Severe political and social turmoil has once again plunged Bangladesh into widespread violence. Following deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's announcement that she intends to return to her homeland, the situation in Bangladesh has deteriorated rapidly, while from Monday night until Tuesday evening, large-scale arson and violent incidents were reported across at least 21 districts of the country. Buses and train coaches have been deliberately targeted and set on fire, while the gates of government offices and educational institutions have been forced shut.
22 vehicles torched in 24 hours and multiple bomb blasts
According to official statistics from Bangladesh Police and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, a total of 22 vehicles were set ablaze across 11 districts within the past 24 hours. On top of that, incidents of homemade bomb explosions were recorded at least 28 locations in Dhaka and six other districts. Police headquarters strongly claim that supporters and activists of Sheikh Hasina's political party are directly behind these violent incidents, while according to law enforcement, the wave of violence erupted immediately after the announcement of Hasina's impending return to Bangladesh.
55-year-old driver killed in brutal arson attacks
Local administration and police reports indicate that the violent attacks, road blockades, and arson are being orchestrated by activists of Sheikh Hasina's party, the Awami League, and its student wing known as the Bangladesh Chhatra League. The most brutal incidents of violence have been witnessed in and around the capital city of Dhaka, while for instance, a bus parked directly beneath the Farmgate metro station was ruthlessly set on fire using petrol bombs. Similarly, another bus was torched near the post office and metro rail line in Mirpur 11. Two roadside buses were completely burned down in the Pallavi area. In Faridpur district, a 55-year-old bus driver lost his life after the bus he was operating became a target of arson. All of this chaos is unfolding as Sheikh Hasina declares her intention to return home.
Bangladesh textile sector has been simmering for months
This entire chain of events didn't emerge overnight; rather, Bangladesh has been simmering for several months. Weavers and garment factory workers have continuously taken to the streets demanding higher wages, transforming their protests into violent agitations. Workers are demanding a monthly wage of 30 thousand taka, while factory owners argue that given the ongoing economic slowdown, there is no scope to increase wages by two and a half times. The news of Sheikh Hasina's return has added fuel to these protests, causing Bangladesh to burn.
Heavy economic toll on Bangladesh following the coup
The relentless violence in Bangladesh since the political coup has dealt a massive blow to the nation's economy, causing severe damages. 3 percent, while banks' non-performing loans have surged past 30 percent. The foreign exchange reserve has depleted down to 21 billion dollars. This economic downturn has wiped out 21 lakh jobs, leaving 60 thousand workers unemployed. More than 100 factories have completely shut down operations. The textile production capacity, which ideally should be at 95 percent, is currently left at only one-third of its potential.
Conspiracies against India by influencers in Bangladesh
Amidst this deep internal crisis, major conspiracies against India are actively being hatched on Bangladeshi soil. According to reports, Chinese influencers are orchestrating a massive conspiracy against India within Bangladesh. Around 150 vloggers are currently present in and around Dhaka, recording videos of slums in Bangladesh and uploading them on social media platforms while falsely portraying them as locations in New Delhi, India, thereby plotting to defame India internationally.