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Bangladesh on Edge: BNP Leader's Fear Amid Sheikh Hasina Verdict Violence

Bangladesh is experiencing significant unrest as the country awaits a verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Violent incidents including car arsons and road blockades have erupted nationwide, prompting heavy security deployments. A BNP leader has expressed fear about the deteriorating law and order situation while hoping for peaceful elections in 2026. The political tension stems from student-led protests that toppled Hasina's government last year, resulting in an interim administration under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Key Points: BNP Leader Fears Bangladesh Violence Ahead of Hasina Verdict

  • Widespread violence including car arson and road blockades across Bangladesh
  • Government deploys border guards alongside army and police forces
  • BNP leader hopes 2026 elections will bring new hope to the country
  • Moniruzzaman calls India a "big neighbor" and seeks good relations
3 min read

I am afraid of the situation: Bangladesh Nationalist Party member ahead of verdict in case against Sheikh Hasina; calls India a 'big neighbour'

BNP leader Quazi Moniruzzaman expresses fear over Bangladesh's law and order situation as violence erupts ahead of Sheikh Hasina verdict, calls for peaceful elections.

"As a businessman and as a politician, I am afraid of the situation. - Quazi Moniruzzaman"

Dhaka, November 17

Garment Businessman and Central Committee Member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Quazi Moniruzzaman, expressed apprehensions about the law and order situation ahead of the verdict in the case filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and voiced optimism that elections in 2026 will offer a "new hope" to the people of the country.

Ahead of the verdict, widespread violence has erupted in various parts of Bangladesh. There have been incidents of car arson, cocktail explosions and road blockades across the country.

The government has deployed border guards in addition to the army and police. People have blocked the highway by throwing stones at it in several places. Border Guard Bangladesh is clearing the highway.

"... As a businessman and as a politician, I am afraid of the situation. We hope that there will be free and fair elections.. I hope there will be an elected government that can solve issues related to business, society and law and order... Everything is in a bad shape. Election is the only solution because an elected government will address all these issues... We were in a bad shape till last year, and I hope the elections next year in 2026 will give a new hope to the people of Bangladesh...," Moniruzzaman told ANI.

Moniruzzaman called on all the neighbouring countries to come together and fight for peace. He also referred to India as a "big neighbour" and expressed hope for "good relations" with India in the future.

"I hope we have good relations with all our neighbouring countries... We should fight together for peace in the region... If the garment industry is not protected, it will cause unrest in the country... We need India and India needs us... I think, as a big neighbour, India will respect our sovereignty... We hope to have good relations with India in the future as well..."

Meanwhile, Bangladesh has tightened security ahead of a shutdown as the Bangladesh International Crime Tribunal (ICT) prepares to deliver a verdict in a case filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

The case relates to alleged crimes against humanity during the student-led protests in July-August 2024. Sheikh Hasina has denied all allegations against her.

The situation in Bangladesh has become tense ahead of the verdict. Sheikh Hasina's Bangladesh Awami League has announced a two-day shutdown across the country, starting Sunday morning, disrupting normal life. Traffic in the capital, Dhaka, has been relatively light, while firecracker explosions have been reported in some areas.

Since the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has banned the activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations, party leaders have been announcing programmes through social media from undisclosed locations while actively campaigning online.

In July 2024, a student-led uprising toppled Sheikh Hasina's government. On August 5, 2024, she fled to India, and an interim government was formed under Muhammad Yunus. According to a United Nations report, around 1,400 people may have died during the July protests.

Sheikh Hasina's administration had initially established the International Crimes Tribunal to prosecute crimes against humanity committed during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan. The tribunal previously tried several Jamaat-e-Islami leaders accused of war crimes during Hasina's tenure.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The garment industry comment hits home - so many Indian businesses depend on Bangladesh's textile exports. Political instability there affects our economy too. Hope they find a peaceful resolution.
P
Priya S
While I understand the concerns, India should maintain a balanced approach and not interfere in Bangladesh's internal matters. Sovereignty must be respected, as the BNP member rightly mentioned.
A
Arjun K
The violence and road blockades are worrying. Many Indian trucks carrying goods get stuck at the border during such situations. Hope the 2026 elections bring the stability that Bangladesh needs.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see a BNP member calling for good relations with India. Historically, they've been more critical. Maybe this signals a positive shift in Bangladesh's political landscape?
K
Kavya N
The mention of 1,400 deaths during protests is heartbreaking 💔 No political outcome is worth this much human suffering. Both countries should work together to ensure such tragedies don't repeat.

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