In the wake of escalating unrest in Bangladesh, the country’s army has been deployed to protect police personnel who have taken refuge in police stations across the nation. The turmoil follows the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, after which she fled to India. The resignation came amidst widespread student protests and violent crackdowns, leading to heightened tensions, particularly in border districts like Meharpur.
As violence continues to ripple through the country, several police stations, including those in the capital Dhaka, have been vandalized, looted, and set on fire. The targeted attacks have forced many police officers to go into hiding. In Meharpur, a district near the India-Bangladesh border, army personnel are stationed outside a police station, providing protection to the officers inside who fear for their safety.
The unrest, which initially began in June over a controversial job quota system, has since evolved into a broader anti-government movement. The situation has particularly endangered minority communities, with reports of at least 205 incidents of attacks on Hindu properties across 52 districts since Sheikh Hasina’s departure.
In response to the crisis, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who has taken the role of chief adviser of the interim government, has urged police officers to return to their duties. Despite his appeal, the majority of the police force remains in hiding due to ongoing threats. Yunus has scheduled a meeting with Hindu students and community leaders to address concerns about the targeted violence against minority groups.
The situation remains volatile, and the interim government is striving to restore order and protect vulnerable communities amidst the ongoing chaos.
