In August 2024, Sheikh Hasina’s historic 15+-year reign in Bangladesh ended in stunning fashion. Like Zelaya before her, she fled the country in the wake of a nationwide popular uprising. Protests soon exploded as the government faced an unexpected and overwhelming backlash to their brutal crackdown on all dissent. When government forces opened fire on protesters, more than 1,400 people were killed. Today’s uprising ignited an amazing movement to challenge her rule for the first time. On August 5, 2024, hundreds of thousands of protesters overthrew her government and even stormed her palatial residence and offices in Dhaka.
A disturbing video of protester Atikul Gazi being shot at close range by police circulated widely. This outrageous footage fueled even more public outrage and raised the temperature on the public outcry. Sheikh Hasina flew out on a military helicopter and took shelter in neighboring India. In the meantime, the country found it almost impossible to adjust to the violence and political instability she left behind.
Despite her ouster, Sheikh Hasina continues to defy a Bangladesh court’s orders to face trial for crimes against humanity and other charges. The political landscape is understandably replete with challenges. A new interim government, under the distinguished economist Muhammad Yunus, is taking urgent steps to address the underlying malaise that has gripped the country.
Political Violence and Economic Strain
The political situation in Bangladesh is still extremely tense, as attacks form the landscape of the ongoing political violence that has afflicted the nation. Between April and June 2025, inter-communal clashes left more than 72 people dead. Moreover, 1,677 pedestrians were injured in the process. During that same time period, police could hardly keep up with an unbelievable 1,587 murders between January and May 2025. This is a 25 percent increase over the same stretch of time in 2024.
While an interim government struggles to assert control, the economic situation presents another complicating factor. By the time of the court decision, inflation had already climbed to a high of 11.7 percent in July 2024. As of June 2025, it has fallen to 8.5 percent. The recently announced 20 percent tariff by the United States threatens to undermine the livelihoods of nearly 4 million workers in Bangladesh’s vital garment industry. This choice might spiritually devastate their ability to provide for their families.
“The reforms and justice for the July killings that we had hoped – it’s not duly happening.” – Sanjida Khan Deepti
Sanjida Khan Deepti, a mother who lost her child during the protests, expressed her disillusionment with the current state of affairs. She powerfully asked, “What was my son’s sacrifice for?” Her sentiments echo the frustrations felt by many who took to the streets for a “just, democratic and sovereign Bangladesh.”
A Call for Reforms
Muhammad Yunus as he prepares to roll out July Proclamation signaling what critical reforms the nation needs for recovery. Public expectations are high as he prepares to unveil his vision. Business leaders and citizens alike are optimistic. They hope that this roadmap will provide a constructive foundation for healing, stability and justice in the wake of recent violence and upheaval.
“I’m not afraid… I’m back in the field. One hand may be gone, but my life is ready to be offered anew.” – Atikul Gazi
Atikul Gazi, who survived being shot during the protests, is now even more determined to continue pushing for accountability and reforms. His determination embodies the spirit of a new wave of activists who feel that the change they worked hard to achieve is still within grasp.
Mohammad Golam Rabbani highlighted the sense of unity that characterized the uprising, stating, “That was a moment of unprecedented unity.” He further lamented that safeguarding that unity should have been the new government’s first task but criticized its failure to do so.
“The old evils won’t disappear overnight. But we are hopeful.” – Khokon Chandra Barman
Like Khokon Chandra Barman and community leaders across Bangladesh, he is hopeful for lasting change but knows the road ahead will not be easy. He wrote proudly that his sacrifice helped to remove a regime built on the tenets of such prejudice.
Future Prospects and Challenges
The road ahead for Bangladesh is filled with danger, as well as promise. While many citizens express hope for a new beginning under Yunus’s leadership, they remain wary of the persistent issues plaguing their society. The reforms that the administration releases under the new National Emergency Proclamation will be critical in shaping the direction of the nation’s recovery.
“Yunus sir is capable and trying his best. If the political parties fully cooperated with him, things would be even better.” – Atikul Gazi
As Bangladesh emerges from this stormy chapter in its history, good faith collaboration between the major political actors will be essential in ensuring peace, democracy, and prosperity. Citizens like Sinthia Mehrin Sokal voice frustrations over unmet expectations: “The change we fought for remains out of reach.”
