The unrest in Bangladesh continues unabated even after the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Recent incidents of violence have included arson attacks and vandalism, resulting in significant casualties and property damage.
On Monday afternoon, insurgents set fire to a hotel in Jessore, owned by Awami League leader Shahnish Chokladar. The blaze claimed the lives of eight people, with 84 others suffering severe injuries and being hospitalized. Many of the victims are reported to be students.
In a separate incident, protesters targeted the home of Musharraf Murtaza, former captain of the Bangladesh cricket team. Murtaza’s residence was vandalized and set on fire, reportedly in response to his silence on the recent “massacres and arrests of students.”
The violence also extended to the residence of the Chief Justice of Bangladesh in Bagka, which was ransacked and burned. Additionally, the historic ‘Bangabandhu Bhawan,’ once the private residence of Bangladesh’s founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was vandalized and set ablaze.
Despite the presence of army personnel patrolling the streets, law and order in the country has deteriorated, with the Bangladesh border security personnel withdrawn. The limited number of army troops has struggled to contain the widespread unrest.
Following Sheikh Hasina’s departure and resignation, President Mohammad Shahabuddin has announced the dissolution of parliament. This decision came after consultations with leaders from various political parties, as well as the chiefs of the army, air force, and navy, and certain civil society members.