The diplomatic missions of Australia, Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Norway, the UK, and the US called on all stakeholders in Bangladesh to work together to “create conditions for free, fair, participatory, and peaceful elections” after violence broke out during anti-government protests by the opposition on Saturday.
Protests demanding the resignation of PM Sheikh Hasina turned ugly when violence broke out, killing two and injuring more than 100 people.
Police Crackdown, Protests Turn Violent
Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) gathered in Dhaka on Saturday, chanting anti-government slogans.
Meanwhile, the “peace and development rally” was held by the Awami League to counter the BNP’s.
According to police and media reports, dozens of vehicles, including police vans and ambulances, were set on fire by the protestors. These supporters of the opposition were dispersed by the police using tear gas and rubber bullets.
BNP leaders said that hundreds of opposition party activists were arrested while a BNP activist was killed during the protests.
Bangladeshi police have charged opposition leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and numerous top party members with the murder of a police officer who was killed at anti-government protests.https://t.co/0gVcyvkKD4
— DW News (@dwnews) October 30, 2023
Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Faruq Hossain informed that one police officer was killed and 41 others injured in clashes with protesters.
Nine journalists who were trying to cover the clashes were also attacked and injured, according to media reports.
Zahiruddin Swapan, an opposition spokesman claimed that more than one million activists had joined their rally, but Hossain put the number at about 200,000.
Both Sides Trade Blame
After violence erupted, the police and opposition traded blame.
According to DW, violence erupted when the opposition protesters attacked a bus carrying activists from the ruling Awami League activists.
While the police accused protestors of going on a rampage and causing harm to life and property without any provocation, the BNP accused security forces of using excessive power and ruining a “peaceful” rally.
BNP has announced a three-day nationwide transport blockade starting Tuesday amid escalating tensions after two days of deadly violence.
Thousands of Bangladesh’s ruling party Awami League’s supporters held a rally in Dhaka on Monday to denounce violence that took place in the country during anti-government protests by the opposition on Saturday.
Security has been tightened across the country with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) forces being deployed and several hundred paramilitary personnel patrolling Dhaka.
Why Were the Protests Held?
The incumbent Awami League party has been accused of rigging the elections held in 2014 and 2018. During its 15-year rule since 2009, the present government is also blamed for cracking down on thousands of opposition activists.
PM Hasina has maintained tight control since coming to power in 2009, and been accused of authoritarianism, human rights violations, cracking down on free speech, and suppressing dissent while jailing her critics.
Bangladesh is due to hold a national election by January 2024. However, opposition party BNP is demanding Hasina to step down immediately. Additionally, protesters are calling for free and fair elections under a caretaker government.
However, as per the ruling party, the next general election must be overseen by the current government according to the constitution.
International Reaction
The joint statement expressed deep concern regarding the violence during the gathering, with the signatories extending condolences for the loss of life and to those injured.
Condemning the political violence that took place in Dhaka on 28 October, the US said, “The reported killing of a police officer, a political activist, and the burning of a hospital and buses are unacceptable, as is violence against civilians, including journalists.”
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller remarked, “We encourage the authorities to thoroughly investigate the incidents at the October 28th rally and to hold those responsible for violence accountable.”
Joint Statement from Diplomatic Missions in Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/RDwhwPPo4T
— U.S. Embassy Dhaka (@usembassydhaka) October 30, 2023
Miller said that the holding of free and fair elections is the responsibility of voters, political parties, the government, the security forces, civil society, and the media.
Additionally, the US said it would take actions if necessary to support democracy in Bangladesh.
Expressing concerns regarding the protest and asking the government to end arrests and repression during protests, Amnesty International said, “The repeated cycle of killings, arrests and repression in Bangladesh has deeply chilling implications on human rights in the country before, during and after the elections.”