Tensions are boiling in Bangladesh ahead of the February 12 parliamentary elections and referendum, with a spike in political crimes drawing a sharp response from the US Embassy. In a Friday security bulletin, the mission advised its citizens to heighten vigilance against outbreaks of violence that could engulf rallies, polling sites, and religious venues.
The advisory paints a grim picture: ‘Expect possible political violence or attacks by extremists targeting election events, polling stations, churches, temples, mosques, and similar sites.’ It stresses that even calm protests might spiral into chaos, recommending avoidance of gatherings and constant situational awareness.
Bangladesh authorities have rolled out strict curbs—no motorcycles from February 10, no transport at all on February 11-12—forcing the Dhaka embassy to scale back services those days.
Local media exposed the chaos post-campaign launch: ambushes on candidates and police, death threats, and deadly skirmishes involving guns and blades. Several fatalities include Hindus from minority groups singled out in attacks. Vandalism has hit hard—campaign setups ransacked, offices gutted, cars torched, and CCTV at vote centers smashed.
Candidates are flooding police logs with reports of plots to eliminate them. The Dhaka Tribune highlights how these assaults on electoral assets are sowing fear across the nation. As the country hurtles toward decision day, the violence raises profound questions about safeguarding democracy, with the US alert serving as a wake-up call for all involved to prioritize peace and security.