Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after the August 5, 2024 student protests, slammed the interim administration, saying police block‑raids swept Gopalganj, arresting 5,000 to 7,000 people daily. She alleges the raids are part of a broader campaign of torture, false charges, and extrajudicial killings. The accusations come as the country remains gripped by political uncertainty.
The interim government, installed after a violent uprising, dissolved the Awami League under an anti‑terror law and sentenced Hasina to death in absentia for crimes against humanity in November 2025. The ruling BNP has also faced criticism for fuel shortages, soaring commodity prices and factory closures that have stoked unemployment.
India has opened legal proceedings on Bangladesh's extradition request, while human‑rights groups urge the United Nations to investigate the alleged abuses. The United Nations Human Rights Council is expected to hold a session on the matter next month.
A Gopalganj resident, 34‑year‑old farmer Amir, said he was detained for hours without charge, reflecting the daily fear that Hasina describes. His wife, a school teacher, fears for their children's safety amid the escalating crackdown.