Bangladesh faces fresh political instability as radical platform Inqilab Moncho threatens to topple the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government over the murder of its spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, intensifying concerns over law, order, and governance.
Bangladesh is once again at the center of political uncertainty as a radical platform has openly threatened to overthrow the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, escalating fears of instability amid a worsening law and order situation. The warning follows the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the controversial platform Inqilab Moncho, which has triggered outrage and mobilization among its supporters.
According to local media reports, Inqilab Moncho on Monday announced that it would launch a nationwide movement to oust the interim government if justice is not delivered swiftly in the murder case. The platform accused the authorities of negligence, deliberate inaction, and an apparent attempt to downplay the seriousness of the crime.
Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka, Inqilab Moncho’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber said that a 24-hour ultimatum issued during Hadi’s funeral had expired without any response from the interim government. The ultimatum demanded immediate action against those responsible for the killing, including arrests and the initiation of a transparent investigation.
“The deadline has passed without any visible steps from the Home Advisor or concerned authorities regarding the arrest of the accused,” Jaber said, as quoted by Bangladesh’s leading English daily, The Daily Star. His remarks reflected growing frustration within the platform, which claims the government has failed to demonstrate political will or administrative urgency.
Jaber further alleged that neither Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury nor his special assistant attended the ministry’s scheduled briefing on the matter, calling the absence a clear attempt to trivialize the killing. He accused senior officials of avoiding responsibility at a critical moment when public confidence in law enforcement is rapidly eroding.
“The Home and Law advisors, along with others concerned, are neglecting their duties and merely trying to evade accountability,” Jaber stated. His comments underscored mounting criticism of the interim government, which took charge amid promises of restoring stability and preparing the ground for credible elections.
Inqilab Moncho laid out a series of demands, chief among them the immediate formation of a Speedy Trial Tribunal to ensure swift justice in the Hadi murder case. The platform also called for the involvement of international investigative agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Scotland Yard, arguing that external oversight is necessary to guarantee transparency and impartiality.
Jaber sharply criticized Bangladesh’s intelligence agencies, questioning their effectiveness and relevance. “If intelligence agencies funded by public money cannot identify the killers, there is no justification for maintaining them,” he said, in a statement that is likely to intensify tensions between the government and security establishments.
Issuing a direct warning to the Yunus-led administration, Jaber said justice must be delivered before the upcoming elections. “If justice cannot be ensured, and if people begin shedding blood, the consequences will be uncontrollable,” he cautioned, framing the issue as a test of the interim government’s legitimacy and capacity to govern.
The platform announced plans to organize a protest procession in Dhaka, after which it would decide whether to continue supporting the interim government or formally launch a movement aimed at removing it from power. Jaber vowed that members of Inqilab Moncho would remain on the streets until those responsible for Hadi’s killing, as well as their alleged patrons, are arrested.
The threat comes against the backdrop of widespread unrest across Bangladesh since Hadi’s death on December 18. Reports indicate a surge in violence targeting minority communities, media organizations, cultural institutions, and even diplomatic missions. Critics argue that the Yunus-led interim government has struggled to contain the violence or reassure the public about its ability to maintain order.
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Political analysts warn that the latest ultimatum could further destabilize Bangladesh at a time when the country is already navigating a delicate political transition. The interim government, formed with the promise of neutrality and reform, now faces mounting pressure from multiple fronts, raising concerns about its durability and effectiveness.
As tensions rise, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the government can defuse the crisis through decisive action, or whether Bangladesh is headed toward another phase of prolonged political unrest.
