Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday, 27 May issued an Eid-ul-Adha message to citizens, describing the country as being in a state of 'profound crisis and hardship' and calling on the spirit of sacrifice to inspire renewed resilience. The message was shared by the Awami League on X (formerly Twitter).

Hasina's Eid Message: Key Concerns

In the statement, Hasina cited 21 months of what she described as relentless persecution of Awami League leaders and activists — including killings, attacks, and imprisonment. 'For the past 21 months, leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Awami League have faced brutal killings, continuous attacks, and false cases, while countless party members remain imprisoned,' she said.

She further pointed to what she characterised as a broader national crisis: 'The premature deaths of hundreds of children from measles, horrific violence and rape against women and children, the collapse of law and order, and a devastated economy have pushed the nation toward deep darkness.'

Appeal for Strength Amid Adversity

Hasina invoked the values of Eid-ul-Adha — sacrifice and devotion — as a source of moral strength. 'Even amid immense adversity, it will give us the strength to dedicate ourselves to truth and the welfare of the country and to remain prepared for any sacrifice necessary,' she noted. The message stopped short of any direct political ultimatum but carried an unmistakable undertone of political mobilisation.

Awami League's Escalating Concerns

The Eid statement follows a series of increasingly urgent warnings from the Awami League in recent weeks. Last week, the party voiced serious concern over targeted attacks on its leaders, activists, and their families that have allegedly continued unabated through 2026. The party warned that the international community's persistent silence could, in its view, push Bangladesh further into prolonged political violence.

According to the Awami League, attacks and killings are increasing at an alarming rate across several districts, and anyone connected to the party is reportedly no longer safe — even those with no proven wrongdoing. These claims have not been independently verified.

Violence Against Women and Children

Earlier this month, the Awami League stated that Bangladesh continues to grapple with a disturbing rise in violence against women and children in 2026, following what it described as an alarming surge in 2025. The party claimed that women and children across the country are living under constant fear and insecurity, both in public spaces and at home.

The Awami League characterised the recurring incidents as a 'national emergency', accusing the current Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government of failing to deliver on its governance promises. 'This is no longer a women's issue. It is a crisis of governance, justice, and national character,' the party said.

What Comes Next

With Eid-ul-Adha approaching and political tensions in Dhaka running high, the international community's response — or continued silence — will be closely watched. The Awami League's increasingly vocal campaign signals that the party, despite being out of power, intends to keep pressure on the current administration and seek global attention for what it describes as a humanitarian and governance crisis.