Dhaka, Dec 13 (NationPress) With the parliamentary elections on the horizon in Bangladesh, ongoing conflicts across various political fronts pose a serious risk to the nation’s stability. These tensions present a formidable challenge for the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, which is responsible for ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process, according to a report released on Saturday.

The report highlights that the Awami League, previously led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is currently barred from participating in the elections. This situation has created a political vacuum that may intensify confrontations between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), both of which have long been rivals of the Awami League.

“Historically, these parties have found common ground against Hasina, but they are now competing for power and influence. The rivalry between the BNP and JI could further destabilize the political landscape as they seek dominance in a post-Hasina environment. Additionally, internal strife within both parties may escalate unrest,” the report from ‘The Diplomat’ elaborates.

Furthermore, the interim government has faced a surge of protests regarding postponed reforms, revealing deep-seated divisions over the election timeline.

For several months, Yunus has not provided a definitive election schedule, attracting harsh criticism from various political factions. Eventually, he announced elections for June 2026, but escalating pressure forced him to move the date up first to April, and then to February 2026.

In response, the Awami League rejected the newly announced election timetable, asserting that the Yunus administration cannot guarantee a free and fair electoral process.

The report cautions that, given the recent developments, the political climate remains exceedingly unstable, with a heightened risk of unrest.

“Hasina’s son and key advisor, Sajeeb Wazed, previously warned that Awami League supporters would take to the streets and obstruct elections if the ban on his mother’s party is not lifted in time for the February elections. He emphasized that both he and Hasina are in contact with party leaders and activists, threatening massive protests and potential clashes. He claimed that the party has 'hundreds of thousands of activists' and 'millions of supporters' ready to mobilize,” the report indicates.

These threats of unrest complicate an already tense political environment in Bangladesh.

“As political divides deepen and the Awami League's warnings of confrontation add to the volatility, the interim government’s ability to uphold law and order, mediate between rival factions, and ensure a peaceful electoral process will be pivotal in averting further chaos,” it concluded.