Bangladesh unrest persists: How Jatiya Party is next target after Awami League's fall

In recent days, leaders of the anti-discrimination movement have levelled verbal attacks against the Jatiya Party, accusing it of colluding with the Awami League. Notably, the Jatiya Party was not invited to discussions facilitated by the Chief Advisor’s office, which have included all other political parties except for the Awami League and its allies. In Rangpur, a stronghold for the Jatiya Party, those student leaders were declared unwelcome by the party. Subsequently, one student leader, Sarjis Alam, visited the city accompanied by the Inspector General of Bangladesh Police.

On October 31 in Dhaka, student leaders announced plans for an attack on the Jatiya Party’s central office, which resulted in vandalism and arson, indicative of a coordinated assault. This raises concerns about the orchestration of prior incidents of violence, which were previously characterised as mob actions.

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A student leader admitted on a television program that the fires at metro stations and the killings of police officers were part of their strategy. Advisor Nahid Islam stated that if their so-called “revolution” faltered, they had intentions to initiate an armed movement, even preparing a video message with a journalist for this purpose. This further underscores that this movement was not a spontaneous uprising; Muhammad Yunus described it as a “meticulously designed” initiative.

Various tactics were employed to engage segments of the public as part of their plans A, B, and C, which seemingly included arson and armament theft. This raises critical questions regarding the origins and whereabouts of the weapons intended for their planned armed uprising and whether there was a coordinated effort to assist jailbreaks and facilitate the escape of militants. What prior arrangements may have been made with top criminals, and can Gen-Z engage critically with these issues?

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In Mirpur, garment workers attempted to loot a police food truck due to prolonged unemployment resulting from over a hundred factory closures. This desperation led to clashes between the workers and security forces, culminating in the army opening fire, resulting in the deaths of two workers. In retaliation, the workers set fire to army and police vehicles. Amid this turmoil, a sudden attack on the Jatiya Party’s central office was orchestrated, seemingly to divert attention from the unrest. Claims were made that Jatiya Party workers had instigated the violence, even presenting a plastic gun as evidence—an item that broke under scrutiny from a journalist, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

Additionally, Yunus’s recent interview with The Financial Express has ignited debate and criticism among journalists, with many questioning his undemocratic inclinations. Reports indicate that Asif Nazrul, serving as a legal advisor, has been granted authority akin to that of a Speaker of the Parliament.

Connecting these events provides insight into the current political trajectory of the country. The consequences of such actions will inevitably impact all, including those who may currently stand outside this dynamic. Even the Jatiya Party, which supported this so-called revolution on July 16, may find itself facing repercussions, as will others in the broader political landscape.

The author is a Sweden-based blogger and IT expert known for insightful analysis on Bangladesh’s political landscape. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.