One year after deadly protests, Bangladesh still struggles with political instability

 Dhaka, August 4 – One year ago, Abdur Rahman Tarif was on the phone with his sister, Meherunnesa, when she suddenly stopped speaking. Alarmed, he rushed home through violent clashes between protesters and security forces. When he arrived, he found his parents tending to Meherunnesa, who had been shot in the chest by a stray bullet while standing near her window. She later died in the hospital.

Meherunnesa, 23, was one of the victims of Bangladesh's mass uprising on August 5 last year. That day marked the end of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule, as student-led protests forced her to flee the country. Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus then took charge as the interim leader, vowing reforms and fresh elections.

But a year later, many in Bangladesh, including Tarif, feel their hopes for real change remain unfulfilled. Though Hasina now faces trial in absentia for crimes against humanity while living in exile in India, the transition has not brought the peace or progress many had envisioned.

Hope Turns to Frustration

The nationwide protests came at a heavy cost. Hundreds were killed—mostly students—and violent confrontations rocked the country. Despite this, people joined in, driven by frustration with injustice and political repression. Tarif and Meherunnesa joined the movement after their cousin was also killed by security forces.

“We wanted change. We wanted a country free from injustice,” Tarif said. “But now I’m disappointed.”

Yunus’ administration set up 11 reform commissions, including one to work with political parties on future governance. However, efforts to schedule new elections have stalled, and political infighting has continued.

Old Issues Persist

While some human rights violations such as enforced disappearances have decreased, rights groups say the new government is still using arbitrary detention to target Hasina’s supporters—many of whom have gone into hiding. Hasina’s Awami League remains banned, and the party claims over two dozen of its members have died in custody.

The Yunus-led government has declared August 5 a public holiday to commemorate the uprising. However, Human Rights Watch says the interim government is failing to deliver on its promises, citing ongoing abuses and rising attacks on minority and vulnerable groups.

Islamist Groups Rise Again

The political situation is becoming more complex with the resurgence of hardline Islamist groups. The banned Jamaat-e-Islami has returned to the political scene, holding large rallies and seeking influence. Critics worry this could deepen divisions and increase radicalization.

“The growing role of Islamists could push Bangladesh away from liberal and moderate values,” said political analyst Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah.

Election Uncertainty

Bangladesh is also facing uncertainty over when the next election will take place. The main opposition party, BNP, wants elections held in December or February, but Yunus has suggested April. Meanwhile, student leaders from the uprising have launched their own party and are demanding a new constitution and major reforms before any election.

Voices of the People

Meherunnesa’s father, Mosharraf Hossain, said the uprising was about more than removing a leader—it was about seeking real freedom. “It’s been 54 years since our independence, but true freedom is still out of reach,” he said.

Tarif agrees. “We need a Bangladesh where we feel safe, where the police and government serve the people, and no one disappears or is killed for speaking out. I want the right to speak freely,” he said.

Despite their pain and disappointment, many still hold on to hope for a more just and democratic future—though it feels more distant than ever.