Bangladesh is facing a turbulent period as the nation approaches the general elections scheduled for February 2026. Recent incidents of violence, including the brutal lynching of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and the death of Inqilab Moncho convenor Sharif Osman Hadi, have fueled widespread unrest. In response to the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, heightened security measures were implemented near the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi, anticipating protests from organizations like the Vishva Hindu Parishad. Dipu Das, a garment factory worker, was reportedly beaten to death by a mob on alleged blasphemy charges and his body was later found hanged and set ablaze on December 18. These events have also led to the temporary suspension of Bangladesh’s visa operations in Delhi and Siliguri. Similarly, the Indian Visa Application Centre in Chittagong halted operations following a security incident. The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry has expressed strong disapproval, summoning the Indian High Commissioner to protest recent incidents affecting its diplomatic missions in India. Meanwhile, a significant political warning has emerged. Inqilab Moncho, a key group from the ‘July Uprising,’ has threatened a mass movement to unseat the current interim government if justice is not served in the killing of its convenor, Sharif Osman Hadi. Hadi was shot on December 12 in Dhaka and later succumbed to his injuries on December 18, despite being airlifted to Singapore for treatment. The Chief Adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, declared a national day of mourning. Hadi was also a potential candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming 2026 elections. The Law Adviser has stated that Hadi’s murder case will be expedited through the Speedy Trial Tribunal. Amidst this turmoil, Professor Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed the government’s readiness to conduct the general elections on February 12, 2026, assuring a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
