climate remains tense, with the ongoing unrest challenging the restoration of public safety and democratic processes. During the last regime, constitutional institutions were politicized and law-enforcing agencies were grossly misused to suppress opposition. The interim government has taken massive reform initiatives to democratize the governing system of the country.

There are disturbing reports about violence, rapes and moral policing targeting girls and women in Bangladesh. Your comments.

In recent months, Bangladesh has witnessed significant public protests addressing issues such as rape, violence against women, and moral policing. On March 7, 2025, a group of women protested in front of the National Parliament in Dhaka, demanding the removal of Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, due to his “irresponsible and misleading” statements regarding these issues. The protesters have highlighted various incidents, including attacks on sex workers, harassment of students over clothing choices, and assaults on girls’ football fields, reflecting a broader concern over systematic violence and intimidation against women. 

Regarding the tenure of the interim government led by Yunus, there have been ongoing challenges in maintaining law and order. The country has experienced rampant crime and a rise of mob justice  during this period.  As a matter of fact, prosecution of police following the mass uprising, for extrajudicial killings, has the made police system repugnant to active policing which results in the law and order situation turning precarious. 

Specific data comparing the incidents of rape and moral policing before and after the transition to the Yunus-led interim government is limited. However, the persistence of protests and reports of violence against women indicate that these issues continue to be of significant concern. The interim government’s response to these challenges, including addressing the demands of protesters, and implementing legal reforms, will be crucial in shaping the country’s progress toward ensuring women’s safety and rights.

The recent past has been full of political turbulence, tragedy and unrest. What is your opinion about the events that occurred, the mass protests, the exile of Sheikh Hasina, the new government formation?

The recent past in Bangladesh has been marked by significant upheaval. Mass protests, primarily driven by students, culminated in the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government, which was perceived as increasingly authoritarian. The formation of the interim government under Yunus aims to steer the nation back toward democracy. The emergence of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), led by former student leaders, reflects a desire for political renewal and systemic change. Bangladesh is going through a transitional period presently.

The new caretaker government — is it functioning for the welfare of the people, or does it carry an agenda? Are people satisfied — largely?

The interim government faces challenges in restoring stability and organizing elections. Apparently, the government is functioning to rebuild the country as a new Bangladesh. Nahid Islam, leader of the NCP, has expressed doubts about holding general elections by the end of 2025 due to the ongoing unrest and insufficient improvement in law and order. Public satisfaction with the caretaker government’s performance appears mixed, influenced by these uncertainties, as the people’s expectations are high from the existing government formed following a bloody movement.

There have been allegations of sustained or scattered attacks on the minorities, including Hindus in Bangladesh, in what is a secular and democratic society. How true are these allegations? If true, what measures are being taken to restore their confidence and protect their life and identity?

Following the mass uprising on August 5, 2024, the law and order situation has deteriorated as the law- enforcing agencies are hardly active. There are allegations of violence targeting minorities, along with the Sufi Mazaars (shrines) of Muslims in various corners of the country. Krishna Das Prabhu, a Hindu leader detained on charges of sedition, agitated against the situation, leading to violent clashes and heightened communal tension.

In response to these incidents, various community groups, including students and youth organizations, have mobilized to protect and guard Hindu houses and temples against any attacks. The interim government has condemned the violence and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards communal attacks, stating that Bangladesh is a secular country with communal harmony where violence has no place.

Furthermore, the police have reported that the majority of these attacks were politically motivated, rather than communally driven. Out of 1,769 reported incidents since August 4, 2024, investigations confirmed 1,234 as political and only 20 as communal, with 161 claims found to be false. The interim government has pledged to compensate victims and uphold human rights, irrespective of creed, color, ethnicity, sex, or gender. These combined efforts aim to restore confidence among minority communities and ensure their safety and identity in Bangladesh’s pluralistic society.

Is it also true that certain kind of fundamentalists are trying to grow and expand in Bangladesh, while the larger masses are liberal and secular? Are they really growing, these extremist forces? Do they have social acceptance?

Despite Bangladesh’s pluralistic traditions, some aggressive groups continue to exert influence. Recently, police in Dhaka dispersed thousands of members of the banned extreme group Hizbut Tahrir.
While these groups are active, their level of social acceptance is marginal, with significant portions of the population maintaining democratic, liberal and sufi (spiritual) values.

As a matter of fact, right to association and the opposition’s voice were restrained earlier. The July movement paved the way for the unfettered right to assembly and politico-social activities, where every political and social group got the opportunity to express their stand. In this backdrop, besides major democratic forces, some extremists also got space. The mainstream people of Bangladesh love to live in peaceful coexistence and communal harmony.

A new students’ rainbow coalition has been formed in Dhaka. Will they fight the coming elections? How strong are their chances? Are they popular?

The student leaders who played a pivotal role in the recent revolution have formed the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), aiming to establish a “second republic” and true democracy. The NCP has gained popularity, particularly among the youth, but faces challenges, including concerns about potential extremist influences and ensuring neutrality. Their success in the upcoming elections will depend on their ability to navigate an inclusive Bangladesh and the reconciliation process of the existing divided society. Reflection of their ideological commitment in political programmes will shape the NCP’s chances in coming election.

Will Khaleda Zia make a comeback?

Though Khaleda Zia is too old and sick to run political activities, she recently delivered an online speech in a political assembly after long time. In the downfall of Bangladesh Awami League, the next major party BNP, led by Khaleda Zia, has a big chance to come back to power. In fact, Tariq Zia, son of Khaleda Zia, is leading BNP since long. The political landscape has shifted significantly, with new parties like the NCP emerging and traditional parties reassessing their roles.

Will Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League be allowed to contest the upcoming elections?

Following her ouster, Sheikh Hasina went into exile, and there is no indication that she or the Awami League have been barred from participating in future elections. However, their involvement would depend on various factors, including a level-playing field, legal considerations, and public sentiment. It has been widely alleged that Sheikh Hasina, along with top Awami League leaders, have been directly or indirectly involved in mass killings during the July movement, and they are likely to be convicted very soon, whereby they may also be legally barred from contesting elections.