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South Asia

Bangladesh Unrest Grows as Supporters Demand Sheikh Hasina's Return

Arjun Mehta5 min read
Bangladesh Unrest Grows as Supporters Demand Sheikh Hasina's Return

Pro-Awami League activists engaged in violent protests across Bangladesh on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, demanding the return of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The unrest, which included bombings and arson, marks the first major organized show of force by her supporters since she was ousted in August 2024.

  • One 60-year-old bus driver died from smoke inhalation in Faridpur on Tuesday, according to Assam Tribune.
  • Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds in various districts, according to BBC.
  • The United Nations estimated up to 1,400 people died during the 2024 anti-government protests, according to BBC.

Why is there violence in Bangladesh right now?

The violence stems from escalating tensions regarding the potential return of Sheikh Hasina to her home country. Tensions rose after the former leader requested a passport from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi to facilitate her return from exile in India. While she expressed a desire to return in December, the current government remains opposed to her arrival.

Protesters, including members of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), have used crude bombs and arson to demonstrate their support. In the Gopalganj district, a police vehicle was set on fire during clashes with security forces, BBC reported. In the Shariatpur district, activists reportedly vandalized vehicles and exploded bombs at the Padma Bridge toll plaza, according to Assam Tribune.

Who are the main players in this conflict?

The conflict involves the current interim government and the supporters of the ousted Awami League party. The interim government is led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who took charge after the student-led uprising in August 2024. Sheikh Hasina, aged 79, led the Awami League for 15 years before fleeing to India.

The Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) is the banned student wing of Hasina's party. While the government has banned the Awami League and its affiliates, these groups continue to stage demonstrations. Security forces, including the police, are currently tasked with managing the protests and maintaining order across the country.

How does each side tell the story?

The Bangladeshi government views Sheikh Hasina as a criminal who must face justice for past actions. Officials have expressed a firm stance against her return, emphasizing her status as a fugitive. They reject the idea that her supporters are being targeted, despite claims from the opposition.

"She is a fugitive criminal. We have an active extradition treaty with India. We want her handed over."

The junior foreign affairs minister, Humaiun Kobir, questioned the possibility of treating the former leader as a regular traveler, according to BBC. Meanwhile, the Awami League and its supporters claim they are being victims of violence and that their actions are a response to being suppressed.

"Our supporters were not responsible for the violent incidents. They were carried out by unknown miscreants. We believe in peaceful protests."

A senior leader of the BCL, currently in exile, attributed the violence to unknown individuals rather than their own members, as reported by BBC. Awami League leaders also allege that hundreds of their supporters have been killed in mob violence over the last two years.

What happened during the recent protests?

The protests caused significant disruption to transport and safety across multiple regions. In Faridpur, a 60-year-old bus driver died after a vehicle was set on fire while he was sleeping inside, according to Assam Tribune. In northern Netrokona, a coach of the Haor Express was also set on fire at a railway station, though services were not disrupted, Assam Tribune reported.

Traffic was also blocked on the Padma Bridge, which connects Dhaka to the south-western region. About 200 protesters briefly obstructed the 6.2km bridge, according to BBC. Protesters also used burning tires to create roadblocks in various parts of the country.

Sheikh Hasina faces severe legal consequences if she returns to Bangladesh. A special tribunal convicted her of crimes against humanity in November 2025, sentencing her to death in absentia, according to BBC. She has consistently denied these charges, describing the legal proceedings as politically motivated.

A state prosecutor stated on Tuesday that the death sentence would be executed if she returns, noting that she has missed her opportunity to appeal, according to BBC. The government is currently seeking her extradition from India to face these charges.

What is the history of this political crisis?

The current instability follows a massive uprising in August 2024 that ended Hasina's 15-year rule. During her tenure, opposition parties accused her of jailing rivals and suppressing dissent, though she always denied these claims. The uprising led to her fleeing to India and the installation of an interim government.

Since her departure, the Awami League has been banned and was prevented from contesting the February general election, according to BBC. The country remains divided between the interim administration and the remnants of the previous regime's political structure.

What happens next?

The immediate focus remains on the extradition process. India has acknowledged receiving requests from Bangladesh to hand over Hasina, but the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not yet announced a decision, according to Assam Tribune. The request is currently being examined under established diplomatic processes.

Security forces will likely continue to monitor pro-Hasina groups to prevent further clashes. The interim government's ability to maintain order will be tested as more demonstrations occur. Any movement by Hasina to secure travel documents or return to the region will likely trigger further unrest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Sheikh Hasina in India?
She fled to India in August 2024 following a massive student-led uprising that toppled her government.

What are the charges against her?
A Bangladeshi tribunal convicted her of crimes against humanity, and she faces a death sentence in absentia.

Will she be extradited from India?
Bangladesh has requested her extradition, and India is currently examining the request, but no decision has been made.

SEO Meta Description: Violence erupts in Bangladesh as supporters of ousted PM Sheikh Hasina protest her potential return. Arson, bombings, and clashes mark the escalating unrest.

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Sources

  1. 1.bbc.co.ukViolence erupts in Bangladesh as ousted PM Sheikh Hasina's supporters stage protest
  2. 2.assamtribune.comBangladesh erupts in violence as Hasina return looms, one killed, vehicles torched

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The main difficulty is scaling up the production of miniature turbojet engines and training enough pilots to fly them.

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