Bangladesh Political Crisis: Awami League Intensifies Protests Against Muhammad Yunus Administration

Bangladesh Awami League has intensified its opposition against the Muhammad Yunus administration currently governing Bangladesh. The political organization, led by Sheikh Hasina, has announced additional protests to challenge Muhammad Yunus, who faces mounting pressure after proposing a referendum alongside elections—a demand from a hardline Islamist faction.

The Awami League declared: "Our struggle will continue... Nationwide protests, demonstrations, and resistance programs on Friday and Saturday, November 14 and 15. A total nationwide shutdown on Sunday and Monday, November 16 and 17. The movement will continue until Yunus resigns."

The party claims its Dhaka lockdown has been tremendously effective and has scheduled further demonstrations throughout the weekend, increasing pressure on Muhammad Yunus's interim government.

"During the pandemic, #lockdown was a global reality... But today, on November 13, that same word - lockdown - has returned with a new meaning, a new mission. This time, it is not for public health, but for national survival. Dhaka stands still. The streets are silent, shops shuttered, offices half-empty, traffic sparse. Yet beneath this eerie calm lies the thunder of a nation's heart - a collective roar against illegitimate power, a quiet uprising for justice and democracy," stated the Awami League.

In recent days, demonstrators have taken to the streets, with the banned Awami League perceiving public dissatisfaction. Sheikh Hasina's media appearances have revitalized Awami League supporters, particularly in their stronghold regions.

Tensions have escalated since the announcement of Sheikh Hasina's verdict date. The International Crimes Tribunal will pronounce its judgment against Sheikh Hasina for alleged crimes against humanity on November 17. Her trial proceeded in absentia. Sheikh Hasina has denied wrongdoing, asserting that the trial is politically motivated and her removal from power resulted from a conspiracy by foreign powers supporting Muhammad Yunus.

The Interim Government has contested the success of the protest calls.

A statement from the Chief Adviser's Press Wing mentioned: "A video has gone viral on social media surrounding the so-called "lockdown" program announced by the Awami League. The video shows Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali giving a speech. It is being claimed that he urged people to stop vehicular movement on 13 November. Investigations show that the video was created using AI (artificial intelligence). No record of such a statement from the DMP Commissioner can be found."

The government has established checkpoints and enhanced security measures while restricting public assemblies. Law enforcement has arrested Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party supporters for their alleged involvement in explosions and sabotage activities.