According to Bangladesh’s state-owned BSS news agency, Home Advisor Lieutenant General (Retired) Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated on Wednesday that several police officers have not returned to duty following recent attacks. This is causing difficulties in maintaining law and order. Chowdhury also clarified that police officers who have not yet returned to service will no longer be allowed to rejoin their duties. In light of this situation, the interim government of Bangladesh has empowered the army with magistracy powers to improve law and order. These powers allow the army to arrest, detain, and use force, including the use of firearms, if necessary. The aim of this move is to prevent any further violence from erupting in the country.

The magistracy powers granted to the army include the authority to arrest, detain, and, if required, use firearms. The army has been given these powers to restore law and order and ensure the safety of civilians. Additionally, the government of Bangladesh has clarified that these powers will not be misused. Bangladesh’s legal advisor Asif Nazrul emphasized that the army personnel will not misuse these powers, and once the situation normalizes, there will be no further need for these powers. The government also noted that this law will remain in effect for only 60 days, after which it will be repealed.

Amidst the violence and chaos, the interim government of Bangladesh has also restructured the Constitutional Reform Commission. Bangladeshi-American professor Ali Riaz has been appointed as the new head of the commission, replacing Supreme Court lawyer Shahdeen Malik. This change was announced under the directives of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. Yunus had earlier announced the formation of six commissions to carry out reforms in the judiciary, election system, administration, police, anti-corruption commission, and constitution. Under Ali Riaz’s leadership, the Constitutional Reform Commission will work towards improving Bangladesh’s political and social structures.

In recent months, student protests have been ongoing in Bangladesh over the issue of reservations. The movement spread across the country, leading to violent clashes in many areas. In response to the situation, the then-Bangladeshi government deployed the army to control the unrest. On the night of July 19, 2024, a nationwide curfew was imposed, but despite this, incidents of violence continued to rise. Following heavy violence on August 5, 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position and left the country. Her resignation led to increased political instability in Bangladesh.

Three days after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, on August 8, 2024, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus. The main objective of this government is to restore peace and stability in the country and implement constitutional reforms. However, despite the formation of the interim government, the situation in Bangladesh remains chaotic. Army personnel are still deployed across the country to control violence and unrest. The interim government is striving to improve law and order and steer the country back toward peace.

Clarifying his stance, Professor Shahiduzzaman explained that becoming a nuclear power doesn’t mean Bangladesh should develop nuclear weapons itself. Instead, he suggested that Bangladesh should become nuclear-capable by leveraging Pakistan’s technology and expertise. He said, “To challenge India’s current stance and thinking, we need to take steps toward becoming nuclear-capable. Cooperation with Pakistan in this regard can strengthen our security.”

In his address, Professor Shahiduzzaman also argued that Bangladesh cannot have a solid strategy to counter India without Pakistan’s cooperation. According to him, Pakistan’s military strength and missile technology could be extremely beneficial for Bangladesh. He further added that Pakistan’s support is essential to deal with India. One of the most controversial comments came when Professor Shahiduzzaman called for deploying Pakistani missiles in Bangladesh. He said, “We should acquire Ghauri short-range missiles from Pakistan and deploy them in northern Bangladesh and other mountainous regions. This move could be an effective way to put pressure on India.”

Since Sheikh Hasina left office, anti-India rhetoric has surged in Bangladesh. A significant number of Bangladeshis are now advocating for closer ties with Pakistan. Figures like Shahiduzzaman are openly claiming that Pakistan is the only option to curb India’s influence. The growing anti-India sentiment and pro-Pakistan ideology in Bangladesh have introduced a new dynamic to international relations.

Following a military coup in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, who had served multiple terms as the country’s Prime Minister and is the leader of the Awami League party, fled to India to avoid possible legal and political persecution. She has been residing in India ever since, making occasional political statements about the situation in Bangladesh. These remarks have often stirred controversy, particularly among the current interim government and opposition leaders in Bangladesh. Hasina’s most recent statement, made on August 13, condemned the violence and killings that took place in Bangladesh, labeling them as acts of terrorism. This sparked further political discord, with the interim government criticizing her for continuing to engage in Bangladeshi politics while in exile.

In addition to his remarks about Sheikh Hasina, Mohammad Yunus also addressed the recent concerns regarding attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. He dismissed these concerns as exaggerated, arguing that the reports of violence were being amplified by certain groups for political gain. Yunus suggested that while there may be isolated incidents, the portrayal of the situation was not reflective of the overall reality in Bangladesh. The issue of minority rights and violence has been a longstanding concern in Bangladesh, and Yunus’s dismissal of the issue could further inflame tensions, particularly among international human rights groups. However, the interim chief maintains that the situation is being misrepresented, possibly as a tactic to undermine the current administration.

During an interview with the news agency , Yunus reiterated the importance of strong diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India. He highlighted that both countries value their bilateral relationship, which has been a cornerstone of regional stability for decades. However, Yunus expressed concern over India’s perception of political parties in Bangladesh. He noted that India often views any political party in Bangladesh other than the Awami League as having an Islamist agenda, a narrative Yunus believes is inaccurate. He urged India to rethink this perspective, arguing that the political landscape in Bangladesh is more nuanced. Yunus firmly rejected claims that Bangladesh would turn into another Afghanistan if any party other than the Awami League were in power. He assured that Bangladesh, regardless of its ruling party, would continue to uphold its democratic and secular principles.

The issue of Sheikh Hasina’s continued stay in India has become a major political point in Bangladesh. Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, have called for her extradition. Alamgir argued that for Bangladesh and India to rebuild strong diplomatic relations, it is essential that Hasina return to her home country. He added that if Hasina remains in India, it could create further strain between the two nations. Alamgir’s comments reflect the broader sentiment among opposition parties in Bangladesh, which have been critical of Hasina’s political influence from abroad. He emphasized that her return to Bangladesh would not only help resolve political disputes but would also open the door for more positive diplomatic engagements with India.

Sheikh Hasina’s self-imposed exile has left a significant gap in Bangladesh’s political arena. Her absence, combined with her continued political involvement from abroad, has made it difficult for the country to achieve political stability. The interim government, under Yunus’s leadership, has been working to restore order and address pressing issues such as violence against minorities and maintaining law and order. However, Yunus’s warnings about Hasina’s political remarks suggest that the situation remains fragile. The call for her extradition and possible legal action upon her return only adds to the uncertainty. Political leaders in Bangladesh are eager to resolve the situation, but the path forward remains unclear.

As Bangladesh navigates this period of political uncertainty, the relationship between Sheikh Hasina, the interim government, and India remains a critical factor in the country’s future. While Yunus strives to maintain strong ties with India and stabilize Bangladesh, the former Prime Minister’s ongoing influence from abroad complicates these efforts. Sheikh Hasina’s return could potentially help restore order, but it also carries the risk of further political discord. The future of Bangladesh’s political stability and its relationship with India remains closely tied to the decisions made in the coming months.