Bangladesh: Ousted Leader’s Supporters Arrested for Protesting with Trump’s Image
Background
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 77, fled Bangladesh by helicopter to India on August 5, after weeks of deadly student-led protests that brought an end to her tenure. Since then, a caretaker government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, has been tasked with implementing democratic reforms and holding elections.
Protest and Arrests
Police arrested 10 protesters they described as "conspirators" on Saturday and accused them of attempting to destabilize the South Asian country of around 170 million people. The tiny protest came ahead of a proposed rally by Hasina’s Awami League, but the gathering was barred by the interim government which calls the group "fascist".
Plotting a Conspiracy
Police said that an audio recording of Hasina circulating on social media had urged her supporters to protest on Sunday, and to carry placards with Trump’s photo and US flags. "She asked them to use the placards as shields and to take photos and video footage if there were any attacks," police said in a statement. "They had been plotting a conspiracy to undermine Bangladesh’s friendly relationship with the United States."
Accusations and Reactions
Hasina’s party had accused the government of US President Joe Biden of encouraging the protest against her iron-fisted rule — claims the White House called "simply false". Her 15-year-long regime was marred by incidents of preventing the opposition from exercising their democratic rights.
Yunus, an 84-year-old microfinance pioneer who took over after Hasina was ousted, said he looked "forward to working together" after Trump’s election win. Police said the Awami League had not sought permission to hold a rally, while the press secretary to Yunus said Hasina’s party was not allowed to march.
Conclusion
The arrests and protests highlight the ongoing political tensions in Bangladesh, with the caretaker government seeking to implement democratic reforms and hold elections. The use of Trump’s image in the protest has raised concerns about the potential impact on Bangladesh’s relations with the United States.
FAQs
Q: Why were the protesters arrested?
A: The protesters were arrested for attempting to destabilize the country and undermine its friendly relationship with the United States.
Q: What was the purpose of the protest?
A: The protest was called by Hasina’s Awami League to demonstrate against the interim government and to show support for her leadership.
Q: What is the current situation in Bangladesh?
A: The country is under a caretaker government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, which is tasked with implementing democratic reforms and holding elections.
Q: What is the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States?
A: Bangladesh and the United States have a friendly relationship, with the US providing significant economic and military aid to the country.