Bangladesh’s interim government arrested 10 protesters who displayed signs featuring former U.S. President Donald Trump, alleging they were conspiring to disrupt the nation’s stability and damage its relationship with the United States. The arrests are the latest in a turbulent period following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India by helicopter on August 5 amid escalating, deadly student-led protests. These incidents mark a complex chapter in Bangladesh’s political landscape, as the newly established government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus struggles to maintain order and prepare the country for democratic reform.
The arrests took place on Saturday night in Dhaka, where police apprehended the group who they referred to as “conspirators.” According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesperson Muhammad Talebur Rahman, authorities are reviewing the group’s activities to determine formal charges. Police allege that the protesters acted on instructions from Hasina, whose audio message circulated on social media, urging her supporters to demonstrate with placards featuring Trump’s image and American flags. In her message, Hasina reportedly encouraged her followers to use the signs as shields in case of conflict with police, further instructing them to capture footage if violence erupted. Authorities argue that this strategy was a deliberate attempt to destabilize the country’s political scene and strain ties with the United States.
The timing of the protests and arrests is crucial. Hasina’s Awami League party, which had ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, faces intense scrutiny and opposition, both domestically and internationally. During her time in office, Hasina’s government was accused of stifling democratic rights, curbing free expression, and using heavy-handed tactics to suppress dissent. Her regime’s downfall followed intense protests, which led to the death of over 700 individuals in police clashes. Since her ouster, many of Hasina’s associates have been detained, while others have gone into hiding to avoid prosecution.
The caretaker government, led by 84-year-old Muhammad Yunus, a globally recognized microfinance pioneer, has promised democratic reforms and a fair electoral process. Yunus has expressed a desire to foster cooperation and goodwill with the international community, including the United States. Yunus’s administration strongly condemned the protesters, asserting that their actions were designed to antagonize Washington. Police claim that Hasina’s loyalists aimed to create the impression that the Biden administration supported protests against her rule, a charge the U.S. government has categorically denied. The White House dismissed allegations of American interference, calling them “simply false.”
Further complicating the situation, the Awami League announced plans for a large rally in central Dhaka on Sunday, but authorities denied the group permission to gather, labeling the party “fascist.” Awami League supporters contend that the government’s actions constitute an infringement on their right to assemble, while Yunus’s administration insists it is necessary to prevent further violence. As an alternative to the Awami League’s planned demonstration, students organized a counter-protest in the same area, adding another layer of tension to the already volatile political environment.
Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Yunus, released a statement criticizing Hasina’s allies, branding the Awami League as a “fascist party” under her leadership. He warned that law enforcement would respond forcefully to any attempts by Hasina’s supporters to hold unauthorized gatherings, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to restoring peace and stability. Alam described Hasina as a “mass murderer and dictator,” underscoring the new government’s resolve to distance itself from her legacy.
The interim government’s response to Hasina’s supporters underscores the challenges Bangladesh faces as it strives to rebuild democratic institutions and establish a peaceful political environment. Yunus’s administration must navigate a delicate balance between enforcing the law and respecting civil liberties, while also mitigating tensions with influential foreign partners, such as the United States. As the country moves toward elections, questions remain about the future of the Awami League and the potential for further unrest.
For now, Bangladesh’s political scene remains unpredictable, with each development watched closely both domestically and internationally. The stakes are high, not only for Yunus and his government but for Bangladesh’s 170 million citizens, as the nation stands at a crossroads, faced with the opportunity to shape a more democratic future.
