Bangladesh Unrest: 29 Leaders Of Sheikh Hasina’s Party, Their Family Members Found Dead In Violence

Amid the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, the bodies of 29 people, including 20 Awami League leaders, were found across the country, local media reported on Wednesday. These deaths follow the resignation of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her departure from the country on Monday, the Dhaka Tribune reported. At least 10 people were killed in violence-hit Satkhira, and 11 more lost their lives in mob attacks in Comilla.
The turmoil has led to widespread vandalism and looting of the homes and business establishments of Awami League leaders and activists. Police have also reported incidents of arson across multiple cities.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses recounted an attack on the house of former councillor Md Shah Alam in Ashoktala, which was set ablaze by an ‘angry mob,’ reported Dhaka Tribune. Six people, including five teenagers, were killed in the fire, with their bodies recovered on Monday night and Tuesday morning.
Mob Attacks on MPs
Similarly, four people died when a mob set the house of Member of Parliament Shafiqul Islam Shimul of Natore-2 (Sadar and Naldanga) Constituency on fire. Their bodies were later found in various rooms and balconies of the house.
Attacks on Awami League Office
In Dhaka, parts of the central office of the Awami League in the Gulistan area were repeatedly set on fire, even as hundreds of people looted furniture, tiles, rods, and other items from the burning building. The office was first set on fire shortly after Hasina’s resignation and was attacked again around 12.30 p.m. on Tuesday.
In Feni, local police found the bodies of two Juba League leaders, Mushfiqur Rahim and Badsha Mia, on Wednesday. Across the country, Awami League leaders and minorities have become the main targets of the ongoing violence.
In Lalmonirhat, six bodies were recovered from the house of district AL Joint General Secretary Suman Khan, which had been set on fire by a mob the previous day.
“The bodies were lying on different floors,” said Mamun Mahmud, Deputy Director of Khulna Fire Service.
2,400 people get bail in violence cases
A total of 2,400 individuals, including several top leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, have been granted bail in connection with cases related to the recent violence following student protests in the South Asian country, local media reported on Wednesday.
Among those granted bail are prominent figures such as BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, Bangladesh Jatiyo Party (Manju) Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partho, and former Ducsu vice-president Nurul Haque Nur, The Dhaka Star reported.
The individuals were produced before the court between July 17 and August 4 on charges of rioting, illegal gatherings, assaulting law enforcers, arson, and damaging property.
Additionally, at least 15 cases were filed over murder, and two under the Cyber Security Act for spreading false and fabricated information on social platforms.