Muhammad Yunus to Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh’s transfer of power has failed to restore stability, accountability, or public confidence. Instead, many critics argue that the country has entered a dangerous era where mob violence, political vengeance, and impunity increasingly overshadow democratic governance.
Northeast News described the situation starkly: “The Mob’s Republic: From Yunus to Tarique, Anarchy Wins in Bangladesh.”
The publication alleged that hundreds have been killed, heritage sites destroyed, media offices attacked, and political intimidation normalized during both the interim administration and the subsequent BNP era.
Similarly, The Guardian warned that hopes for democratic renewal are fading as violence and vigilantism return to the streets. According to critics, citizens increasingly feel unsafe in their homes, workplaces, and places of worship, while the rule of law continues to weaken.
From Protest Movement to Climate of Fear
What began in 2024 as a student movement demanding reform of the quota system in public employment eventually escalated into nationwide unrest. Violent clashes, attacks on public infrastructure, and political instability culminated in the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024.
Following the collapse of the elected government, the interim administration under Muhammad Yunus promised reform and democratic transition. Critics, however, argue that the period instead witnessed the rise of organized mob violence, political reprisals, and institutional breakdown.
Human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra documented numerous incidents of mob killings and described the situation as a growing culture of extrajudicial “justice” and impunity.
Destruction of Institutions and Heritage
One of the most controversial incidents occurred in February 2025, when mobs demolished the historic Dhanmondi 32 residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman — a site deeply connected to Bangladesh’s independence movement. They not only destroyed this historic museum but alongside also burned into ashes the rare artifacts and historical documents of our movement for independence. Critics described the destruction as symbolic of the erosion of national institutions and historical memory.
Media organizations also came under attack.
Offices of major newspapers, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, were reportedly vandalized and set on fire by extremist groups. Journalists and editors faced intimidation, arrests, and criminal cases, raising serious concerns regarding press freedom.
Minority communities, particularly Hindus, were among those most affected by violence and intimidation. Rights advocates alleged that fear and political retaliation became normalized under the banner of “reform.”
Continuity Under the BNP Government
The subsequent BNP-led government pledged to restore stability and order. However, critics argue that the same culture of intimidation and impunity has continued under the new administration.
Transparency advocates and human rights monitors have linked ongoing political violence, extortion, and revenge attacks to partisan actors and extremist groups operating with little accountability. According to observers, failure to prosecute perpetrators has further entrenched the culture of mob justice.
The central criticism remains that while political leadership changed, the governing culture did not.
Economic and Institutional Decline
The prolonged instability and banning of major political parties has also had serious economic consequences. Bangladesh has experienced declining foreign investment, factory closures, rising unemployment, and weakening investor confidence. Critics argue that repeated political confrontations and uncertainty have undermined economic progress built over previous decades.
At the same time, opponents of the interim administration accused the Yunus government of:
- weakening judicial independence
- politicizing state institutions
- removing elected local representatives
- covering extensively through ordinances
- and suppressing political opposition through mass arrests and legal harassment
Questions have also been raised regarding the accuracy of casualty figures reported during the July 2024 unrest, including criticism of reports issued by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
A Country at a Crossroads
Bangladesh now faces a profound crisis of governance and public trust. Critics warn that unless there are:
- credible independent investigations
- impartial enforcement of law
- protection of minority rights
- restoration of judicial independence
- and accountability for political violence
- the country risks deeper instability and long-term democratic erosion
The central concern expressed by many observers is simple: power may have changed hands, but the culture of fear, vengeance, and impunity remains unresolved. Bangladesh’s future will depend on whether its leaders can restore confidence in democratic institutions and ensure that the rule of law not street violence or political retaliation determines the nation’s path forward.
Writer: Professor Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, Former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh (2019-2024) & former Permanent Representative to the UN (2009-2015)
