In a disturbing escalation of political tensions, the central office of the Jatiya Party, a prominent ally of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was attacked and set ablaze on Thursday night in Dhaka. The incident, which took place at the party’s headquarters in Bijoy Nagar, comes as the country grapples with political turmoil and heightened security concerns ahead of upcoming elections.
Eyewitnesses reported that a group of attackers stormed the building, engaging in clashes with Jatiya Party members before setting parts of the premises on fire. Although no casualties were immediately reported, extensive property damage is feared. Firefighters, led by Rashed bin Khaled from the Fire Service and Civil Defense, responded promptly to contain the blaze, but details on the extent of the damage remain unclear.
#WATCH | Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s coalition, Jatiya Party’s central office in Dhaka vandalised and set on fire. pic.twitter.com/nUWQtYkclm
— ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2024
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the event has sparked allegations and condemnation on social media. Hasnat Abdullah, a leader from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which has been at the forefront of protests leading to Hasina’s ouster, took to social media to denounce the Jatiya Party. Calling it a “national betrayer” for its support of Hasina’s government, Abdullah urged students to march on the party’s Dhaka headquarters.
Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Secretary General of the Jatiya Party, has accused student groups of orchestrating the attack. “People are watching what they are doing with us,” he said, highlighting the incident’s coverage on social media. Chunnu’s remarks come amid rising fears that political violence could spiral further as the elections approach.
Sheikh Hasina, who led the Awami League government for 15 years, fled to India in August following mass protests led by students. Hundreds were reportedly killed in clashes between students, government forces, and Hasina’s supporters. In her absence, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed head of an interim government, backed by student leaders and military support, although his administration faces significant challenges in restoring stability.
Bangladesh remains on edge as supporters of the ousted regime and proponents of the new administration continue to clash. The recent attack on the Jatiya Party’s headquarters marks another flashpoint, highlighting the country’s deep-seated divisions and the struggle for control in the post-Hasina political landscape.
