Crude Bombs, Arson Attacks: Why Bangladesh Is on Edge Again, a Year After Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster

Introduction

Dhaka
Bangladesh is once again witnessing rising violence, including crude bomb blasts and arson attacks, raising concerns about a fresh wave of political instability. The unrest comes almost exactly a year after the dramatic political transition that saw former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina step down under intense pressure.

The recurring attacks have created anxiety among citizens, disrupted daily life in several districts, and revived concerns about whether the country is slipping back into a cycle of political turmoil.

A Wave of Crude Bomb Explosions and Targeted Arson

In the past few days, multiple districts across Bangladesh have reported:

• Crude bomb explosions outside political offices
• Arson attacks on public transport and government facilities
• Violent clashes between rival political groups
• Mob incidents triggered by misinformation and local disputes
  These attacks have mostly occurred during late evening hours, suggesting coordinated planning rather than spontaneous violence.
  Police say the pattern resembles earlier phases of agitation witnessed during national election years.

Power Vacuum Still Unsettled After Hasina’s Exit

Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power created a massive political vacuum. While a temporary administration was formed, no permanent political settlement has been reached, leaving multiple groups fighting for dominance.

Key challenges include:

• Competition among political parties for control
• Street-level mobilisation by rival groups
• Influence of radical organisations trying to assert themselves
• Public frustration over rising prices and unemployment

Analysts say the lack of a strong, stable leadership has emboldened fringe groups.

Political Tensions Intensifying on the Ground

Supporters of major political parties are blaming each other for the violence. Each side claims the other is trying to destabilise the country to influence future political negotiations.
Security forces have detained several individuals linked to the attacks, but investigations are still ongoing. Officials say some groups may be using the unrest to gain visibility and bargaining power.
A senior security officer told local media that early evidence points to a network of small, decentralised groups coordinating through encrypted communication.

Economic Pressure Adding Fuel to the Fire

Bangladesh’s economy has struggled in the past year, creating fertile ground for political frustration:

• Rising inflation affecting essential goods
• Slowdown in textile and export sectors
• Pressure on foreign reserves
• Public anger over job scarcity

For many families, these economic difficulties have deepened discontent with the current administration, making them more receptive to street movements or opposition campaigns.

Public Fear Rising as Memories of Past Unrest Resurface

For ordinary citizens, the recent violence has brought back memories of previous cycles of political shutdowns, transport blockades, and street clashes.

People fear:

• Travel disruptions
• Shortages in markets
• Sudden strikes or hartals
• Aggressive clashes during demonstrations

Several schools and businesses in affected areas operated with caution, anticipating possible unrest.

Government Response: Heavy Security and Rapid Investigations

The interim administration has deployed additional police and paramilitary units to hotspots across the country. Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) teams are conducting raids to prevent further violence.
Authorities have also urged political leaders to restrain their supporters and avoid provocative statements.
Security experts warn that without political dialogue and stable leadership, the situation may worsen in the coming weeks.

Conclusion

Bangladesh is once again facing a fragile moment. Crude bomb blasts, arson attacks, and political clashes show that the country’s political transition remains incomplete and deeply contested.
A year after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, Bangladesh still struggles to regain stability.
The coming days will determine whether the government can contain the unrest — or whether the nation will slip deeper into a cycle of violence and uncertainty.