Political tension has increased again in Bangladesh after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her desire to return home. Incidents of arson, explosions and vandalism in many districts have increased the concern of the administration.
After the series of violent activities from Dhaka to other parts of the country, serious challenges have arisen regarding the security system in Bangladesh. Separate incidents have been reported in at least 21 districts between Monday night and Tuesday evening. Buses were set on fire targeting public transport, while train coaches were also affected by the attacks. There was a situation of stopping the movement in the premises of government offices and educational institutions due to security reasons. According to police data, 22 vehicles were set on fire in 11 districts during the last 24 hours. Incidents of use of indigenous explosives were also recorded at 28 places in seven districts including the capital Dhaka. A bus driver lost his life amid these incidents. The administration is now trying to identify the people involved in the violence and bring normalcy to the affected areas.
Attacks on public transport create chaos in Dhaka
Incidents of targeting of parked buses have come to light in different parts of the capital. A bus located below the Farmgate metro station was set on fire by throwing a petrol bomb. There was information about burning of vehicles near the post office and near the metro rail line in Mirpur-11 area. Two buses parked on the roadside in Pallavi area caught fire. Due to these incidents, an atmosphere of fear was created among the local people and the transport system was also affected. Security personnel reached the affected places and tried to control the situation.
Driver lost his life in Faridpur incident
The most tragic aspect of the violence came from Faridpur, where a 55-year-old driver died inside a bus that was set on fire. According to the local administration and police, several vehicles have been damaged during the continuous attacks. The incident of the deceased has raised questions regarding the safety of public transport. Police are now investigating to determine the method of setting the fire and identify the suspects involved.
Police leveled allegations against Awami League and student organization
Bangladesh Police Headquarters alleges that workers associated with the ousted Prime Minister's party Awami League and its affiliated student organization Bangladesh Chhatra League may be involved in these incidents. According to the police, the activities intensified after the announcement of Sheikh Hasina's return. However, independent confirmation of these allegations is still a matter of investigation. On the other hand, people associated with the party have denied their role in the violence. In such a situation, it has become important for the investigating agencies to clarify the difference between political allegations and actual events.
Traffic also affected due to protest on Padma Bridge
Protesters blocked traffic near the toll plaza of Padma Bridge in southern Bangladesh. During this period, there were reports of bursting of crude bombs and vandalism of vehicles. At the same time, a compartment of an intercity train parked at Mohoganj railway station in Netrokona district of the northern region was set on fire. Railway employees and firefighters controlled the fire in time. Some seats of the compartment were damaged in this incident, although railway operations did not have to be stopped.
Thousands of additional policemen deployed in the capital
After the continuous incidents, the police administration has expanded the security arrangements. Several new checkpoints have been set up in Dhaka with the deployment of additional policemen. Police officials have given instructions to increase surveillance at the district level and arrest people involved in violent activities. Action is being taken on the basis of patrolling, CCTV surveillance and intelligence information at suspicious places. The priority of the administration is to prevent incidents of damage to public property under the guise of protests.
Political conflict continues after the change of power
The background of the current instability in Bangladesh is related to the change of power in August 2024. After the student movement, Sheikh Hasina had to leave the post of Prime Minister and come to India. After this the interim administration in the country took over the responsibility. In November 2025, the International Criminal Tribunal for Bangladesh convicted Hasina in absentia of crimes against humanity. Hasina has rejected the allegations, calling these actions politically motivated. Now his proposed return has also brought into focus issues related to extradition and political relations between the two countries.
Growing unrest amid economic crisis is a challenge for the government
Along with political conflict, Bangladesh is already facing economic pressure and employment related problems. Workers working in the textile industry are demanding better wages. Their demand has reached a monthly remuneration of around 30 thousand taka, while industry operators are saying that such a huge increase is difficult, citing the current business conditions. There is a possibility of industrial activities being affected due to continuous protests and production related problems. In such an environment, new violent incidents could create additional difficulties for both the country's economy and political stability.