Summary
Political violence is increasing in Bangladesh as the country prepares for parliamentary elections on February 12. Several political activists have been killed, causing concerns about a return to past violence. The current interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, is overseeing these elections following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Key Facts
- Azizur Rahman Musabbir, a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activist, was shot dead, raising fears about campaign-related violence.
- Bangladesh's elections and a referendum on state reforms are set for February 12, with about 120 million voters eligible.
- Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024 and fled to India.
- The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is not accused of past excesses but is seeing rising violence.
- Hasan Mollah, a BNP leader, and other activists have been killed since election announcements, causing unrest.
- Several parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and the Jatiya Party, are participating, while Hasina's Awami League is banned from political activities.
- Political motives have not been officially confirmed for the recent killings, but they are raising fears among activists.
