Interim Govt Under Fire: Bangladesh Faces Pre-Election Unrest

Bangladesh is navigating a critical juncture with its general elections slated for February 2026 amid escalating violence and public dissent. The recent brutal murder of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and the subsequent death of Inqilab Moncho convenor Sharif Osman Hadi have intensified protests and cast a shadow over the interim government’s stability. Protests have been organized in India, including near the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi, against the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das. Reports detail how Dipu Das was killed by a mob on December 18 over alleged blasphemy, with his body later subjected to further indignities. This has led to diplomatic friction, with Bangladesh temporarily suspending its visa services in key Indian cities and the Indian Visa Application Centre in Chittagong also halting operations due to security issues. Dhaka has formally protested incidents targeting its diplomatic missions in India. A significant political challenge has arisen from the Inqilab Moncho, a group active since the ‘July Uprising,’ which has warned of a mass campaign to depose the current administration if the murder of its leader, Sharif Osman Hadi, is not resolved. Hadi was shot in Dhaka on December 12 and passed away on December 18, after being moved to Singapore. The interim government observed a day of mourning. Hadi was also seen as a potential candidate for the Dhaka-8 election. The government has vowed to expedite the legal process for his murder. Amidst these crises, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has reiterated his commitment to conducting the general elections on February 12, 2026, assuring citizens of a secure and equitable polling process.