Bangladesh’s main opposition party warned that mob violence and the rise of right-wing Islamist forces have become pressing threats to the country’s stability in the aftermath of last year’s political upheaval.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told the Press that unchecked mob attacks could prove “extremely harmful” for the country.
“Some groups and individuals are openly stating that those who say anything that goes against Shariah will not be tolerated, that women will be controlled,” Alamgir said. “This is against the kind of inclusive, liberal democratic society we want to build.”
Alamgir said such forces had existed earlier but became more visible after Aug. 5, 2024, when a student-led movement toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Since then, an interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has suspended activities of Hasina’s Awami League, pending trials of its top leaders on charges including crimes against humanity.
Hasina, who is being tried in absentia at the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal, has been barred from making statements in the media, with the interim government warning of legal action against outlets that broadcast her remarks.
The BNP, once led by former premier Khaleda Zia and now effectively run by her son Tarique Rahman from London, has emerged as the country’s largest party in Hasina’s absence. Though regarded as center-right, the BNP has recently voiced alarm that extremism could supplant liberal politics.
Alamgir’s warning came a day after two violent incidents shook the country. In western Rajbari district, an Islamist mob desecrated the grave of Sufi spiritual leader Nura Pagla, exhumed his body and set it ablaze, sparking clashes with his followers that left one person dead and more than 100 injured. Police and administrative vehicles were also torched.
Separately, another mob set fire to the central office of the Jatiya Party, a longtime ally of Hasina’s Awami League, in Dhaka.
Rights groups say such attacks are becoming increasingly common. The Human Rights Support Society reported at least 25 deaths in 38 mob lynching incidents nationwide in August.
A survey last month by the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development and advocacy group Voice for Reform found that 80% of Bangladeshis were concerned about rising mob violence, with many also worried about women’s safety.
Alamgir said the trend underscored the urgent need to protect Bangladesh’s democratic values. “A conspiracy is underway to replace liberal politics with extremism,” he warned.
