Bangladesh Experiences Increase in Violence Against Police Under Yunus Administration
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Synopsis
In Bangladesh, violence against law enforcement agencies has surged under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus as the interim government. Recent reports indicate a sharp rise in mob attacks and hostility towards police personnel, raising concerns over public safety and lawlessness in the country.
Key Takeaways
- 225 attacks on law enforcement in six months
- Mob violence prevalent since August 2024
- Police officers facing increased hostility
- UN report highlights serious revenge violence
- Public protests escalating due to lawlessness
Dhaka, March 8 (NationPress) Bangladesh has experienced an alarming rise in violence against law enforcement agencies under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus as the interim government, as reported by the nation's media on Saturday based on police data.
In the past six months, Bangladeshi police have suffered from mob assaults, with a staggering total of 225 attacks on law enforcement agencies documented.
Reports from police headquarters indicate that there were 24 incidents in September 2024, 34 in October, 49 in November, 43 in December, 38 in January, and 37 in February 2025. Additionally, local officers face daily instances of disrespect in public. Numerous reports have emerged of attacks aimed at snatching suspects, according to Bangladesh’s prominent daily, Prothom Alo.
Various videos showcasing police officers being assaulted in Dhaka and nationwide by student activists and anti-social elements have gained significant traction on Bangladeshi social media over recent months.
Just this week, a widely shared video depicted a police sub-inspector being beaten by a group of approximately 10-15 individuals merely for instructing motorcycle riders to halt at a police checkpoint.
Not only did the attackers rip the helpless SI's uniform, but they also stole his wallet, mobile phone, and official walkie-talkie.
Since Muhammad Yunus assumed power in August 2024 following the Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, incidents of mob violence have become increasingly frequent in Bangladesh.
The nation is now grappling with severe lawlessness, affecting not only minorities, particularly Hindus, but also numerous police officials.
A report from the United Nations' Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) highlighted that violent mobs in Bangladesh have committed serious acts of revenge violence, including targeted killings of police and Awami League officials, particularly since August 2024.
Following the ousting of the Hasina government, widespread violence erupted across Bangladesh, with mobs storming and setting fire to both Awami League offices and numerous police stations.
Data from the Bangladesh Police indicates that after Hasina's removal, 450 out of 639 police stations were either destroyed or damaged. In many situations, police officers fled or were ordered to leave by their superiors. Some officers faced lynching or other forms of murder, while fear kept many police personnel from fulfilling their duties, as reported by the leading daily Daily Star.
Recently, a mob identifying itself as 'Tawhidi Janata' surrounded Dhaka's Shahbagh Police Station demanding the release of an individual detained for harassing a female student at Dhaka University.
In recent months, numerous protests have erupted in Bangladesh due to the deteriorating law and order situation. Various radical groups and banned organizations, previously suppressed by the Awami League government, are now conducting rallies, flouting regulations. At the same time, citizens are calling for the resignation of Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, citing his ineffectiveness in ensuring public safety.
