Bangladesh Marks One Year Since Hasina Ouster Amid Political Unrest, Minority Attacks, Election Preparations

One year after the ousting of Bangladesh's long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, the country remains engulfed in political instability despite initial hopes for real change sparked by mass student protests against a controversial government job quota system. Hasina fled to India as tens of thousands stormed her residence, which has since been converted into a museum symbolizing her autocratic rule and the people's resistance. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus, has struggled to fulfill reform promises amid rising minority attacks, notably against Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, with critics accusing Yunus's administration of failing to protect vulnerable communities. Diplomatic relations with India have been strained due to Hasina's refuge there and escalating communal violence, though recent gestures hint at a thaw, while ties with Pakistan have improved. Domestic critiques from students and citizens reveal disillusionment with the interim government, citing continued corruption, ineffective governance, and concerns over Western influence, despite a reduction in political fear and violence compared to Hasina's era. Elections are expected by early 2026, but the political landscape remains fraught as various groups jockey for power amid faltering reform efforts.