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Bangladesh: Gopalganj violence shows ugly side of new political order

Bangladesh's Gopalganj Violence Exposes the Dark Underbelly of the Post-Hasina Era

In the wake of Sheikh Hasina's dramatic ousting from power in Bangladesh, the nation has been grappling with a fragile transition toward what many hoped would be a more democratic and inclusive political order. However, recent events in Gopalganj, a district long associated with Hasina's family legacy, have cast a stark shadow over this optimism. Reports of targeted violence against supporters of the deposed Awami League, as well as minority communities, particularly Hindus, reveal an ugly side to the new political landscape—one marred by revenge, lawlessness, and communal tensions. This incident not only underscores the challenges facing the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus but also raises profound questions about the stability and inclusivity of Bangladesh's future.

Gopalganj, often referred to as the "heartland" of Sheikh Hasina's influence, has historically been a stronghold for the Awami League. It is the birthplace of Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, and has long symbolized the party's dominance. But in the aftermath of the student-led uprising that forced Hasina to flee to India in August 2024, the district has become a flashpoint for retribution. Eyewitness accounts and local reports describe mobs descending on homes, businesses, and places of worship associated with Awami League figures and Hindu residents. The violence erupted amid broader nationwide unrest, where former ruling party members have been hunted down, their properties looted, and in some cases, lives threatened.

Details emerging from Gopalganj paint a harrowing picture. In one particularly brutal episode, a Hindu temple in the area was vandalized, with idols smashed and sacred texts desecrated. Local Hindus, who form a significant minority in the district, reported being singled out under the pretext that they were loyalists to Hasina's regime. "We have lived here for generations, but suddenly we are seen as enemies," one anonymous resident told reporters, highlighting the fear gripping the community. Homes belonging to Awami League activists were set ablaze, and several individuals were beaten or forced to flee. The attacks, which occurred over a span of days, involved groups armed with sticks, machetes, and in some instances, firearms. Police presence was notably absent or ineffective, fueling accusations that the new authorities are either unwilling or unable to curb such vigilantism.

This wave of violence is not isolated to Gopalganj. It fits into a disturbing pattern observed across Bangladesh since the fall of the Hasina government. The student protests, initially sparked by discontent over job quotas and economic hardships, quickly evolved into a mass movement against authoritarian rule. While the protests succeeded in toppling a long-entrenched leader, the power vacuum has allowed opportunistic elements—ranging from radical Islamist groups to disgruntled opposition supporters—to exploit the chaos. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have documented hundreds of cases of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and attacks on minorities in the ensuing months. Hindus, who make up about 8-10% of Bangladesh's population, have borne the brunt of this backlash, with temples attacked in districts like Khulna, Jessore, and now Gopalganj.

The interim government under Yunus has promised reforms, including electoral changes and efforts to restore law and order. Yunus, a microfinance pioneer and global figurehead for poverty alleviation, was appointed to steer the country toward fresh elections. Yet, critics argue that the administration has been slow to address the rising tide of communal violence. In a recent address, Yunus emphasized the need for unity and reconciliation, stating, "Bangladesh must heal from the divisions of the past, but we cannot allow vengeance to define our future." However, actions on the ground tell a different story. Reports suggest that some elements within the new order, including student leaders who played pivotal roles in the uprising, have tacitly endorsed or participated in these reprisals, viewing them as "justice" for years of alleged oppression under Hasina.

The Gopalganj incidents highlight the "ugly side" of this new political order in several ways. First, they expose the fragility of Bangladesh's social fabric, where political grievances can quickly morph into sectarian strife. The country's history is rife with communal tensions, dating back to the 1971 Liberation War and periodic flare-ups under various regimes. Under Hasina, while economic growth was robust—lifting millions out of poverty—the government was accused of suppressing dissent and favoring secular policies that alienated conservative Islamic factions. Now, with her gone, those factions appear emboldened, using the moment to settle old scores and push for a more religiously oriented governance.

Second, the violence raises alarms about the protection of minorities. Bangladesh's Hindu population has dwindled over decades due to migration driven by discrimination and violence. The current spate of attacks could accelerate this exodus, potentially straining relations with neighboring India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has voiced concerns over the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. Indian media outlets have amplified stories from Gopalganj, portraying them as evidence of a broader anti-Hindu pogrom. This has diplomatic repercussions, as Bangladesh seeks to maintain balanced ties with both India and other international partners like the United States and China.

Moreover, the events in Gopalganj underscore the challenges of transitional justice in a polarized society. The new order promises accountability for the excesses of the Hasina era, including corruption and human rights abuses. However, without a structured legal framework, mob justice prevails. Analysts point out that the interim government's reliance on student leaders and civil society figures, while innovative, lacks the institutional muscle to enforce order. "The revolution devoured its children," one Dhaka-based political commentator remarked, drawing parallels to historical upheavals where idealism gives way to anarchy.

To delve deeper, let's consider the socioeconomic underpinnings. Gopalganj, like much of rural Bangladesh, is characterized by stark inequalities. The Awami League's patronage networks provided jobs, contracts, and protection to loyalists, often at the expense of others. With those networks dismantled, resentment boils over. Unemployment among youth remains high, and the economic slowdown post-protests has exacerbated frustrations. The violence, therefore, is not just political but also a manifestation of deeper economic despair.

International observers are watching closely. The United Nations has called for investigations into the Gopalganj attacks, urging the Yunus administration to prioritize minority rights. Meanwhile, aid organizations are stepping in to provide relief to affected families, but long-term stability requires more than humanitarian gestures. Reforms must include strengthening the judiciary, reforming the police, and fostering inclusive dialogue among all political factions.

In reflecting on Gopalganj's turmoil, it's clear that Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. The new political order, born from the ashes of authoritarianism, holds immense promise for democracy and equity. Yet, if incidents like these continue unchecked, they risk undermining that potential, plunging the nation into a cycle of retribution and division. For the people of Gopalganj—Hindus, Muslims, Awami League supporters, and ordinary citizens alike—the path forward demands not just words of reconciliation but concrete actions to ensure that the ugly side of change does not overshadow the hope for a better tomorrow.

As Bangladesh navigates this turbulent phase, the world must support efforts toward genuine reform while holding the interim government accountable. The violence in Gopalganj is a stark reminder that true progress requires safeguarding the vulnerable and bridging divides, lest the new order become as oppressive as the old. Only through such measures can Bangladesh emerge stronger, honoring the spirit of its founding while embracing a pluralistic future.

Read the Full The Hans India Article at:
[ https://www.thehansindia.com/news/international/bangladesh-gopalganj-violence-shows-ugly-side-of-new-political-order-991037 ]