Bangladesh's Yunus Blames Sheikh Hasina for Rising Violence

New Delhi: Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has publicly attributed the recent surge in violence within the country to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In a conversation with Sergio Gor, the United States Ambassador-designate to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Yunus emphasised the need for a peaceful electoral process ahead of the upcoming general elections scheduled for 12 February 2026.

Yunus stated, "The nation is eagerly waiting to exercise their voting rights which were stolen by the autocratic regime," as reported by his office following the call. He also highlighted that supporters of the ousted Awami League government, led by Hasina, are allegedly spending substantial sums to disrupt the electoral process and incite violence.

The Chief Adviser expressed his commitment to ensuring a "free, fair and peaceful election" in the approximately 50 days leading up to the polls, describing the event as one that should be remarkable.

This dialogue occurred against a backdrop of escalating unrest in Bangladesh, triggered by the assassination of political aspirant Sharif Osman Hadi. Hadi was shot earlier in December and succumbed to his injuries on 18 December in Singapore, prompting widespread protests and violent incidents across the nation.

Following Hadi's death, protests targeted key media outlets such as Prothom Alo and the Daily Star, as well as individuals, culminating in the lynching of a Hindu man named Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh. Hadi, who served as a spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancho, a radical political platform, was known for his strong opposition to India.

Demonstrators also directed their anger towards Indian diplomatic missions and the historical site of Dhanmondi 32, the residence of Bangladesh's founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In response to these disturbances, visa services at Indian missions in Khulna and Rajshahi were temporarily suspended.

During the call, Yunus and Gor also discussed mutual trade tariffs and the funeral arrangements for Hadi. Gor is expected to arrive in India in mid-January to take over the leadership of the Embassy in New Delhi and to perform his duties as Special Envoy to South and Central Asia.

The US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs issued a statement on social media, noting that Ambassador Gor had a "productive call" with Yunus to discuss recent developments in Bangladesh and shared US interests in enhancing trade prosperity.

In the aftermath of Hadi's murder, several Western embassies, including the US Embassy in Dhaka, released statements expressing concern. There were unverified claims suggesting that the assailants fled to India, though Bangladeshi authorities later indicated that this information might not be accurate.

In a separate incident, Mohammad Motleb Sikder, a prominent figure in the National Citizen Party, was shot in the head on Monday but is reported to be in stable condition. Additionally, a house belonging to Belal Hossain, a leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, was set ablaze early Saturday, resulting in the tragic death of his seven-year-old daughter.

This wave of violence comes as the nation approaches crucial elections, with BNP leader Tarique Rahman expected to return to Bangladesh on 25 December, marking the end of his 18-year political exile as his party gears up for the elections.