Bangladesh in Turmoil: A Year of Unrest and Political Change

In July 2024, Bangladesh was engulfed in widespread student-led protests following the Supreme Court's reinstatement of a controversial 30% job quota for descendants of freedom fighters. The government's response to these demonstrations was marked by severe violence, resulting in over 1,400 deaths and thousands of injuries. The escalating unrest culminated in the resignation and exile of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

In the wake of Hasina's departure, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the head of an interim government on August 8, 2024. Yunus, renowned for his work in microfinance and poverty alleviation, pledged to restore democracy and implement comprehensive reforms. However, as of July 2025, the nation remains politically unstable, grappling with challenges such as political fragmentation, religious polarization, and a deteriorating law-and-order situation.

The former ruling party, the Awami League, has been banned, and its leader, Hasina, is on trial for crimes against humanity related to the suppression of the 2024 protests. New political alliances are emerging, including the once-suppressed Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami. Disagreements over the timing and nature of upcoming elections further complicate the political landscape.

Internationally, Bangladesh's pivot towards China under Yunus's leadership has strained relations with India and the United States. The interim government's decision to ban the Awami League and delay elections has drawn criticism from neighboring countries and human rights organizations.

The events have had profound social implications, including a loss of trust in governmental institutions, increased political activism among youth, and heightened religious tensions. The violent suppression of protests and the subsequent political turmoil have also led to economic instability and concerns about human rights violations.

As Bangladesh navigates this tumultuous period, the interim government faces the daunting task of balancing reform, security, and political consensus to restore stability and democratic governance.