Violence erupts in Bangladesh as pro-Hasina supporters stage protests

Police in Bangladesh have fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse supporters of deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, after protests spread across the country. The demonstrations were organised by supporters demanding her return from exile in India, and they quickly turned violent in several locations. A police vehicle was set on fire in Gopalganj district, while traffic was disrupted in other parts of the country.

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The unrest began a day after Hasina said she had requested a passport to return to Bangladesh from India, where she fled after being ousted in 2024. Police said the banned student wing of her Awami League party, the Bangladesh Chhatra League, clashed with security forces in Gopalganj. Authorities also reported attempts to set up roadblocks using burning tyres, and several passenger vehicles were set on fire in the run-up to the protest.

The violence has already caused casualties and transport disruption. A 60-year-old bus driver died from smoke inhalation after a vehicle was set on fire in Faridpur early on Tuesday. About 200 protesters briefly blocked traffic on the 6.2km Padma bridge, which links Dhaka with the south-western region.

Local media also reported dozens of crude bomb explosions in Dhaka and elsewhere in the past few days. The protests matter because they mark what appears to be the first organised show of force by Hasina's supporters since her removal in August 2024. Her ouster followed weeks of mass protests against her rule, after a student-led movement over job quotas escalated into a wider uprising.

The latest unrest suggests that political tensions remain high in Bangladesh, with the return of a former leader still capable of triggering disorder on the streets. The government has warned against any attempt to create instability, with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed saying efforts to worsen the law-and-order situation would not be allowed to succeed. A senior Bangladesh Chhatra League leader in exile said the group's supporters were not responsible for the violent incidents and blamed unknown miscreants.

Hasina has previously denied accusations from opponents that she jailed political rivals, suppressed dissent and oversaw human rights abuses. What remains unclear is how far the protests will spread and whether further clashes will follow in the coming days. It is also not clear whether Hasina will be able to return, or whether the authorities will allow any organised political activity linked to her supporters.

The scale of the unrest, and the response from security forces, will be closely watched as Bangladesh tries to contain the violence.

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