Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus took charge of Bangladesh, acting as a puppet of the deep state. Since then, Islamist extremism has surged to alarming levels. Internationally banned groups such as Hizb ut-Tahrir and ISIS, along with other radical factions, have created a state of lawlessness. The Yunus administration has shown no interest in addressing this crisis, nor has it taken any steps to curb extremist activities. Instead, it continues to spread misinformation about Bangladesh’s law-and-order situation through global media outlets like BBC and Sky News, engaging in blatant falsehoods.
The latest incident, which has sparked outrage, involves the immediate bail of an eve-teaser after just 24 hours in custody, following pressure from Islamist mobs. Women across Bangladesh now fear that mob rule is dictating justice, with offenders being freed under the guise of religious sentiment. The Yunus administration has remained silent on the matter, as have many university teachers, including those vocal in the so-called “July Movement.” Particularly striking is the silence of female academics and women’s rights activists, who have not condemned the court’s decision to grant bail to a man accused of harassing a woman. Student activists, too, appear to be indifferent—perhaps waiting for USAID dollars before they speak out.
The Incident
On Thursday, March 6, Dhaka University employee Mostafa Asif alias Arnob was presented before the court by Shahbagh Police Sub-Inspector Md. Toufiq Hasan, who requested his detention. While the prosecution opposed bail, the defense sought his release. After hearing both sides, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mehera Mahbub granted the accused bail.
The case began when a female Dhaka University student reported on social media that she had been harassed by Mostafa Asif near Shahbagh on March 5. She first lodged a complaint with the university proctor’s office before filing a police case.
According to the complaint, around 1:30 PM, the student and her friend were walking near the Raju Memorial Sculpture when Mostafa Asif confronted her, questioning why she was not wearing a veil and making derogatory comments about her attire. When she attempted to call the university proctor, the accused fled the scene.
Dhaka University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed that the student had reported the incident. “A group of students brought him to my office, where he admitted to the harassment. We then handed him over to the police,” the proctor stated.
However, later that night, around 1:30 AM, a group identifying themselves as “Touhidi Janata” stormed the police station, demanding his release. They live-streamed the incident from inside the police officer’s room and even broadcasted an interview with the accused from the lockup.
Fearing further escalation, the police quickly took the accused to court, where he was granted bail. The decision has been met with widespread criticism, with many fearing that extremist mobs are now controlling the justice system in Bangladesh.
After being granted bail, he was welcomed with a flower garland by the so-called ‘Touhidi Janata.’
