By Professor Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen History reminds us that when state power is abused, entire communities can be persecuted. Under Hitler, Jews were denied rights, detained, and systematically killed. Today, Bangladesh risks entering a similarly dangerous phase where political affiliation and religious identity determine oneโs safety. In present-day Bangladesh, individuals associated with the Awami League, the nationโs largest political party or members of the Hindu community are reportedly being threatened, detained, and killed without due process. The reason is stark: the Yunus administration appears to treat these citizens as enemies, largely because they supported Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister.
Reports indicate that the Yunus government has guaranteed indemnity to those responsible for violence during the July uprising of 2024. In one horrifying incident, a young Hindu garment worker was allegedly tied to a tree and burned alive. In another, an Awami League supporter was brutally killed using stones in a medieval-style act of barbarity. Yet, no meaningful accountability followed. Abdication of responsibility is not justice; it is complicity.
In another case, a young radical openly confessed to killing a police officer and burning down a police station, resulting in the deaths of several policemen and women.
Despite this confession, he was released. Similarly, an extortionist caught red-handed with large quantities of illegal money and drugs was freed solely due to her affiliation with the July protest group. Such decisions embolden extremists and further weaken the rule of law.
Disturbingly, internationally known radical leaders from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Middle East have reportedly visited Bangladesh to train young jihadis. At the same time, the Yunus government has released convicted terrorists from prison and has shown little interest in recovering weapons looted from police stations during the uprising. Even more alarming are claims that young radicals are now being armed with firearms.
With Sheikh Hasina gone, Bangladesh under Dr. Yunus is rapidly sliding toward becoming a radical jihadi failed stateโa safe haven for terrorists. Lawlessness has become rampant, and ordinary citizens no longer feel safe from violent mobs. Hundreds are reportedly being killed daily without trials or due process. Bodies are frequently found in rivers, canals, and along roadsides across the country.
Thousands of police officers were killed during the uprising, yet their families have no access to justice because indemnity has been granted to the perpetrators. As a result, the police force is deeply demoralised and largely ineffective.
The media has been systematically silenced. Journalists are barred from reporting crimes, stripped of accreditation, dismissed from their jobs, or imprisoned on fabricated charges.
To consolidate power, Dr. Yunus is reportedly orchestrating a sham election scheduled for February 2026. Major partiesโincluding the Awami League and the Jatiyo Partyโalong with 26 other political parties, have been barred from participation. Even independent candidates perceived as progressive or sympathetic to the Awami League are disqualified technically by the Election Commission. When the winners are predetermined, the question arises: why waste taxpayersโ money on a bogus election that will neither restore political stability nor revive the economy?
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The economic consequences of mob rule and anarchy are already severe. Nearly 393 factories have shut down. Poverty has reportedly risen sharplyโfrom 17% in 2023 to 25% in 2025. Corruption, extortion, and unemployment have exceeded all previous records. Banks are failing, the stock market has virtually collapsed, incomes have fallen, and more than three million people have lost their jobs. The nation faces a real risk of hunger and starvation.
Bangladesh urgently needs a free, fair, transparent, and inclusive election, along with nationality, to overcome this crisis. However, banning political parties, especially the Awami League, which commands broad popular support, from participating will only deepen instability and further damage the economy.
The United Nations has already decided not to send election observers, recognising the illegitimacy of the process.ย It is now time for the European Union, African nations, the Commonwealth, OIC countries, and the United States to boycott this fraudulent election.
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Dr. Yunus must resign. A non-partisan caretaker government, led by a former Chief Justice, should be installed to conduct a free, fair, and inclusive election within 60 days.
The Awami League is prepared to participate in such an election under independent supervision. To create a conducive environment, all political prisoners and journalists must be released, and all fabricated cases must be withdrawn. National unity is essential to stop the spread of radical jihadism and the ongoing abuse of the rule of law.
The Yunus administration must be prevented from dividing the nation and transforming a country of 170 million people into a radical state.
World leaders must not remain indifferent. The pressing question remains: how long will the global conscience remain silent in the face of such grave injustices?
Prof. Dr. A. K. M. Abdul Momen: Freedom fighter, former foreign minister.
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