What is Behind the Recent Killings of Three Political Leaders in Bangladesh?
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Synopsis
In just 15 days, three political leaders in Bangladesh have been brutally murdered amid rising tensions ahead of the February elections. This alarming trend raises questions about the safety of political figures in the country and the implications for the upcoming electoral process.
Key Takeaways
- Political violence is escalating in Bangladesh as elections approach.
- Three political leaders have been murdered in recent weeks.
- Law enforcement agencies are facing criticism for their handling of the unrest.
- The killings raise concerns about the safety of candidates and voters.
- Political tensions are likely to affect the electoral process.
Dhaka, Jan 14 (NationPress) As political violence escalates ahead of the February elections in Bangladesh, a prominent member of the radical Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, was murdered in his home in Dhaka, according to local news sources on Wednesday.
The victim, 65-year-old Anwar Ullah, was a local leader affiliated with Jamaat in Dhaka.
As reported by the leading Bangladeshi daily, The Dhaka Tribune, a police official stated that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday.
According to Monirul Islam, the officer-in-charge of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station, the attackers gained entry into the two-storey residence by cutting through the iron grills.
Upon breaching the home, they restrained Anwar's wife before proceeding to kill him.
The attackers reportedly escaped with cash and gold jewelry, while family members claimed that the murder was executed as part of a deliberate plan.
Recounting the traumatic event, his son-in-law, Md Shamsuddoha, mentioned that two masked intruders entered the property around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, binding Anwar's hands and subjecting him to torture.
"My mother-in-law called me around 5:00 a.m. to inform me of the incident. I hurried to their home and found him unconscious, with a scarf around his neck," The Daily Star quoted Shamsuddoha.
He noted that Anwar was quickly taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
This incident adds to the backdrop of a deteriorating law and order situation and increasing political violence in Bangladesh as the general elections approach.
Just last week, a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) youth wing, Jubo Dal, was killed in a late-night attack in Panchbibi upazila of Joypurhat district, while his younger brother was also injured, as reported by local authorities.
The deceased, identified as 31-year-old Yanul Hossain, was an active member of Jubo Dal, while his 22-year-old brother, Abdul Momin, sustained injuries during the incident.
Earlier, on January 7, a leader of the BNP's voluntary wing, Jatiyatabadi Swechasebak Dal, was shot dead by gunmen in Dhaka.
Azizur Rahman Mosabbir, a joint convener of the Swechasebak Dal's Dhaka North unit, was reportedly enjoying tea with a colleague at a stall behind Bashundhara City Shopping Mall in the Karwan Bazar area when multiple assailants on motorcycles arrived, opened fire indiscriminately, and fled.
Recently, the BNP has expressed grave concerns regarding the law and order situation in the country before the February elections, criticizing law enforcement's performance under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
Bangladesh has seen escalating protests and a worsening law and order condition since the Yunus-led interim government took office in August 2024.
IANS
scor/sd
Point of View
I emphasize the need for a thorough examination of the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh. The alarming rise in political violence is a cause for concern, and we must advocate for justice and accountability to ensure the safety of all citizens, especially during this critical electoral period.
NationPress
14/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the recent political violence in Bangladesh?
The recent political violence in Bangladesh is attributed to escalating tensions ahead of the February elections, leading to targeted attacks on political leaders.
How many political leaders have been killed recently?
Three political leaders have been killed in a span of just 15 days amid rising political violence.
What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of political figures?
There are calls for improved law enforcement and protective measures for political figures as the nation approaches the elections.
What are the implications of these killings for the upcoming elections?
These killings may instill fear among electoral candidates and could impact voter turnout and the overall democratic process.
Who are the political parties involved in this violence?
The violence involves members of the Jamaat-e-Islami party and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), highlighting the ongoing political strife.
