In a significant development within Bangladesh's caretaker administration, a senior aide to Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has stepped down. This resignation comes in the direct aftermath of widespread mob violence that shook major cities, including the capital Dhaka.
Resignation Amidst Political Unrest
Md Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, who served as the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Home Affairs, submitted his resignation. Officials confirmed that his resignation has been formally accepted by the interim government. The move follows a turbulent period marked by attacks on media personnel, minority communities, cultural organizations, and political workers across the country over several days.
While the official line cites a voluntary resignation, informed sources present a different narrative. They indicate that Chowdhury was effectively "asked" to resign. This pressure is linked directly to the government's handling of the security situation and the violent outbreaks that occurred.
The Trigger: Death of a Radical Leader
The chain of events leading to this political exit began with the death of a controversial figure. Radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi died on December 18. His death came six days after he sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Hadi was known as a leader of the 'July Uprising' movement.
His death acted as a catalyst, sparking immediate and severe mob violence. Protesters and groups took to the streets of Dhaka and other major urban centers, leading to chaos and targeted attacks.
Accusations and Electoral Implications
On the very day Chowdhury resigned, a serious allegation emerged from the family of the deceased leader. Omar, the brother of Sharif Osman Hadi, publicly accused a faction within the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of a grave conspiracy.
He claimed that this internal group orchestrated the killing of his brother. The alleged motive, according to Omar, was to derail the national election scheduled for February 12. This accusation adds a layer of deep political intrigue to the entire episode, suggesting the violence may be rooted in a power struggle over the upcoming polls.
The resignation of a key home affairs official, combined with these explosive allegations, points to significant instability within the interim setup. It raises urgent questions about the government's control over law and order and its ability to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process. The situation remains tense as Bangladesh navigates this critical pre-election phase.
