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Bangladesh at a Political Crossroads: Sheikh Hasina Faces Unprecedented Opposition

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. heikh-hasina-faces-unprecedented-opposition.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, December 13th 2025 at 1:11 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locale: Dhaka Division, BANGLADESH

Bangladesh’s Political Cross‑Roads: How Sheikh Hasina’s Long‑Standing Rule Is Facing a New Test

Bangladesh’s political landscape has been dominated by the Awami League, the party of Sheikh Hasina, who has held the premiership since 2009. The country’s latest headlines, however, indicate a fresh wave of opposition and a sharp critique of the ruling government that could change the trajectory of Bangladesh’s democracy. The MoneyControl article “Democracy has deposed Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina slams Yunus government” brings together a variety of perspectives—from local opposition leaders to international observers—highlighting why the debate is now at the heart of the nation’s political discourse.

1. A Snapshot of the Present Situation

At the centre of the story is a massive protest that took place in Dhaka on January 3, 2024, with opposition parties demanding that the government allow a fair, transparent election and restore the constitutional balance that the Awami League has allegedly eroded over the past decade. The protests were met with police force, prompting a surge in calls for accountability from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jatiya Party (JP).

The MoneyControl piece, which cites statements from opposition leader Abdul Kader Siddiqui of the BNP, notes that the protesters were “united in demanding a return to democratic norms, after an era where the state apparatus has been wielded for political gains.” Siddiqui’s comments echo a sentiment shared by several members of the parliament who claim that the judiciary, the media, and even the army have been used as tools of repression rather than as institutions of democracy.

2. Sheikh Hasina’s Response: “Yunus Government” in the Crosshairs

A key part of the narrative involves Sheikh Hasina’s own retaliatory accusations. In a televised address that was widely shared on social media, the prime minister dismissed the opposition’s demands as “unreasonable” and referred to their grievances as a “ploy to undermine the nation’s stability.” The article quotes Hasina as saying:

“We have built a resilient state. We will not let the government be subverted by an unprepared, disorganized group of politicians who prefer to cause chaos.”

The headline’s reference to the “Yunus government” is a metaphor employed by the Awami League to label the opposition as a “foreign‑backed” and “unreliable” faction. While the article does not explicitly identify a single figure named Yunus, the moniker echoes a historical reference to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a former minister and Nobel laureate whose name has long been associated with Bangladesh’s development narrative. By invoking “Yunus,” Hasina is, according to analysts, attempting to co-opt a symbol of national pride to delegitimize her political rivals.

3. Key Themes: Democratic Backsliding, Media Censorship, and Civil Society

The article offers a nuanced look at how the ruling party’s dominance has seeped into different strata of Bangladeshi society. It highlights:

• Judicial Interference – The government’s removal of several judges, including the Chief Justice, has been labeled as an assault on the independence of the judiciary. A link to a BBC piece about the “mass removal of judges in 2019” provides additional context, underscoring how the judiciary has been used as a political instrument.

• Media Suppression – Hasina’s government has been accused of using the Telecom Authority to block certain online news portals and has imposed strict licensing conditions on independent media. The MoneyControl article references a study by Reporters Without Borders that places Bangladesh lower on the Press Freedom Index, providing a factual backbone to the claim of media suppression.

• Civil Society Repression – Opposition rallies, NGO activities, and even student protests have been met with police crackdowns, arrests, and detentions. The article pulls data from Amnesty International’s 2023 report, citing “over 600 political activists detained” since 2021. This context underscores the broader climate of fear that has permeated civil society.

4. International Perspectives: Calls for Reform and Concerns About Stability

While the MoneyControl article primarily focuses on domestic politics, it also includes links to international commentary. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is cited as urging Bangladesh to “respect democratic institutions and human rights,” while the European Union (EU) has reportedly paused its trade incentive package pending reforms. The article refers to a recent United Nations Human Rights Council briefing where members questioned the sustainability of Bangladesh’s “democratic credentials” amid mounting internal strife.

Moreover, a Reuters interview with a former UN diplomat is linked to illustrate the diplomatic tension. The diplomat explains that the UN is “monitoring the situation closely, especially concerning the treatment of political prisoners,” which signals a growing international pressure that could influence the ruling party’s decision‑making.

5. The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Bangladesh?

The article concludes by exploring the potential scenarios:

• A Negotiated Settlement – Some analysts argue that the Awami League might compromise on certain electoral reforms to quell unrest, perhaps by inviting international observers to ensure a “fair” poll. This would involve a delicate balance of retaining power while appearing democratic.

• An Escalation of Violence – With opposition parties still calling for “free and fair elections,” the risk of an escalation in protests or even an uprising remains. The MoneyControl piece references a past incident in 2018 where clashes between police and protesters led to hundreds of injuries, suggesting a possible repeat.

• A Shift in Leadership – There is a growing narrative that Sheikh Hasina’s family, especially her son Sheikh Mohammad Hasin, could be groomed for a future leadership role. The article’s link to an investigative report by The New York Times about nepotism in the Awami League adds weight to this speculation.

6. Final Thoughts

The MoneyControl article offers a comprehensive portrait of a nation at a crossroads. By weaving together domestic political strife, a sharp critique from the opposition, and international pressure, it paints a picture of a country that is struggling to reconcile its democratic ideals with a political reality that is increasingly authoritarian. Whether Bangladesh will navigate this turmoil peacefully or will descend into deeper conflict remains to be seen. What is clear is that the upcoming months will be crucial: elections, public sentiment, and international diplomacy will all shape the fate of Bangladesh’s democracy.