Dhaka: Bangladesh is grappling with a renewed wave of violence and political unrest, as students, political activists, and labourers took to the streets across the country. A nationwide strike called by the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL)—the student wing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League—has triggered severe clashes, arson, and bomb blasts, particularly in the capital city of Dhaka.
Tensions escalated sharply on Tuesday, November 10, when garment factory workers in industrial hubs revived their protests demanding an increase in minimum wages. According to ‘The Daily Star’ newspaper, workers in the Ashulia industrial area, located about 17 kilometres from Dhaka, blocked the Baipal-Abdullahpur road. When police attempted to clear the blockade, protesters reportedly pelted stones, leading to violent clashes. Security forces resorted to firing tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse the crowd, leaving two garment workers injured.
The nationwide strike called by BCL President Saddam Hussain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan urged the closure of educational institutions, offices, courts, and public transport. The lead-up to the strike witnessed severe disturbances. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Akhter Hossain reported that between the evening of Sunday, November 8, and the following days, approximately 15 to 20 serious incidents were recorded across 10 major areas in the capital. These involved the hurling of crude bombs and the torching of both public and private vehicles.
Dhaka University emerged as a major flashpoint for the violence. In a single night, crude bomb (IED) explosions were reported at six different locations on the prestigious campus, including the Nilkhet intersection, the main university gate, and near the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC). Police acted swiftly, arresting three suspects from the scene.
Authorities suspect the involvement of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations in orchestrating the unrest. DCP Akhter Hossain stated that preliminary investigations strongly suggest external elements were financially motivated to carry out the attacks. However, the Awami League has completely dismissed these allegations.
This fresh surge in violence coincides with significant political developments. Lawyers representing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently submitted formal applications in India for her new passport and National Identity (NID) card. With strong speculations indicating her possible return to Bangladesh in December this year, the political climate has intensified, pushing tensions between rival factions to a boiling point.