Clashes erupt in Bangladesh as ousted leader's allies demand her return

Violent confrontations broke out across Bangladesh on Tuesday as supporters of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina staged nationwide protests demanding her return from exile. Security forces deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators, who are primarily members of the banned student wing of Hasina's Awami League party, known as the Bangladesh Chhatra League.

The unrest marks the first significant organized show of force by Hasina's allies since she was ousted in August 2024 following a massive uprising. The protests began a day after the former leader announced that she had requested a passport to return to the country from her refuge in India. In the Gopalganj district, clashes between the student wing and police resulted in a police vehicle being set ablaze.

The demonstrations caused widespread disruptions to traffic, with protesters using burning tires to create roadblocks in various locations. In the city of Faridpur, a 60-year-old bus driver died from smoke inhalation after people set fire to his vehicle early Tuesday. Several other passenger vehicles were also burned in different parts of the country in the lead-up to the main demonstrations.

In the capital region, approximately 200 protesters briefly blocked traffic on the Padma bridge, a 6.2-kilometer structure spanning the Ganges that connects Dhaka to the southwestern region. Local media reported that dozens of crude bombs had exploded in Dhaka and other areas over the previous few days, adding to the tension surrounding the political crisis.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed addressed the situation, warning that any attempt to worsen the law and order situation or create instability through conspiracies from across the border in India would not be allowed to succeed. He emphasized the government's resolve to maintain stability during this sensitive period.

A senior leader of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, who is currently in exile, defended the protesters' actions. He stated that his supporters were not responsible for the violent incidents, attributing the chaos to unknown miscreants. The leader reaffirmed the group's commitment to peaceful protests despite the clashes.

Hasina fled to neighboring India two years ago, ending her 15-year rule. Opposition parties had accused her of jailing political rivals, suppressing dissent, and overseeing widespread human rights abuses, charges she consistently denied. The United Nations estimated that up to 1,400 people were killed during the 2024 anti-government protests, with most deaths resulting from gunfire by security forces.

Following her departure, the Awami League was banned from contesting the February general election. A special tribunal in Bangladesh sentenced Hasina to death in absentia last year after finding her guilty of crimes against humanity. She has rejected the verdict, describing the trial as biased and politically motivated.

Despite the death sentence, Hasina expressed her desire to return to Bangladesh in December. The government, however, stated it would not issue her a passport and labeled her a terrorist. Humaiun Kobir, the junior foreign affairs minister, called her a fugitive criminal and noted that an active extradition treaty with India exists, urging India to hand her over.

Kobir questioned why the country should treat Hasina like an ordinary commercial traveler, asking if she should be allowed to visit her in-laws' residence. A state prosecutor confirmed on Tuesday that the death verdict would be executed upon her return, noting that she had missed the opportunity to appeal. While Awami League leaders claim hundreds of supporters have been killed in mob violence and dozens have died in custody, Dhaka officials reject the idea that they are being systematically targeted.