Once again the news of a coup and huge political upheaval has become very intense in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, which is considered the most sensitive center of South Asian politics. The atmosphere of discontent within the country's security apparatus, army and fundamentalist groups seems to be deepening against the government led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tariq Rahman. High-level meetings continued till late night in Banga Bhawan, Prime Minister's Office and administrative corridors of Cantonment in Dhaka. Political analysts believe that the economic crisis that has emerged in the country in the last few weeks, the severe labor violence that broke out in the textile industry and the differences that have arisen over foreign policy have shaken the foundation of the government. Patrolling by security forces on the streets of Dhaka has suddenly been increased and speculations are rife across the city about possible military action or government restructuring. More than 500 garments factories closed and the economic crisis pushed the Tariq government on the back foot. The biggest challenge for the Tariq Rehman government is the complete stoppage of the readymade garment (RMG) sector, which is considered the economic backbone of the country. In huge industrial centers like Dhaka, Ghazipur, Ashulia and Savre, more than 500 factories have been locked and more than 10 lakh workers are taking to the streets and protesting violently. Troubled by the minimum wage increase and starvation-like situation, the workers are directly clashing with the police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel. The incidents of arson on highways, vandalism in banks and warehouses have proved that the new government is completely failing in maintaining law and order. After the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated Bangladesh's growth rate to be at its lowest level in 40 years, the anger of the general public as well as the business class and administrative officials against the government has reached its peak. The increasing pressure of Jamaat-e-Islami and the confrontation between the army and the government on foreign policy. The increasing dominance of the fundamentalist organization Jamaat-e-Islami in the internal politics of Bangladesh has increased the concern of the army and intelligence agencies. Tariq Rehman is being accused of succumbing to the anti-India narrative and strategic pressure of the Jamaat. The government's lax attitude towards renewal of the 30-year-old historical Ganga Water Sharing Treaty (Farakka Barrage Water Treaty) with India and repeated postponement of diplomatic meetings have created great uneasiness in the neighboring countries as well as in the military establishment of Bangladesh. A powerful faction of the Bangladeshi military believes that strategic distance from India and excessive leaning towards Pakistan could cause permanent damage to the country's economic and security interests. For this reason, top army officers and senior representatives of the civil administration are continuously holding emergency meetings behind closed doors, which is being seen as a new administrative coup or interim rule. Former PM Sheikh Hasina is also adamant on her demands, Awami League's counterattack is certain. On the other hand, former Prime Minister and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina, living in India, has also toughened her stance and is adamant on dismissing all the cases against her and demanding a fair investigation. Underground workers and supporters of Awami League have intensified anti-government activities in various parts of the country. Sheikh Hasina's statements and Awami League's comeback strategy have posed a double challenge to Tariq Rehman's BNP government. On one hand, she is facing the dominance of Jamaat-e-Islami within her own government, while on the other hand, Sheikh Hasina's political obstinacy and nationwide discontent is indicating the end of the current power cycle in Dhaka. If no concrete administrative solution emerges from the Dhaka meetings in the next 48 hours, Bangladesh may once again be on the brink of military intervention or a major coup.
