Political violence in Bangladesh is on the rise, with the Awami League expressing worry over a brutal attack on a family member of a party activist in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia district. The younger brother of SM Rafiq, Senior Vice President of the party’s youth wing Jubo League in Kumarkhali Upazila, was reportedly assaulted while visiting the municipal office for a civic certificate and had to be taken to Kushtia General Hospital for treatment. The Awami League highlighted that this incident is part of a concerning trend of violence targeting their members and their families.
Such incidents, according to the Awami League, indicate a disturbing culture of political intimidation, mob violence, and fear spreading throughout Bangladesh. The party pointed out that attacks like these have become more frequent under the current government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), raising serious alarms about public safety and democratic rights. The Awami League questioned the ongoing cycle of violence and its impact on the safety of their members and their families.
Expressing deep concern over the continuous crackdown on Awami League leaders and activists, former Bangladesh Minister and party leader Mohammad Ali Arafat raised issues regarding the detention of over 100 former lawmakers, ministers, and central leaders of the party without trial for the past two years. Arafat emphasized the need for fair treatment, questioning the necessity of keeping these individuals detained without proper legal proceedings. He also raised doubts about the motives behind these detentions and whether they are politically motivated.
