Ottawa, Jan 24 (NationPress) Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, which is associated with the so-called "reformist and technocratic" figures, appears either unable or unwilling to manage the escalating unrest throughout the nation. Attacks on Indian diplomatic facilities in December have highlighted the seriousness of the situation, including the temporary shutdown of an Indian consular office in Chittagong district, as reported on Saturday.

According to a report from the online magazine ‘Open Canada’, the question of whether Bangladesh can maintain its secular constitutional principles amidst the increasing influence of religious political factions remains uncertain. It also raised concerns about the potential postponement of the upcoming February 12 elections under the pretense of instability, mirroring trends observed in other fragile democracies.

“The national elections in Bangladesh are slated for February 2026, which will be a significant test for the country’s democratic recovery. The exclusion of the Awami League from the electoral process has already cast doubts on its inclusivity. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is anticipated to play a pivotal role, while Jamaat-e-Islami — previously banned under Hasina’s administration due to extremist connections — is re-emerging as a competitive political player, especially in university politics,” the report elaborated.

“To comprehend Bangladesh’s current political unrest, one must revisit the historical roots of the state. The origins of Bangladesh’s independence stem not only from economic neglect or political marginalization but also from a profound struggle over identity, language, and democratic representation,” it noted.

The report emphasized that Bangladesh's experience illustrates that while economic progress can occur alongside weakened democratic institutions for some time, such arrangements are inherently precarious. It stated that development without accountability fosters political turmoil rather than enduring stability.

These concerns are exacerbated by the ban on the Awami League’s electoral participation.

“Numerous party officials and supporters have reportedly been detained in recent months, sometimes without formal charges or timely access to judicial review, raising broader questions about due process and political pluralism. The interim authorities have also imposed restrictions on the Awami League-affiliated student group ‘Bangladesh Chhatra League' (BCL), a move that critics argue threatens to limit democratic space instead of stabilizing it,” the report highlighted.

Since Hasina’s ousting in 2024, Bangladesh has entered a turbulent transitional period marked by political violence, assaults on minorities, and an increase in anti-India sentiment, raising regional concerns.

“Especially concerning are calls for territorial revisionism, including proposals for a so-called ‘Greater Bangladesh,’ which suggest the annexation of India’s northeastern states. Historically, such rhetoric has often served as a precursor to regional conflict rather than peaceful reform,” the report concluded.