Army Backs Radicals, Hasina Party Missing!

Dhaka : Bangladesh is witnessing a dramatic shift in its political landscape, with the military reportedly backing hardline religious parties, raising alarm bells for democratic institutions. The ruling Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has unexpectedly vanished from the electoral race in some key areas, while the opposition BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party), headed by former PM Khaleda Zia, is finding itself surrounded by legal and political challenges.

Reports suggest that several radical Islamist parties, once on the fringe, are now openly campaigning with indirect support from powerful military circles. Analysts believe that the army is attempting to reshape the country’s democratic narrative, sidelining both Hasina’s secular governance and the BNP’s populist platform.

This shift has stunned political observers. The absence of Awami League candidates in many constituencies is raising questions about whether the party has been coerced to withdraw or is recalibrating its strategy amid increasing pressure. Simultaneously, the BNP is facing arrests, bans on rallies, and legal threats, limiting its ability to campaign freely.

This environment is creating fears of a democracy in decline, where military interference and religious extremism could permanently alter the nation’s secular fabric. International human rights organizations have expressed concern, warning that the suppression of mainstream political parties could lead to civil unrest or international isolation.

The recent military favoritism towards radical parties appears to be part of a broader plan to control political power without directly imposing martial law. These developments come ahead of a scheduled general election, now feared to be neither free nor fair.

Ordinary Bangladeshis are voicing their frustration. “We wanted a choice. Now we are stuck between radicals and silence,” said a university student in Dhaka. Civil society groups are urging global democracies to take note of Bangladesh’s crumbling political order.

With the Awami League missing, BNP struggling, and radicals rising, the balance of power in Dhaka is tilting dangerously — not just for Bangladesh, but for the entire region.