At least three people were killed in Bangladesh earlier this year after clashes broke out between police and supporters of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, authorities said.MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP/Getty Images
Abdullah Al Imran is a Bangladeshi-born author and investigative journalist who is currently working in Canada.
There was so much hope a year ago, when a student-led uprising led to the overthrow of Bangladesh’s heavy-handed leader. Today, however, Bangladesh has descended into political retribution, mob violence and lawlessness.
Last August, student protests against an unfair job quota system turned deadly as the army and police killed and arrested hundreds. The resulting popular anger led to the overthrow of the government and forced prime minister Sheikh Hasina – the head of the country’s largest political party, which was widely seen as corrupt – to take refuge in neighbouring India. An interim government was formed with the backing of the army. Its leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, pledged to hold free elections, which he announced will take place in February.
At the time, I wrote with cautious optimism about change in Bangladesh. Today, like many, I fear for the future of my country.
Once a booming economy praised for its development gains, the country is now trapped in uncertainty, scarred by years of democratic deficits and confrontational politics. Widespread arrests, mob violence, and targeted attacks on minorities have starkly exposed Bangladesh’s collapsing rule of law.
Celebrations mark the one-year anniversary of student-led protests that led to the ousting of former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, in Dhaka, August 5.Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters
Last month, in the city of Gopalganj, violence broke out between participants in the student movement and Ms. Hasina’s supporters. The event left several dead and dozens injured; curfews were imposed as human rights groups probed allegations of excessive force and extrajudicial killings by security forces. Two weeks later, in Rangpur’s Gangachara district, mobs armed with sticks and loudspeakers vandalized at least 15 homes belonging to the Hindu minority. More than 50 families fled in terror, while most perpetrators reportedly remain free.
Bangladesh’s police services were left in ruins after the transition. Police stations across the country were attacked and set ablaze, and large numbers of firearms and bullets were looted. The resulting security vacuum has fuelled a surge in extortion, sexual violence and targeted killings, leaving ordinary citizens defenceless.
Abdullah Al ImranSupplied
Canada, home to a large Bangladeshi diaspora, feels the tremors as families fear for loved ones, asylum claims rise, and press freedom groups such as Canadian Journalists for Free Expression help journalists escape persecution.
In this fragile climate, journalism in Bangladesh has become one of the most dangerous acts of all. Reporters face arrests citing them as accomplices of the fallen party. Press accreditations of a large number of journalists have been revoked, limiting access to government offices. Journalists face relentless threats by far-right groups and physical attacks for covering corruption. I know this not just from headlines, but from my friends and colleagues who are risking everything to keep telling the truth.
A long-time friend of mine and a former classmate in criminology and criminal justice at the University of Dhaka dedicated his journalism career to exposing extremism. This April, after covering a rally in Dhaka where Islamic State and al-Qaeda flags were displayed, he received serious death threats and was forced to seek temporary refuge abroad with the help of rights groups.
As the interim head of government, Mr. Yunus faces serious challenges in turning the country around. The first challenge is fostering inclusion and reconciliation. Measures such as restricting political party activities – in effect, banning party organizations – has only deepened divisions, leaving significant parts of the population feeling sidelined from the transition process.
His second challenge is ensuring law and order. Restoring public trust in policing and creating stability will be vital to preventing further unrest. Finally, reviving the economy remains a daunting task amid declining investments, shaken investor confidence and fears of prolonged instability.
Bangladesh’s garment sector – the backbone of its economy and a key supplier to Canadian retailers – has been hit hard in the past year. Nearly 100 factories have shut down amidst the instability. Without political reconciliation and a stronger rule of law, the prospects of economic recovery will remain fragile.
Canada has long stood as a global symbol of democracy, human rights and press freedom – ideals now under severe strain in Bangladesh. Canada cannot afford to be a silent bystander. If Canada believes in the values it champions, now is the moment to stand with Bangladesh. At the very least, Canada should firmly state its opposition to the violence in Bangladesh, affirm its support of press freedom there, and work with the international community to help it return to the path of democracy as quickly as possible.