Key Factors Behind the Unrest:

1. Political Transition and Leadership Change: In August 2024, Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned following mounting pressure from widespread protests. This led to the formation of an interim government headed by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, with the goal of managing the country until elections could be held. However, the transition has been controversial and has not quelled the protests.

2. Opposition Protests: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and other opposition groups have been demanding earlier elections, and they have criticized the interim government for not addressing issues like high inflation and unemployment. Large-scale protests have occurred, particularly in Dhaka, where opposition parties and student organizations have rallied for an end to Hasina's influence.

3. Human Rights Violations: According to a UN report, the government’s crackdown on protesters in mid-2024 led to at least 1,400 deaths, many of them children. The report highlighted extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and torture. The authorities have been accused of suppressing dissent and using excessive force against demonstrators.

4. Violence and Tensions: On February 6, 2025, protests escalated with the torching of the historic home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh and the father of Sheikh Hasina. Protesters are calling for the dismantling of the Constitution and rejecting the political legacies of both the Hasina and Mujibur Rahman families.

5. Economic Struggles: The political instability has worsened the economic situation in Bangladesh. Inflation is running high, with consumer prices rising sharply. The government’s failure to address these concerns has fueled public anger and contributed to the protests.

6. International Concern: The international community, including the United Nations, has expressed deep concern over human rights violations and political repression in Bangladesh. There have been calls for accountability and reforms within the justice system to address the violence and ensure fair elections.

What’s Happening Now:

Electoral Timeline: Despite ongoing unrest, the interim government has announced that general elections will take place by December 2025, though opposition groups are calling for them sooner.

Protest Tactics: Protesters have become more organized and bold, targeting symbols of Hasina's regime, such as her father’s home, and continuing to hold large protests, often leading to violent confrontations with security forces.

The situation in Bangladesh remains fluid, with deep divisions in the political landscape. It is unclear whether the government will be able to restore stability or if the opposition will continue to gain momentum in the coming months.